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2020 Rabbitohs Rumours, Signings and News

callmack1

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From the Daily Telegraph, Jimmy set to get a test and if he's all clear, he can return

James Roberts released from rehabilitation centre, hopeful of playing in Round 3

South Sydney flyer James Roberts is hoping to be cleared by the NRL to return for Round 3, while while Wayne Bennett and Cody Walker prepare for their judgment day.

Jimmy “The Jet” Roberts is ready to be cleared for take off, while Wayne Bennett and Cody Walker prepare for their judgment day.

In a major boost for South Sydney ahead of next Friday night’s blockbuster return clash with the Sydney Roosters, Roberts is expected to be cleared to return to South Sydney training on Friday after being released from a rehabilitation facility.

It comes as the strife-torn Rabbitohs await the findings of an NRL integrity unit investigation into Walker’s involvement in a street fight that turned into a blackmail investigation following an altercation in his hometown of Casino last December, with a decision expected on Friday.

On top of Walker facing a possible ban and fine, Bennett could also be sanctioned for his decision not to pass on his knowledge of the incident to the integrity unit when Walker initially told him about it some time ago.

Roberts is pushing to play in the comeback clash but Bennett wants to see what condition he is in physically and mentally before committing either way.

Roberts made contact with Bennett on Thursday morning and after that the club put in a request to the NRL to have him officially cleared to rejoin his teammates.

The NRL has strict protocols in place due to isolation restrictions.

But given Roberts has also been in isolation in the rehab facility for the past two weeks Souths were confident that would speed up his clearance.

Roberts had also undergone COVID-19 testing in the rehabilitation centre.

The NRL last weekend allowed Walker to return to team training after he was initially told to stay away following his visit to the police station on Sunday.

If Roberts does play it will most likely mean Campbell Graham shifts back to the wing and Alex Johnston to the bench.

Meanwhile, Bennett’s involvement in the so-called Walker cover-up has divided many in the game ahead of Friday’s expected verdict on a punishment.

Bennett has always prided himself on being a players’ coach and in this instance he maintains his actions were justified because there was no outside complaint made to the club or police.

But that didn’t stop the NRL’s integrity unit interviewing Bennett on Tuesday, and it appears the game’s longest surviving coach has already upset the new boss at NRL headquarters.

New interim NRL chief executive Andrew Abdo on Thursday spoke generically about the onus on all clubs to report any suspected breach to the governing body.

Given the NSW Police has already cleared Walker of his karate kick involvement, it will be interesting to see what if any punishment the NRL dishes out to Walker or Bennett.

It has become a hot topic in the game in recent years in respect to how far the integrity unit’s powers should extend and this is another test of their judgment
 

Rabbits20

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Walker banned two games for kicking incident, Souths cop hefty fine: https://www.nrl.com/news/2020/05/22...s-for-kicking-incident-souths-cop-hefty-fine/

I'm not too happy. To be honest I'm pretty gutted. Was really hoping that he could avoid suspension because there was no police action but as we know, the NRL holds it's players to a much higher standard.

Pretty angry, frustrated and gutted because we certainly don't need this but thinking about it now, I guess it was to be expected.

Rabbitohs Statement Regarding NRL Breach Notice: https://www.rabbitohs.com.au/news/2020/05/22/rabbitohs-statement-regarding-nrl-breach-notice/

For anyone wondering, this breach notice is for us not reporting Cody's incident when it initially happened.
It’s what I expected bro tbh and yeah it’s a big blow as I dunno where our points will come from without him. As you know he’s the key cog to our attack.

We already had to climb a mountain to beat Easts or the Storm and I think that mountain just became Everest!

I would play Latrell at 6 and AJ at fullback. Dargan is more of an organising half like Reyno bro so I’m not sure how it’s gonna work. One thing is for sure and that is that there is so much pressure on Reyno now.
 

Travitoh

First Grade
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5,157
The Cody suspension is fair.

On the surface it feels steep but when you consider the issues the NRL has had with player violence in the community, they can't afford to let anything that was preventable off.
 

Travitoh

First Grade
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5,157
O
It’s what I expected bro tbh and yeah it’s a big blow as I dunno where our points will come from without him. As you know he’s the key cog to our attack.

We already had to climb a mountain to beat Easts or the Storm and I think that mountain just became Everest!

I would play Latrell at 6 and AJ at fullback. Dargan is more of an organising half like Reyno bro so I’m not sure how it’s gonna work. One thing is for sure and that is that there is so much pressure on Reyno now.

Could Taaffe be called up?

AJ could be interesting at 6. I feel he would fill Cody's role the best of all our current options.
 

Rabbits20

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Guys it’s to my understanding that Ta’affe is on a Canterbury contract for 2020 and therefore is ineligible to play first grade. He isn’t in our top 36. (Includes 6 development players)
 

callmack1

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Guys it’s to my understanding that Ta’affe is on a Canterbury contract for 2020 and therefore is ineligible to play first grade. He isn’t in our top 36. (Includes 6 development players)
Yea that was my thinking too.

How good is it to see him back training and smiling?! I also assume that since he's cleared to train, he's cleared to play if Wayne thinks he's ready?
 

Hellray

Juniors
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463
A little off topic, I’m disappointed that the warriors have nabbed Toby Rudolf for 3yrs. Was quietly hoping he may have come back home to play with his roomie and best friend Knight
 

callmack1

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callmack1

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