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Murray aiming for Rabbitohs' return for high-stakes Roosters' clash
Sam Kosack • September 1st, 2025 4:42 pm
Cameron Murray is hoping to lead a returning Rabbitohs’ brigade and end the Sydney Roosters' season in what shapes as another historic chapter in their century old battle.
With Allianz Stadium acting as the Colosseum for the do-or-die battle, Murray is aiming to play his first game of the season, with Latrell Mitchell and Jack Wighton also scheduled to return in the final round.
Murray hasn’t played since rupturing his Achilles in the pre-season, marking the beginning of a horror injury season for the Rabbitohs, who only a month ago couldn’t even play an 18th man.
A Roosters’ win will solidify their finals position, but a loss will open the door for The Dolphins to qualify for their first finals campaign, provided they win and make up a for-and-against difference of 15 points.
It leaves Wayne Bennett with the opportunity to get the side he coached in their foundation years into finals, providing even more motivation for the Rabbitohs.
The Rabbitohs’ senior core have all worked their way back from injury to be available for this contest, with Cody Walker and Keaon Koloamatangi having returned in the last two matches.
Sport reporter Trent Simpson believes Murray will run out for his first game of the season given what it’s at stake in the game’s oldest rivalry.
“What a story that will be… his first and only game if he’s able to pass fit tomorrow will be against the arch enemy in the Roosters and potentially end the Roosters’ season,” Simpson told SEN 1170 Mornings.
“What a remarkable story. I’ve been at Souths probably three times in the last month and every time I’ve been there Cam Murray has been training the house down so I think he’s well and truly primed for this.
“What's the point of running Cam Murray and risking further injury for a game that doesn't mean anything? Try telling Rabbitohs supporters and Rabbitohs players that this game doesn't mean anything when it's up against the Roosters and what's at stake for their rivals this week.
“He's pushing to be a part of that Ashes tour, so he needs one game under his belt at least to show Kevvie Walters that he is back and at his best.”
Walters claimed he only needed to see 40 minutes from Murray to confidently pick him in Australia’s end-of-year tour against England, though it’s yet to be seen if the Rabbitohs’ captain would accept the call-up.
On top of the chance to end the Roosters’ season, the Rabbitohs are also hoping Alex Johnston can break Ken Irvine’s all-time try-scoring record in their final game.
Johnston is three tries away from breaking the record, and the chance to do it against their bitter rivals would make it all the sweeter.
Along with the Rabbitohs’ vocal desire to play home games at Allianz Stadium despite the Roosters fierce opposition, the match has much more at stake for both sides than just a finals appearance.
