Brandon Smith and Jahrome Hughes injured as South Sydney break 28-year hoodoo to smash Melbourne
Updated . First published at
Brandon Smith's injury problems have continued after he reinjured his right calf early between in the Rabbitohs' match against Melbourne.
Smith wasn't the only player leaving the field early with former teammate Jahrome Hughes also departing with a wrist problem in the second half.
14 minutes into the fixture at AAMI Park, Smith jogged off the field and let out a frustrated scream as he approached the sideline.
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The Rabbitohs star went straight up the tunnel before it was revealed he had once again injured the calf.
Smith was then spotted on the sidelines with ice on his calf although he was still in his full kit.
Brandon Smith on the sideline. Fox League
The 29-year-old injured his calf in pre-season on February 25 and didn't return until round six.
Post-match, coach Wayne Bennett said the injury wasn't too serious and he hopes to have him playing the next round.
Smith's departure didn't stop an avalanche of tries for the Rabbitohs.
When he left the field, it was 4-0 after a try to Alex Johnston. Johnston would then score again before Campbell Graham, Matt Dufty and Tallis Duncan all crossed to make it 24-0 at the break.
Melbourne coach Craig Bellamy delivered a spray to his side at half-time but it didn't have too much cut through, as the Rabbitohs won 48-6.
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The win makes it South Sydney's first victory in 28 years in Melbourne and the Storm's heaviest defeat on AAMI Park.
Hughes' injury compounded the issues for the Storm after his wrist was caught awkwardly when Euan Aitken scored a try. Hughes continued to stay on the field and almost broke the line at one stage before going down in the tackle.
The halfback then slammed the turf in frustration and by the 65th minute he succumbed to the pain.
Latrell Mitchell and Tallis Duncan were the stars for Souths with the latter scoring a hat-trick. Duncan was constantly in the face of Cameron Munster and ran over the top of him for his second.
Mitchell finished with two try assists, three line break assists and four tackles breaks.
