Tatola Ready for Last 10-Week Push as Squad Nears Full Strength

Prop Junior Tatola says South Sydney are close to having their full squad available as they prepare for the final 10 rounds of the season, with several key players on the verge of returning including experienced centre Jack Wighton.

Squad Reinforcements

The Rabbitohs are poised to welcome back several key players as they enter the crucial final stretch of the season, with Jack Wighton among those potentially returning ahead of schedule. The experienced centre has been sidelined but trained with the squad this week and could feature against Parramatta.

Tatola praised what Wighton would bring to the side if selected. "He brings a lot of experience, he's played over 200 NRL games, just brings a lot of energy and if he does play it'll be great to have him back," he said.

The prop forward acknowledged the timing couldn't be better with 10 weeks remaining in the regular season. "It's our last run now, what 10 weeks left, so it'll be good to get everyone on the puck and get our combos together," Tatola said.

Depth Players Stepping Up

While the prospect of having a fully fit squad is appealing, Tatola said the extended period without key players has allowed others to prove themselves. He dismissed any suggestion that the injury situation has been particularly frustrating from his perspective.

"It'll be good to get everyone on the puck but we have boys there that we train with every day that are getting their chance and their opportunity, so they're taking it with both hands," Tatola said. "We've got to trust that everyone in our team, in our squad, that they can do the job."

One player who has seized his opportunity is John Radel, who made an impressive debut against Brisbane. Tatola had high praise for the young prop's first outing in the top grade, describing him as a great player and good person who is only just getting started.

Parramatta Challenge

South Sydney face a Parramatta side dealing with their own injury challenges this weekend, but Tatola was quick to dismiss any notion that the Eels should be underestimated. He pointed to the Rabbitohs' own experience with injuries last season as evidence that squads can remain competitive despite missing key personnel.

"In the NRL there's no easy games and we're going to have to be on our best game to get the win," Tatola said. "Even though they're doing it tough at the moment, I'm sure they have players there that will do the job that they need to. We're going to have to be on our A game and put our best foot forward to try and get the win."

When asked if he felt sympathy for Parramatta's injury predicament, Tatola was measured in his response, noting that every squad faces similar challenges and must rely on their depth.

Building on Brisbane Performance

The Rabbitohs will look to build on their strong showing against Brisbane, with Tatola identifying execution and defence as the key positives to carry forward. The side held the Broncos to just one try in that match, though Tatola revealed the group was disappointed not to keep them scoreless.

"Our defence was on for a period of the game. We let in one try which hurt us a bit, like we didn't want them to score a try," he said. The fact that the team held such high standards despite scoring heavily themselves demonstrates the mentality within the squad heading into the final 10 rounds.

Tatola emphasised that maintaining high standards remains a constant focus at the Club as they work to improve each week on the training paddock.