Cameron Murray is vowing to fight through the pain barrier in a brave bid to crown his dream season with an NRL premiership ring.
The standout in South Sydney’s thrilling semi-final win over Manly last Friday night, Murray was restricted to light duties during Tuesday’s training session at Redfern Oval.
But both the boom back-rower and Souths legend Bob McCarthy have no doubt Murray will line up for Friday night’s grand final qualifier against Canberra in the national capital.
“I know his shoulder’s a bit crook at the moment but, the way he plays, he’ll be needled up and he’s got a big heart and that’ll get him through,” McCarthy told AAP.
Murray, who dived over the Sea Eagles defence to score a crucial four-pointer in the shadows of halftime against Manly, said nothing would stop him tackling the Raiders.
“I’m feeling really good, really fresh, and I think most of the boys are feeling that too,” Murray said.
“I wouldn’t say it’s the ideal sort of position, with a few injuries here and there, but we’re in pretty good stead for this week.
“I just did a little bit of running on the side today, just listening to what the coaching staff tell me to do and managing loads and stuff like that.
“I’m leaving it in their hands. They’re more experienced than me so I’ll do what I need to do and I’ll be ready for Friday.”
The 21-year-old former schoolboy rugby star has already enjoyed a meteoric rise in 2019, helping NSW retain State of Origin bragging rights and is a near-certainty to earn a Test debut for Australia against New Zealand next month.
But winning a premiership with the Rabbitohs is the No.1 goal.
“It’d be great. It’s something I never thought would happen this quick,” Murray said.
“There’s still two more games yet to go and a lot to prove, so still a long way away from that fairytale finish.
“But that’s what I’m aiming for and collectively it’s no different with the group.
“We set that goal at the start of the year to make the grand final and be a top-four organisation and really stamp our authority on this competition.”
