<h2>Cam Murray Eying Final Round Return – Four Pointer Summary</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>- &nbsp; Cameron Murray plotting dramatic return from Achilles injury for the Rabbitohs clash against arch-rivals Sydney Roosters on Friday.</p> <p>- &nbsp; Souths’ captain underwent surgery and a second procedure due to infection and was initially expected to miss the entire 2024 season.</p> <p>- &nbsp; Match carries high stakes as Roosters fight to secure eighth place and finals berth against desperate rivals.</p> <p>- &nbsp; Souths have struggled all season without their skipper’s influence and currently sit 13th.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>South Sydney captain Cameron Murray could make a stunning return from injury when the Rabbitohs face the Sydney Roosters at Accor Stadium this Friday night.</p> <p>The 27-year-old skipper ruptured his Achilles during pre-season training and underwent immediate surgery, followed by a second procedure two months later due to a post-operative infection.</p> <p>Initially ruled out until the 2026 pre-season, Murray has accelerated his rehabilitation and is now targeting a comeback in one of rugby league's biggest rivalries.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Murray's Recovery Journey Defies Expectations</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Murray completed an intensive training session on Sunday and has another scheduled for Tuesday before meeting with club medical staff and coach Wayne Bennett to finalise his availability.</p> <p>The Rabbitohs captain has been working tirelessly behind the scenes, motivated by watching his teammates battle through what he describes as a "stupid amount of injuries" throughout the season.</p> <p>"I can understand why people might have reservations about me returning, but I've been working really hard on the sidelines," Murray told The Sydney Morning Herald.</p> <p>"My biggest motivator has always been to get back at some point this year – that's what's been pushing me along this rehab journey."</p> <p>The South Sydney leader emphasised that his potential return isn't motivated by international aspirations, having already informed Kangaroos coach Kevin Walters that his focus remains solely on club commitments rather than the upcoming Ashes tour.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>High Stakes Showdown Despite Finals Reality</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>While the Rabbitohs have been eliminated from finals contention, Friday's clash carries significant implications for their traditional rivals.</p> <p>The Sydney Roosters currently occupy eighth place but face intense pressure from both Manly and the Dolphins, who remain within striking distance of the final playoff position.</p> <p>A Rabbitohs victory could potentially derail the Roosters' finals campaign, providing sweet revenge for Redfern fans after a disappointing season.</p> <p>The match represents more than just local bragging rights, with genuine consequences for the NRL final’s structure.</p> <p>Bennett has backed his captain to make the right decision regarding his return, demonstrating the trust between coach and player that has developed throughout Murray's rehabilitation process.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Bennett's Faith in Captain's Judgement</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Murray praised Bennett's approach to his potential comeback, noting that many coaches would automatically rule out such a return until the following season.</p> <p>The veteran coach's willingness to trust his captain's assessment reflects the strong relationship between the pair.</p> <p>"A lot of coaches would put a line straight through my comeback until next year, but Wayne has put trust in me and backs me to make the right call," Murray explained.</p> <p>"I've been able to complete everything at training, including all the unstructured stuff – I just haven't done it repetitively."</p> <p>The final decision will come after Tuesday's training session, where Murray will undergo assessment with club physiotherapists before determining whether the risk-reward equation makes sense for both player and club.</p> <p>Murray's potential return would provide a massive boost for South Sydney's squad depth and leadership, particularly given the extensive injury list that has plagued the club throughout the season.</p> <p>His presence could also add extra intensity to what promises to be a fiery encounter between two of rugby league's most passionate fanbases.</p>