Souths suffer huge injury blow on eve of final

South Sydney has suffered a immense stroke connected the eve of its preliminary last against Penrith, with prima winger Alex Johnston ruled retired with injury.

Johnston, the starring try-scorer successful the contention this year, hasn't recovered from a hep flexor wounded suffered successful the semi last triumph implicit Cronulla.

His spot volition beryllium taken by Richie Kennar, who's played conscionable 1 lucifer this season.

"[Johnston] was ne'er truly going to beryllium a accidental to play but we gave him each opportunity. If we get the occupation done, he'll beryllium backmost adjacent week," manager Jason Demetriou said.

MORE TO COME.