The Rabbitohs have confirmed that Jayden Sullivan has undergone surgery after suffering a serious leg injury while playing in the NSW Cup on the weekend.
The 23-year-old sustained a lower limb fracture and associated ankle injury during a heavy loss to the Newtown Jets. South Sydney released a statement ahead of Round 18, confirming the extent of the injury and outlining the next steps in his recovery.
“Five-eighth Bud Sullivan sustained a lower limb fracture and associated ankle injury while playing in the NSW Cup over the weekend. He has since undergone surgery and will commence his rehabilitation in the coming weeks,” the club said.
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Season over, but teammates rally around him
Sullivan had been a surprise mainstay in Wayne Bennett’s first-grade side through a tough period of injuries, making 13 NRL appearances this season, most of them in the starting team.
With Cody Walker and Jamie Humphreys both sidelined and Lewis Dodd struggling for form, Sullivan’s role had grown more vital than expected.
Currently on loan from the Wests Tigers, Sullivan’s future beyond 2025 remains uncertain, but his impact off the field hasn’t gone unnoticed.
“I love Bud,” said fellow half Jamie Humphreys. “He lifts the spirit of the boys, and another one I can’t wait to have back in the team. We’re a better team when he’s in.”
Humphreys added: “Hopefully, they can sort something out because I love spending time with him.”
Sullivan, who debuted for the Dragons in 2020, has played 48 NRL games across four clubs.