NRL: Souths captain Asotasi out for four months

Roy Asotasi of the Rabbitohs was in line for a recall to the Kiwis side in the Anzac test. Photo / Getty Images

South Sydney's injury crisis in the front row has deepened with captain Roy Asotasi ruled out of NRL action for four months.

Asotasi underwent hand surgery following an injury suffered in Friday night's victory over Cronulla.

X-rays and an MRI scan determined Asotasi had dislocated bones in his hand that make up the wrist, and an operation was required to repair the damage.

The operation has already been completed, and the early diagnosis is Asotasi will be sidelined until at least the final round of the regular season, in a crushing blow for the injury-depleted club.

The Rabbitohs have already lost props Scott Geddes and Luke Stuart for the season, while star front rower Sam Burgess will miss at least six weeks, and possibly the season with a serious ankle injury.

Souths were already forced to turn make-shift front rowers Eddy Pettybourne and Shannon McPherson into full-timers - and Asotasi's injury leaves Ben Ross as their only recognised first grade prop.

Ross himself is only eight NRL matches into his comeback from serious neck problems which kept him out of the game for two seasons.

Queensland gamebreaker Dave Taylor will now almost certainly be required to move from the backrow up front.

- AAP