South Sydney will carry a "do it for Clarky" mantra into their blockbuster NRL grand final qualifier as they seek to give beloved local junior Jason Clark a fitting send off.
The Rabbitohs forward has been scratched from Saturday's qualifying final against the Sydney Roosters after rolling his ankle in a training mishap on Thursday.
Clark was ruled out by Rabbitohs medical staff on Friday morning so Junior Tatola is promoted to the bench.
Anthony Seibold's squad already have plenty of fire in their bellies coming up against their local rivals with a spot in the premiership decider on the line.
And now the loss of the highly-respected 29-year-old has given them even more motivation.
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After a decade at Redfern, the Coogee Randwick Wombats junior will move to the English Super League next season to join Warrington.
So unless the Rabbitohs can win through next Sunday's grand final, Clark will have pulled on his much-loved cardinal and myrtle jersey for the last time.
"It's a real shame for Jason," Seibold said.
"It's obviously very sad for Clarky because being a local guy, playing against the Roosters in a game like this would have been an unbelievable experience.
"We've got to get the job done so he can wear the jersey one last time."
Clark has never been a star performer among the Rabbitohs squad but is described as the kind of earnest, reliable player which every side needs.
The one-time NSW City representative has made 169 appearance for his club, but only 15 of them have been in the starting side.
Seibold was glowing in his praise of their 2014 premiership-winner, calling him the ultimate clubman.
"I've been to a couple of clubs now as a player and a coach, he's definitely on the podium as the best club person I've been involved with," he said.
"He's a terrific person, a terrific father, he represents everything about South Sydney.
"Being a local junior and aspiring to play for their local club to win a premiership and going on to play over 150 games - I just think he's a terrific role model for our community."
