Sam Burgess admits feeling disappointment for injured South Sydney teammates Adam Reynolds and John Sutton but believes the Rabbitohs are well placed to cover for their losses.
The Rabbitohs confirmed on Monday Sutton will miss four months of NRL action due to a pectoral injury suffered in Sundays' 42-10 thumping of Sydney Roosters, while Reynolds will undergo further scans before the full extent of his jaw injury is known.
Early indications are Reynolds could miss anywhere between six weeks and four months.
Luke Keary, who was suspended for round one, will come straight into the Souths side alongside Cody Walker in the halves for their round two assignment against Newcastle at ANZ Stadium on Saturday.
Coach Michael Maguire has a glut of back-rowers capable of replacing Sutton.
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Both Sutton and Reynolds spent time on the sidelines last season and the returning Burgess said Souths are well poised to cover for them.
"It is part and parcel of the game, as sad as it is that is why depth in squads is very important," Burgess said.
"It gives other people a chance to come in and I'm sure they will do the job."
Five-eighth Walker looked comfortable on his NRL debut laying on an early try and combining well with Reynolds against the Roosters.
"He was good Cody and with the changes on the field, he just adapted," Maguire said.
"It is just the practice he has shown throughout the season and it has shown on the field."
