SOUTH Sydney have been dealt a cruel blow ahead of the 2017 season with exciting young half Connor Tracey suffering a serious knee injury.

Tracey was set to come into the Rabbitohs’ squad as cover for the halves in 2017 but foxsports.com.au can reveal the injury has opened the door for the club to sign Parramatta halfback Luke Kelly.

Tracey, who signed from the lower grades of Cronulla, requires a knee reconstruction and to make matters worse for the young half, it’s his third in three years.

A Sharks junior and Australian Schoolboys halfback, the 20-year-old signed a two-year-deal with the club in August but injured his knee again while in rehabilitation.

Round 20

Having lost Luke Keary to the Roosters, the club is in need of depth for Adam Reynolds and Cody Walker.

Luke Kelly during his time at Parramatta. Picture Gregg Porteous Source: News Corp Australia

Kelly, a former Storm and Eels No. 7, is a player who will not only act as cover but provide some experience.

The 27-year-old has almost 50 NRL games to his name but several injuries including a knee reconstruction in 2016 has limited his opportunities.

A product of the Northern Territory, Kelly made his NRL debut with Melbourne back in 2009, the same year he captain their NYC side to a premiership.

He spent three and a half years learning from Craig Bellamy before linking with the Eels in mid 2013.

Kelly was not re-signed by the Eels and is in need for a new club for next season.

Kelly’s one-year-deal could be announced by the Rabbitohs as soon as this weekend.

The writer is on Twitter @Nath_Ryan

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