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South Sydney star James Roberts has failed to beat a dislocated thumb injury and won't face Canberra in the NRL preliminary final on Friday night.

South Sydney coach Wayne Bennett is confident Campbell Graham will perform in the centres after James Roberts was scratched from their NRL preliminary final against Canberra.

Bennett confirmed Roberts had failed to recover from a dislocated thumb and will be replaced in the centres by Graham, with Corey Allan coming onto the wing.

Former NSW Blues representative Roberts took part in the fitness drills of Souths' captain's run on Thursday but left the session for solo work when balls were introduced.

Bennett backed winger Graham to deliver in the centres despite the 20-year-old playing there for the first time less than a month ago.

Bennett said only "about 10" of his 17 players would be at full fitness for the sold-out match at GIO Stadium on Friday night but added that was the story of their season.

"We've managed inconvenience all season so it's no big deal," Bennett said.

"We lost one of the best players in the game (Greg Inglis) before the season even started, or he played two games.

"I didn't keep the stats but I think this year is the worst they've been for the last four years at South Sydney with the amount injuries they've had and key players in the club not playing.

"At times we've played with 40 per cent of our salary cap this year. It's been remarkable what they've done and it's a credit to them.

"We've had lots of injuries and lots of players missing but we've managed to get the job done and I'm confident these guys will be good tomorrow night."

The Rabbitohs are $3 outsiders against Canberra but Bennett is renown for getting his sides up for big games and overcoming the odds.

However, the seven-time premiership-winning coach downplayed his role in beating the Raiders and progressing to his record-extending 10th grand final.

"I don't think I have to do much. It's the occasion, if you don't want to play here tomorrow night then what have we been doing all season," Bennett said.

"This is what you play for, to be in these games. There's only four clubs left now and Canberra is sold out.

"It's going to be a great night, if you're a young man and football is your love then that's where you want to be so it's not hard to get up for that."

Bennett confirmed Roberts' thumb was a one-week injury and he would be available for the grand final.