The Sydney Roosters may have beaten Souths 26-16 in a spiteful NRL clash at Aussie Stadium, but the victory came at a heavy price in a performance coach Ricky Stuart branded "disgraceful".

Test utility Craig Wing could be sidelined for up to five weeks after tearing ligaments in his lower leg while Queensland Origin pair Michael Crocker and Justin Hodges were both placed on report for separate incidents.

Souths had their own casualty list, with prop Paul Stringer knocked out by a heavy, but legal, Adrian Morley tackle and fullback Todd Polglase suffering what looks to be a season-ending knee injury.

"I thought it was disgraceful," said Stuart about his team's performance against the wooden spoon favourites.

"It was probably the worst effort we've put in over the last two seasons.

Veteran lock Luke Ricketson added: "We took a poor attitude into the game.

"It was a very unprofessional performance by us all and we're quite embarrassed by it."

The Rabbitohs haven't beaten their inner-city rivals since 1994 but in the opening exchanges the Roosters continually coughed up the ball and a massive upset looked possible.

But Souths could only register two points during the first 15 minutes - through a Matt Riddle penalty goal - before English international Morley stepped opposite number Stringer to open his side's account.

Stringer was carted off the field in the 22nd minute and five minutes later referee Shayne Hayne put Crocker on report for a high shot on Polglase, who tore his anterior cruciate ligaments and was assisted to the sideline.

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