Wayne Bennett‘s best power in his ‘golden’ years shouldn’t be a lot as a coach however extra as a person supervisor – and that ability might propel South Sydney up the ladder in 2025.
After a dismal season in 2024 after they received solely seven video games and had been simply edged out by the Tigers within the wood spoon battle, the Rabbitohs have gone again to the grasp coach after his two-year stint kicking off the Dolphins within the large league.
In star duo Latrell Mitchell and Cody Walker, the Bunnies have two of essentially the most proficient – but additionally most temperamental – gamers within the NRL.
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Rival gamers and coaches know the pair can simply be baited and niggled off their recreation – and that is the place Bennett’s thoughts mechanics are available in.
If he can get the pair considering soccer and retaining their cool, the Rabbitohs might be properly on their technique to being in finals competition.
The membership under-achieved with the dearth of a constant halfback one in every of their main issues, however they’ve moved to repair that by signing St Helens playmaker Lewis Dodd.
Lewis Dodd and Cody Walker forward of the 2025 season. South Sydney Rabbitohs
However he might take time to adapt to the NRL after an underwhelming begin to his Sydney profession within the trials final weekend.
An alternative choice at half if Dodd struggles is Jamie Humphreys from the Sea Eagles, a proficient teenager who may show a shock packet.
Look ahead to Bennett to work his magic on one other enigmatic participant, fellow Manly recruit Josh Schuster.
There is no such thing as a doubting Schuster’s expertise however he has misplaced his means prior to now couple of seasons and Bennett will hit his reset button – look ahead to him to shine.
The Bunnies will miss Thomas Burgess and Damien Cook dinner – two of the mainstays of the pack lately – and have not actually signed anybody to switch them.
Peter Mamouzelos has been groomed to take over at hooker however might take some time to be taught what it takes to be a daily NRL participant within the demanding dummy-half position.
Accidents have already been unkind to Souths, with luckless centre Campbell Graham and veteran winger Alex Johnston unlikely to be match for spherical one.
A suspected Achilles rupture for skipper Cameron Murray can be a serious blow, whereas Latrell may miss the beginning of the season with a hamstring problem.
Cameron Murray of the Rabbitohs. Getty
2025 beneficial properties
Jamie Humphreys (Sea Eagles), Euan Aitken (Dolphins), Lewis Dodd (St Helens), Josh Schuster (Sea Eagles), Jayden Sullivan (Wests Tigers)
2025 losses
Thomas Burgess (Huddersfield), Damien Cook dinner (Dragons), Dean Hawkins (Eels), Taane Milne (launched), Michael Chee Kam (Sea Eagles), Leon Te Hau (launched), Lachlan Ilias (Dragons), Izaac Tu’itupou Thompson (launched)
Greatest purchase:
Schuster is a category act who can play each centre and second-row. The NRL by no means noticed the very best of him at Manly however a shift of golf equipment and a brand new perspective may see him blossom.
It is a large season for:
Latrell appears to be like nice in pre-season imaginative and prescient, a lot trimmer than prior to now few years and Bennett may carry out the very best in him.
Latrell Mitchell has slimmed down within the pre-season. Getty
Greatest query mark:
Do the Bunnies have the heavy artillery up entrance and a match-winning halfback to be a real finals drive?
Predicted end: thirteenth
Predicted 17 for spherical one: 1. Jye Grey 2. Fletcher Myers 3. Jack Wighton 4. Isaiah Tass 5. Tyrone Munro 6. Cody Walker 7. Lewis Dodd 8. Tevita Tatola 9. Peter Mamouzelos 10. Davvy Moale 11. Jai Arrow 12. Keaon Koloamatangi 13. Euan Aitken 14. Jamie Humphreys 15. Sean Keppie 16. Tallis Duncan 17. Josh Schuster
Odds to win comp: $18
