Jason Demetriou’s time as South Sydney head coach is reportedly drawing to a close after he has presided over a dire run of results which stretches all the way back to last year.
Wayne Bennett has been heavily linked to the job he only handed over to Demetriou a little more than two years ago as part of a succession plan.
However, while the legendary figure looms large for a possible re-appointment in 2025, Mal Meninga has emerged out of leftfield as a possibility to take charge.
The Sporting News provides all the latest news on Mal Meninga’s possible appointment as South Sydney coach.
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Will Mal Meninga coach South Sydney? Immortal criticises club’s handling of Jason Demetriou situation
Demetriou’s spell at the helm was under the microscope ahead of the new campaign after Souths collapsed last year to fall from top spot on the ladder to ninth.
The terrible run in the second half of the season saw them win just four of their last 13 matches to miss out on finals footy altogether.
Despite this capitulation, the club’s board opted to show their faith in the beleaguered coach as they handed him a two-year contract extension.
Yet the issues haven’t been addressed successfully in the off-season with the Rabbitohs winning just one of their opening five fixtures to be rooted dead last on the ladder.
They have the worst defensive record in the league, while their previously red-hot attack has failed to fire with Gold Coast Titans the only side to score less points than them to date.
But while Bennett has been linked to a return to the club once his commitments with the Dolphins wrap up at the end of the season, Meninga has suddenly emerged as a shock short-term remedy to Souths’ ills.
“I’ve gone underground with all this because obviously my name has been associated with it,” Meninga said on Fox League on Saturday after being linked with the club.
“Has anyone else from the club spoken about it at all? No, so that’s a red flag for me as well.
“If no one is willing to step up and talk on behalf of the club and say exactly what’s happening, particularly with Jason – that to me is a sign that maybe you shouldn’t get involved with that club.”
However, despite seemingly distancing himself from the Rabbitohs, Meninga admitted that he was still interested if the job became available.
“You never say no to anything,” he continued.
“You look at all offers and every opportunity to coach in the NRL.
“The caretaker role does appeal to me. It does appeal to me because it’s only short term. It’s a six-month term in this instance and may be something that I want to do.
“But you’ve got to do it for all of the right reasons.”
The statement comes fresh off the back of Meninga talking about Souths’ reported interest earlier in the week.
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"No, I haven’t (been approached), but I know there’s interest," the Canberra legend told SEN 1170’s The Throwdown.
"That’s the first I have to say but there’s been no official anything so far."
Meninga, who hasn’t coached in the NRL since being in charge of the Raiders from 1997-2001, admitted the situation was far from ideal with Demetriou.
"We all know Jason is under the pump because of the performance of the football team," Meninga said.
"I feel a bit sorry for the coach at the moment, there’s been a lot of media speculation without any comment from me because I’ve got nothing really to comment about because there’s been no official conversation been held at all."
While Meninga hasn’t been in the hot seat in the NRL for over two decades, he has forged a legendary career in the box as a representative coach.
Meninga presided over nine State of Origin series victories with Queensland during their unprecedented domination of NSW, while he has also led Australia to World Cup glory.
"It’s only short-term," Meninga noted of the possible job at the Bunnies.
"It is something that interests me. I am flattered that my name has been mentioned."
In Meninga’s favour is the obvious high standing he has within the game, as well as his close connection to a number of the club’s stars.
Meninga formed a close bond with Latrell Mitchell during the most recent instalment of the World Cup in England, while he has also coached the likes of Jack Wighton and Cam Murray before for the Aussies.
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If he can get a tune out of the underperforming squad, then the move for his temporary appointment starts to make a whole lot of sense.
"I love the idea of being an interim coach, however, I’ve got some big commitments in my life," Meninga added while reiterating his interest.
"I feel for Jason, if this is all speculation it’s really cruel in my mind. If it is factual, let’s get on with it.
"If Jason is the person to be moved on, then let’s be fair to him and tell him."
