Rabbitohs coach Jason Demetriou has addressed the ongoing turmoil at the club, claiming there are no major issues within the four walls despite the premature exit of Sam Burgess.
The 34-year-old announced he would be stepping away from his role as assistant coach effective immediately, just 10 days out from South Sydney's must-win Round 27 clash with the Sydney Roosters.
Burgess is rumoured to have had issues with the leadership setup at Redfern, with the likes of Latrell Mitchell and Cody Walker said to be receiving 'preferential treatment' from Demetriou.
The superstar duo are two of the strongest personalities at the club and despite their influence on the playing group, have not performed to the level required in recent weeks.
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Rabbitohs coach Jason Demetriou addresses Sam Burgess exit
Speaking to the media during a lengthy press conference on Wednesday, Demetriou addressed the circumstances surrounding Burgess' departure from the Rabbitohs after a decade-plus association as a player and coach.
“Sam and I had many discussions, but it’s not something I’m going to be talking about publicly," he said.
"We all have differences and I’ve had many conversations with Wayne Bennett and all the coaches I’ve worked with… there’s a lot more external factors as well.
"I didn’t want Sam out of the club no… it is what it is, decisions have been made and we move on."
Rabbitohs CEO Blake Solly also explained Burgess' partner Lucy would be expecting a child in the coming weeks, while his move to Warrington as head coach next season also led to his abrupt farewell.
Burgess played close to 200 games in the cardinal and myrtle before his retirement in 2019, which saw the legendary English forward move into a coaching role.
Jason Demetriou shuts down Latrell Mitchell, Cody Walker rumours
While the coaching situation has been one fire Demetriou was forced to put out, the lingering issues surrounding Latrell have also led to plenty of speculation.
The star fullback was spotted shotgunning a beer at a Luke Combs concert last week, while various reports coming out Souths indicate the 26-year-old has been given free rein compared to other squad members.
“I have no issue with it, people can say whatever they like... I know what’s going on inside the four walls," he said.
“I understand when you’re having those things out there and you don’t play and get the result, that thing is gonna be talked about. In the incident on its own, there was probably half the NRL at the Luke Combs concert.
"Latrell was extremely fortunate to be brought on stage and spend a moment with one of the greatest country singers in the world... but he was the first bloke in the building on Thursday morning.
“Latrell is a big presence and as Sam was when he was playing – but to say that he’s dominating the club? He’s part of the leadership team. Is he dominating the club? No, it’s a comment that is ridiculous.
"At the start of the season, we won eight from our first 11 and top of the league, nobody was talking about anyone dominating anything. When you’re losing, people look for cracks.
"Latrell is a marquee player for us and he’s a player that we believe and I definitely believe can win us a premiership and that’s our focus."
Cameron Murray reportedly took issue with comments from Latrell during a recent video session, while rumours swirled on Wednesday about the attitude of the NSW and Kangaroos powerhouse at the Bunnies.
Demetriou and Walker have also reportedly been at odds in recent weeks, with a heated confrontation at a recent captain's run making the rounds within the rugby league community.
But according to the second-year head coach, there is no drama and South Sydney need to focus on winning, rather than the noise surrounding them in the media.
“I have a conflict and a crack with players all the time… we’re all under pressure and tensions fly sometimes – but it’s not a drama at all," he said.
"The interesting thing is one minute we’re too soft on him, but the next minute I’m falling out with everyone. Am I too hard on them and fighting with them, or am I too soft with them and letting them run the club?
"I understand the leadership model that we want to create and have been creating for the past two years, and I’ll double down on that. I’m very confident... I know the group of leaders that are leading it will deliver.
“I’ve had multiple conversations with them and that’s what is disappointing when stuff like this gets out, and two people are put on show over it.
"We can’t control what’s said… I’m really comfortable with where we’re at."
