Wayne Bennett's impending return to Redfern has already kicked into overdrive with the legendary coach having a major say in the future of the club after picking up the pieces of his former protégé's reign.
Jason Demetriou was shown the door just two months into the season after being unable to arrest South Sydney’s free-fall to the foot of the ladder.
The Rabbitohs were sitting pretty at the top of the ladder a little over 12 months ago, but a dire run of form saw them miss out on finals altogether in 2023, before their losing habit extended well into this year.
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As Demetriou’s departure became more and more inevitable, the decision was eventually reached in a board meeting on the eve of Round 9.
The former coach repeatedly stressed his confidence in the playing group being able to reverse their fortunes, yet with the worst defence in the league and a malfunctioning attack at the time, the axe fell.
Bennett’s return to the club he almost guided to premiership glory was then confirmed in late May when he replaced the man who initially replaced him at Redfern.
South Sydney contract news: Wayne Bennett rebuild continues at Rabbitohs
The first major domino to fall in terms of exits at the club is Damien Cook, as the hooker reportedly prepares to head to the St George Illawarra Dragons on a two-year deal.
Cook was signed to the Bunnies for next season but was allowed to negotiate with rivals in a bid to extend his career beyond 2025.
Cook is one of a trio of veterans who were due to come off-contract at the end of 2025, with Alex Johnston and Cody Walker also in the same boat.
The trio contribute a lot to the club’s performances and culture but are all in the twilight of their careers.
They can no longer be viewed as the core contingent of the Bunnies going forward, so moves had to be made with promising youngsters Davvy Moale, Tallis Duncan and Tyrone Munro also coming off-contract next year.
Eight players are currently without a deal heading into the new campaign under Bennett, while Bunnies legend Tom Burgess has already inked a deal to go and play in the Super League after over a decade of service for the Aussie side.
South Sydney off-contract list in 2024:
- Ben Lovett
- Dean Hawkins
- Isaiah Tass
- Izaac Thompson
- Leon Te Hau
- Michael Chee Kam
- Shaq Mitchell
- Taane Milne
Thankfully, things are a little clearer in the halves with the Rabbitohs moving quickly to secure the signature of St Helens halfback Lewis Dodd.
This move effectively ends Lachlan Ilias’ time at the club though, with the young playmaker told he can look elsewhere despite still having two years to run on his deal.
The signing of Dodd also wasn’t good news for Dean Hawkins, who is one of the players without a contract for next season.
The NSW Cup Player of the Year was parachuted in to replace Ilias when things turned sour at the start of the season.
But Hawkins only lasted six games before he suffered a long-term injury which will all but end his NRL campaign.
Isaiah Tass, who will also be sidelined for the majority of the year, Izaac Thompson and Taane Milne are also nearing the exit after not receiving renewal offers from the club.
Which South Sydney players are signed to long-term contracts?
Despite their predicament on the field this season, the club are actually well placed for the future with all of their main stars locked down long-term.
Dodd is tied to the club until the end of the 2027 season, while Latrell Mitchell, Jack Wighton, Campbell Graham, Jai Arrow and Peter Mamouzelos are also secured until then.
Skipper Cameron Murray has inked a deal to take him through until the end of the 2028 campaign, with Tevita Tatola also committed for that period of time.
This brings stability around a core group of representative players, along with the club’s expected new long-term hooker, which Bennett can build around.
