Scouting report from the Tele:
While all eyes will be on new recruit Jack Wighton helping South Sydney’s established stars to propel them back into NRL premiership contention, there is an impressive production line of talent ready to ensure the club’s long-term success.
The Rabbitohs have arguably the
most exciting backline in the competition, with the ability to pour on points.
However, at times last season, opposition teams manhandled their forward pack. The challenge for Souths is to win the battle in the middle, get over the advantage line and allow their money men the opportunity to assert their dominance.
2023 RICH 100 REPS: 7
Latrell Mitchell (16, $950,000), Cameron Murray (17, $950,000), Thomas Burgess (41, $750,000), Cody Walker (50, $750,000), Jai Arrow (53, $700,000), Damien Cook (56, $700,000), Tevita Tatola (91, $600,000)
FREE AGENCY WRAP AND RATING
Huge signing in Jack Wighton, who provides more X-Factor to a South Sydney side already filled with talent. The late addition of
Sean Keppie gives the Rabbitohs another big body on the bench.
Rating: A
COACH STATUS AND SAFETY RATING:JASON DEMETRIOU (2026)
Comes into the season under a huge amount of scrutiny despite only inking a contract extension at the end of 2023.
South Sydney floundered at the back end of last season and they won’t accept a repeat. Needs to start well.
Safety rating: B-
RABBITOHS 2024 SQUAD AND BEST 17
Jai Arrow, Thomas Burgess, Michael Chee-Kam, Damien Cook, Tallis Duncan, Jye Grey, Campbell Graham, Siliva Havili, Dean Hawkins, Jacob Host, Lachlan Ilias, Alex Johnston, Josiah Karapani, Sean Keppie, Keaon Koloamatangi, Ben Lovett, Peter Mamouzelos, Taane Milne, Latrell Mitchell, Shaquai Mitchell, Davvy Moale, Tyrone Munro, Cameron Murray, Daniel Suluka-Fifita, Isaiah Tass, Tevita Tatola, Leon Te Hau, Izaac Thompson, Cody Walker, Jack Wighton
Ins: Jack Wighton (Raiders), Sean Keppie (Manly)
Outs: Hame Sele (Dragons), Blake Taaffe (Bulldogs), Jed Cartwright (Knights)
Best 17
1 Latrell Mitchell
2 Alex Johnston
3 Jack Wighton
4 Campbell Graham
5 Tyrone Munro/ Isaiah Tass
6 Cody Walker
7 Lachlan Ilias
8 Tevita Tatola
9 Damien Cook
10 Jai Arrow
11 Jacob Host
12 Keaon Koloamatangi
13 Cameron Murray
14 Siliva Havili
15 Tallis Duncan
16 Thomas Burgess
17 Sean Keppie
LIKELY DEBUTANTS
Thomas Fletcher: An emerging back-row prospect who hails from the NSW country town of
Coonamble. He featured in the Charity Shield against St George Illawarra in 2023 but a shoulder injury interrupted his development.
Jye Gray: A running half who, while still just 19, has been promoted into South Sydney’s top-30 squad for 2024. The Rabbitohs have high hopes for the diminutive playmaker, who they
signed from Brisbane in 2022 following an outstanding Australian Secondary Schools Championship campaign.
Haizyn Mellars: The 19-year-old outside back has been described as the best athlete at the club. His father, Vince, played NRL for the Warriors, Roosters and Sharks while his mum, Charmian, is a Commonwealth Games silver medal-winning basketballer.
At 193cm and with an impressive vertical leap, Mellars is an exciting prospect on a development deal for next season, before he moves into the top-30 list.
WHO TAKES THE NEXT STEP: TALLIS DUNCAN, TYRONE MUNRO
Two players who had a taste of first grade but are primed for a big 2024 include Tallis Duncan and Tyrone Munro.
Duncan reminds those at the Rabbitohs of Cameron Murray, so expect him to spend some time on the field relieving the South Sydney skipper.
Munro is a genuine teenage sensation who has already shown his try-scoring ability.
BURNINGS ISSUES
1. Halfback role
Jason Demetriou has backed in Lachlan Ilias long-term and has publicly declared his support for the No.7, so much so that he proclaimed he would be the best halfback the club has had in a long-time.
Ilias has had a mixed bag in his two seasons but has shown enough promise that he can be the club’s long-term halfback.
2. Unlocking the backline
At full strength South Sydney have arguably the most potent backline in the NRL. The task will be getting them all to deliver on their potential.
Wighton needs to ensure he isn’t lost from matches playing at centre, while South Sydney have to find a way to get Munro the ball. He is a try-scoring freak.
3. Tatola’s rise
At times in 2023 the South Sydney forwards were manhandled by their opposition. Consistent injuries to Tevita Tatola didn’t help.
But Tatola was on the verge of becoming one of the game’s best props at the end of 2022. He will carry the load for South Sydney in the middle of the field.
CRYSTAL BALL
South Sydney will look to put their horror finish to 2023 behind them. Wighton’s inclusion plus a return to consistent form for Latrell Mitchell will springboard the Rabbitohs to again becoming a premiership threat.
Finish the past five years
2023: 9th
2022: 7th (eliminated in third week of finals)
2021: 3rd (runners-up)
2020: 6th (eliminated in third week of finals)
2019: 3rd (eliminated in third week of finals)
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