Rabbitohs Rumors, Signings and News

[Rabbits20]

Y

Dragoons apparently gave Lachie a 2nd medical today (bend over and think of England) so they obviously fancy him.

Also ,they think he might be their only option to play halfback.

yes and we are linked to Lodge

 

[Rabbits20]

Dragons on the verge of signing Hunt replacement, Lodge on Rabbitohs radar​

By Michael Chammas, Adrian Proszenko and Dan Walsh​

Updated November 22, 2024 — 8.07pmfirst published November 18, 2024 — 11.25am
Save


St George Illawarra are on the verge of replacing former skipper Ben Hunt after putting South Sydney playmaker Lachlan Ilias through a second medical examination on Friday afternoon.
It comes as the Rabbitohs have held discussions about potentially reuniting coach Wayne Bennett with prop forward Matt Lodge if Ilias departs South Sydney.

The Dragons have identified Ilias as the replacement for Hunt but want to make sure they do their due diligence on the No.7 after he suffered a horrific leg injury playing NSW Cup last season.
Ilias had a medical examination with the Dragons last weekend but was asked to return on Friday afternoon to undergo an X-ray on the leg injury that saw him taken straight to hospital after suffering the blow at Accor Stadium.

The Dragons had been hopeful of getting Daniel Atkinson from Cronulla however they wanted a halfback for this season to partner Kyle Flanagan in the halves.
Atkinson has 12 months to run on his deal at Cronulla on a low salary with the Sharks indicating to his management that they had no intention of releasing him early.

While Wests Tigers utility Adam Doueihi also underwent a medical assessment with the Dragons, it appears Ilias will join the club after he went through a second examination.
Ilias, who trained with South Sydney earlier in the day, could sign his deal with the Dragons as early as next week with his agent Braith Anasta set to return from holidays in Bali on Monday.

The Dragons are awaiting final medical clearance from his final X-ray before formalising the deal. The Rabbitohs have agreed to contribute part of Ilias’ approximate $500,000 contract.
He has fallen out of favour at South Sydney, with the club signing St Helens No.7 Lewis Dodd for 2025. His expected departure from South Sydney will open up a roster spot at the Rabbitohs. They currently have 30 registered players - the maximum each club can sign.

Bennett has discussed bringing the uncontracted Lodge to the club to add some starch to the forward pack. The veteran coach handed Lodge a career lifeline in 2018, signing him at the Broncos after the incident that saw him locked up in an American prison.

 

[southsydneyrabbitohs]

An announcement regarding Ilias’ arrival at the Dragons is reportedly imminent.
Ilias’ exit from the Redfern club could reportedly have a ripple effect, with club bosses reportedly discussing a potential move for Matt Lodge.
The move could only be made happen if cap space is cleared, however it remains no certainty the former Sea Eagles enforcer will join South Sydney.

Flyer tests open market as Souths put talks on hold; rival pulls out of Hunt race

Flyer tests open market as Souths put talks on hold; rival pulls out of Hunt race

www.foxsports.com.au

Just read that I reckon ilias 2 stmerge and lodge to souths now we are cooking with gas.

 

[southsydneyrabbitohs]

Dragoons apparently gave Lachie a 2nd medical today (bend over and think of England) so they obviously fancy him.

Also ,they think he might be their only option to play halfback.

Thank cookie 4 that Speedster hallelujah hallelujah hallelujah I'm a happy pappy wabbity wabby wabbit yeeeeeehaaaaa

 

[speedster]

Thank cookie 4 that Speedster hallelujah hallelujah hallelujah I'm a happy pappy wabbity wabby wabbit yeeeeeehaaaaa

We can't quite count our chickens just yet but it's shaping nicely at this stage.

We need another prop not an expensive reserve grade halfback.

 

[southsydneyrabbitohs]

Dragons on the verge of signing Hunt replacement, Lodge on Rabbitohs radar​

By Michael Chammas, Adrian Proszenko and Dan Walsh​

Updated November 22, 2024 — 8.07pmfirst published November 18, 2024 — 11.25am
Save


St George Illawarra are on the verge of replacing former skipper Ben Hunt after putting South Sydney playmaker Lachlan Ilias through a second medical examination on Friday afternoon.
It comes as the Rabbitohs have held discussions about potentially reuniting coach Wayne Bennett with prop forward Matt Lodge if Ilias departs South Sydney.

The Dragons have identified Ilias as the replacement for Hunt but want to make sure they do their due diligence on the No.7 after he suffered a horrific leg injury playing NSW Cup last season.
Ilias had a medical examination with the Dragons last weekend but was asked to return on Friday afternoon to undergo an X-ray on the leg injury that saw him taken straight to hospital after suffering the blow at Accor Stadium.

The Dragons had been hopeful of getting Daniel Atkinson from Cronulla however they wanted a halfback for this season to partner Kyle Flanagan in the halves.
Atkinson has 12 months to run on his deal at Cronulla on a low salary with the Sharks indicating to his management that they had no intention of releasing him early.

While Wests Tigers utility Adam Doueihi also underwent a medical assessment with the Dragons, it appears Ilias will join the club after he went through a second examination.
Ilias, who trained with South Sydney earlier in the day, could sign his deal with the Dragons as early as next week with his agent Braith Anasta set to return from holidays in Bali on Monday.

The Dragons are awaiting final medical clearance from his final X-ray before formalising the deal. The Rabbitohs have agreed to contribute part of Ilias’ approximate $500,000 contract.
He has fallen out of favour at South Sydney, with the club signing St Helens No.7 Lewis Dodd for 2025. His expected departure from South Sydney will open up a roster spot at the Rabbitohs. They currently have 30 registered players - the maximum each club can sign.

Bennett has discussed bringing the uncontracted Lodge to the club to add some starch to the forward pack. The veteran coach handed Lodge a career lifeline in 2018, signing him at the Broncos after the incident that saw him locked up in an American prison.

R20 music to my bunny ears cobber.

 

[speedster]

David Riccio
@DaveRic1

Two-year deal for @SSFCRABBITOHS Lachlan Ilias to @NRL_Dragons now a mere formality. He will be the starting halfback in 2025. Understand a supportive push from Damien Cook played a factor in the pursuit.
@telegraph_sport
Full story https://dailytelegraph.com.au/sport/nrl/nrl-2025-dragons-close-in-on-lachlan-ilias-as-rabbitohs-consider-signing-matt-lodge/news-story/c40f5106cbb440d068abb43f4b615edf

 

[speedster]

So, if this Ilias deal does go through as appears likely at this point and we do sign Lodge, even with paying some of Illie's freight, we could have a smidge of cap space left. Now, even with all 30 spots taken in the squad, it is still possible to bump one of the minimum wage guys back out of the top 30 and I wonder if its still possible to get someone like Nene McDonald into the squad to add much needed depth and experience to our outside backs stocks.

As much as I am keen to see how Mellars goes in the trials, its still a risk to have so little NRL experience in the wingers available to start the year whilst AJ is still recovering.

Wonder what Wayne thinks of that given that JD has talked McDonald up and would still chat with Wayne on a regular basis.

 

[Eric the great]

So, if this Ilias deal does go through as appears likely at this point and we do sign Lodge, even with paying some of Illie's freight, we could have a smidge of cap space left. Now, even with all 30 spots taken in the squad, it is still possible to bump one of the minimum wage guys back out of the top 30 and I wonder if its still possible to get someone like Nene McDonald into the squad to add much needed depth and experience to our outside backs stocks.

As much as I am keen to see how Mellars goes in the trials, its still a risk to have so little NRL experience in the wingers available to start the year whilst AJ is still recovering.

Wonder what Wayne thinks of that given that JD has talked McDonald up and would still chat with Wayne on a regular basis.

I don’t really think lodge is much of an upgrade on what we have but we are short of a prop and if he wears red and green I’ll support him but I support all players who wear the rabbits jumper

 

[southsydneyrabbitohs]

So, if this Ilias deal does go through as appears likely at this point and we do sign Lodge, even with paying some of Illie's freight, we could have a smidge of cap space left. Now, even with all 30 spots taken in the squad, it is still possible to bump one of the minimum wage guys back out of the top 30 and I wonder if its still possible to get someone like Nene McDonald into the squad to add much needed depth and experience to our outside backs stocks.

As much as I am keen to see how Mellars goes in the trials, its still a risk to have so little NRL experience in the wingers available to start the year whilst AJ is still recovering.

Wonder what Wayne thinks of that given that JD has talked McDonald up and would still chat with Wayne on a regular basis.

Trade mamouzelos for a prop id like to see that the problem is mamouzelos had a recent 3yr extension how dumb are souths?? why on earth would you extend a dud a nobody!!!! Bennett should go hard behind the scenes and off load mamouzelos with his crazy 3yr extension and get
a decent go forward young prop from another nrl club, We need an ongoing cleanout.why oh why would mamouzelos be at souths i said that about jaxson paulo and lachlan ilias these 3 players are reggie players they are not first grade players by any stretch of the imagination.

 

[southsydneyrabbitohs]

Trade mamouzelos for a prop id like to see that the problem is mamouzelos had a recent 3yr extension how dumb are souths?? why on earth would you extend a dud a nobody!!!! Bennett should go hard behind the scenes and off load mamouzelos with his crazy 3yr extension and get
a decent go forward young prop from another nrl club, We need an ongoing cleanout.why oh why would mamouzelos be at souths i said that about jaxson paulo and lachlan ilias these 3 players are reggie players they are not first grade players by any stretch of the imagination.

If stmerge sign ilias for the vacant #7 job then they have rocks in their heads lol..

 

[southsydneyrabbitohs]

If stmerge sign ilias for the vacant #7 job then they have rocks in their heads lol..

Infact bennett should give cookie a call and try and get mamouzelos to be cookies #9 back up id like to see that if stmerge are that dumb to sign ilias then they are a great chance to sign mamouzelos cmon cookie you have told stmerge what a great half back ilias is can you do me a favour and tell stmerge what a great hooker mamouzelos is lol....yes im dreaming hahaha wishful thinking boys ...surely bennett will chop mamouzelos in a year or two!!!

 

[Rabbits20]

If stmerge sign ilias for the vacant #7 job then they have rocks in their heads lol..

Mate Damien is doing us a favour.

As for Lodge it’s very close to a done deal from what I’ve heard from a reliable source expect him in red and green in 2025.

Also AJ and Cam very unlikely to be ready for start of season.

Schuster did his calf at training.

Hubner is leading the way. Elkin won’t tolerate no bullshit. Training to ramp up from next week.

 

[Rabbits20]

TRYING TIMES

The greatest tryscorer in South Sydney Rabbitohs history may be on the move.

Sunday Sesh understands that Alex Johnston has appeared on the radar of rival clubs after entering the final year of his deal on November 1.

Johnston has been down this road before.

Four years ago he was on the verge of being squeezed out of Souths due to salary cap constraints as the Rabbitohs were fighting to keep Joseph-Aukoso Suaalii at the club.

Johnston eventually sacrificed a reported $200,000 to stay, while Suaalii ended up at the Sydney Roosters before moving to rugby union.

Johnston, — scorer of 195 tries in 227 games with the Rabbitohs — is now fighting for his future at the club once more, with his fate likely in the hands of incoming Rabbitohs coach Wayne Bennett.

It is understood Souths haven’t ruled out making Johnston an offer, but want to see how he returns from injury — he missed the latter stages of the season with an Achilles problem.

In the meantime, his management has gone to market to see the level of interest in him and it’s understood that if Johnston was to secure a long-term deal at another club, there is every chance that Souths would consider an early release for next season.

Johnston isn’t the only issue South Sydney has on its hands — the Rabbitohs are also battling to retain boom speedster Tyrone Munro, who has an offer on the table but is yet to accept it.

Johnston is at the other end of his career.

He turns 30 in January but he remains one of the game’s most potent tryscorers, having crossed for eight tries in 13 games last season before succumbing to his injury.

That tally took him past Melbourne Storm legend Billy Slater on the Australian rugby league all-time try scoring list, leaving only Ken Irvine above Johnston on 212 career tries.

The Rabbitohs flyer only needs 17 tries to catch Irvine but unless he gets it done this season, he may be forced to pursue the record in another jersey.

 

[southsydneyrabbitohs]

TRYING TIMES

The greatest tryscorer in South Sydney Rabbitohs history may be on the move.

Sunday Sesh understands that Alex Johnston has appeared on the radar of rival clubs after entering the final year of his deal on November 1.

Johnston has been down this road before.

Four years ago he was on the verge of being squeezed out of Souths due to salary cap constraints as the Rabbitohs were fighting to keep Joseph-Aukoso Suaalii at the club.

Johnston eventually sacrificed a reported $200,000 to stay, while Suaalii ended up at the Sydney Roosters before moving to rugby union.

Johnston, — scorer of 195 tries in 227 games with the Rabbitohs — is now fighting for his future at the club once more, with his fate likely in the hands of incoming Rabbitohs coach Wayne Bennett.

It is understood Souths haven’t ruled out making Johnston an offer, but want to see how he returns from injury — he missed the latter stages of the season with an Achilles problem.

In the meantime, his management has gone to market to see the level of interest in him and it’s understood that if Johnston was to secure a long-term deal at another club, there is every chance that Souths would consider an early release for next season.

Johnston isn’t the only issue South Sydney has on its hands — the Rabbitohs are also battling to retain boom speedster Tyrone Munro, who has an offer on the table but is yet to accept it.

Johnston is at the other end of his career.

He turns 30 in January but he remains one of the game’s most potent tryscorers, having crossed for eight tries in 13 games last season before succumbing to his injury.

That tally took him past Melbourne Storm legend Billy Slater on the Australian rugby league all-time try scoring list, leaving only Ken Irvine above Johnston on 212 career tries.

The Rabbitohs flyer only needs 17 tries to catch Irvine but unless he gets it done this season, he may be forced to pursue the record in another jersey.

Going nowhere he will return and knock off ken irvine's record glory glory r20.

 

[assess5]

Mate Damien is doing us a favour.

As for Lodge it’s very close to a done deal from what I’ve heard from a reliable source expect him in red and green in 2025.

Also AJ and Cam very unlikely to be ready for start of season.

Schuster did his calf at training.

Hubner is leading the way. Elkin won’t tolerate no bullshit. Training to ramp up from next week.

I truly hope Souths do not offer Lodge a contract. I believe he is far too slow for the modern game and, in fact, hardly ever bends the line let alone breaks it.

There must be plenty of other young hot head looking for a go, please oh please, don't sign Lodge.

 

[southsydneyrabbitohs]

I truly hope Souths do not offer Lodge a contract. I believe he is far too slow for the modern game and, in fact, hardly ever bends the line let alone breaks it.

There must be plenty of other young hot head looking for a go, please oh please, don't sign Lodge.

We need a mongrel and lodge fits that bill props are few and far between ile take lodge for now.

 

[Rabbit57]

Has anyone heard how the train and trial squad is going? Is there a potential squad member emerging?

 

[southsydneyrabbitohs]

Has anyone heard how the train and trial squad is going? Is there a potential squad member emerging?

Hubner is training the house down.

 

[speedster]

Trade mamouzelos for a prop id like to see that the problem is mamouzelos had a recent 3yr extension how dumb are souths?? why on earth would you extend a dud a nobody!!!! Bennett should go hard behind the scenes and off load mamouzelos with his crazy 3yr extension and get
a decent go forward young prop from another nrl club, We need an ongoing cleanout.why oh why would mamouzelos be at souths i said that about jaxson paulo and lachlan ilias these 3 players are reggie players they are not first grade players by any stretch of the imagination.

Mate, it was Wayne that got Cook to leave leaving only Mamo. He's not now going to also get rid of Mamo when we have no other real fulltime hookers at the club with 1st grade experience. You can keep calling for all players you don't like to be cleaned out but its not going to change a thing. Wayne's opinion is the only one that matters.