His name is etched in Knights folklore. Now, the premiership-winning coach is back
Now, as he returns home in opposition colours this weekend, the Novocastrian is aiming to create a legacy for female rugby league players in New Zealand.
Griffiths coached the Knights' NRLW side in 2022 and 2023, winning 16 games in 18 outings, then the club's NSW Cup men's team last year before accepting a three-year deal to take the reins as the New Zealand Warriors re-entered NRLW.
"It was the opportunity to do something different, in terms of it's a blank canvas or fresh landscape when it comes to rugby league," Griffiths told the Newcastle Herald from New Zealand on Wednesday.
"They haven't got great junior systems for females, so an opportunity to leave an indelible impression or imprint on that."
Griffiths will be back in Newcastle on Sunday, when the Knights host the Warriors in an NRL-NRLW double-header at McDonald Jones Stadium.
The men's match is at 4.05pm and the women kick off at 6.15pm.
"I love the town," Griffiths said.
"I'm Novocastrian born and bred, although I'm not from there originally, my people, that's where I grew up and I understand what rugby league means to the town, so I'm really looking forward to getting home.
"And, they're a formidable outfit. Semi-finals last year, and obviously had some success the two years prior to that.
"Last weekend, they showed who they are as a team, so really looking forward to that opportunity as well against an outfit that's extremely strong."
Griffiths will have plenty of inside information on the Knights, with a core group of their most experienced players remaining from his time at the club.
"I'm not sure it's an out-and-out advantage, but you understand their strengths, and no doubt they've progressed since I've coached them," he said.
"I've seen some of their growth, it's been great. But you certainly understand some real key parts of their game that you need to focus on, and it probably goes vice versa.
"They understand what me and the assistant coach, Ian Bourke, who was at the Knights, what our strengths are."
The Knights, now coached by Ben Jeffries, were beaten 26-12 by newcomers Canterbury in round one but produced a strong performance, led by NSW halfback Jesse Southwell, to beat North Queensland 26-6 in Townsville in round two.
"On the weekend, she controlled the whole team," Griffiths said.
"She was certainly the maestro, and her Origin series reflects where she's at. She had a wonderful series, and we've seen her growth has been immense ...
"They've got some really classy outside backs, but with Jesse driving their forwards, they've always been strong in the middle, and it's similar this year."
The Warriors are also 1-1 after succumbing 30-6 to St George Illawarra on the road in their season-opener before beating Parramatta 14-0 at home last weekend.
Fullback Apii Nicholls, a New Zealand international, is the most experienced NRLW player in a Warriors squad that has also drawn on a number of rugby union converts, including Blacks Ferns superstar Michaela Brake.
"We don't have expectations around the year in terms of results," Griffiths said.
"One thing that we set about doing is, we've got some plans of how we want to change the landscape of female rugby league in New Zealand.
"That's the overarching plan of what we're trying to achieve and that's what we're working towards."
Warriors lock Laishon Albert-Jones also returns to face her former side. The forward was part of the Knights' 2023 premiership-winning side. Warriors centre Emmanita Paki was in Newcastle's line-up when they won the 2022 title.
In the only change to the Knights' squad from round two, Staines replaces Lilly-Ann White on the wing.
Ronald Griffiths left his mark on the Newcastle Knights, etching his name into club folklore by winning back-to-back NRLW premierships in two years at the helm.
Now, as he returns home in opposition colours this weekend, the Novocastrian is aiming to create a legacy for female rugby league players in New Zealand.
Griffiths coached the Knights' NRLW side in 2022 and 2023, winning 16 games in 18 outings, then the club's NSW Cup men's team last year before accepting a three-year deal to take the reins as the New Zealand Warriors re-entered NRLW.
"It was the opportunity to do something different, in terms of it's a blank canvas or fresh landscape when it comes to rugby league," Griffiths told the Newcastle Herald from New Zealand on Wednesday.
"They haven't got great junior systems for females, so an opportunity to leave an indelible impression or imprint on that."
Griffiths will be back in Newcastle on Sunday, when the Knights host the Warriors in an NRL-NRLW double-header at McDonald Jones Stadium.
The men's match is at 4.05pm and the women kick off at 6.15pm.
"I love the town," Griffiths said.
"I'm Novocastrian born and bred, although I'm not from there originally, my people, that's where I grew up and I understand what rugby league means to the town, so I'm really looking forward to getting home.
"And, they're a formidable outfit. Semi-finals last year, and obviously had some success the two years prior to that.
"Last weekend, they showed who they are as a team, so really looking forward to that opportunity as well against an outfit that's extremely strong."
Griffiths will have plenty of inside information on the Knights, with a core group of their most experienced players remaining from his time at the club.
"I'm not sure it's an out-and-out advantage, but you understand their strengths, and no doubt they've progressed since I've coached them," he said.
"I've seen some of their growth, it's been great. But you certainly understand some real key parts of their game that you need to focus on, and it probably goes vice versa.
"They understand what me and the assistant coach, Ian Bourke, who was at the Knights, what our strengths are."
The Knights, now coached by Ben Jeffries, were beaten 26-12 by newcomers Canterbury in round one but produced a strong performance, led by NSW halfback Jesse Southwell, to beat North Queensland 26-6 in Townsville in round two.
"On the weekend, she controlled the whole team," Griffiths said.
"She was certainly the maestro, and her Origin series reflects where she's at. She had a wonderful series, and we've seen her growth has been immense ...
"They've got some really classy outside backs, but with Jesse driving their forwards, they've always been strong in the middle, and it's similar this year."
The Warriors are also 1-1 after succumbing 30-6 to St George Illawarra on the road in their season-opener before beating Parramatta 14-0 at home last weekend.
Fullback Apii Nicholls, a New Zealand international, is the most experienced NRLW player in a Warriors squad that has also drawn on a number of rugby union converts, including Blacks Ferns superstar Michaela Brake.
"We don't have expectations around the year in terms of results," Griffiths said.
"One thing that we set about doing is, we've got some plans of how we want to change the landscape of female rugby league in New Zealand.
"That's the overarching plan of what we're trying to achieve and that's what we're working towards."
Warriors lock Laishon Albert-Jones also returns to face her former side. The forward was part of the Knights' 2023 premiership-winning side. Warriors centre Emmanita Paki was in Newcastle's line-up when they won the 2022 title.
In the only change to the Knights' squad from round two, Staines replaces Lilly-Ann White on the wing.
Ronald Griffiths left his mark on the Newcastle Knights, etching his name into club folklore by winning back-to-back NRLW premierships in two years at the helm.
Now, as he returns home in opposition colours this weekend, the Novocastrian is aiming to create a legacy for female rugby league players in New Zealand.
Griffiths coached the Knights' NRLW side in 2022 and 2023, winning 16 games in 18 outings, then the club's NSW Cup men's team last year before accepting a three-year deal to take the reins as the New Zealand Warriors re-entered NRLW.
"It was the opportunity to do something different, in terms of it's a blank canvas or fresh landscape when it comes to rugby league," Griffiths told the Newcastle Herald from New Zealand on Wednesday.
"They haven't got great junior systems for females, so an opportunity to leave an indelible impression or imprint on that."
Griffiths will be back in Newcastle on Sunday, when the Knights host the Warriors in an NRL-NRLW double-header at McDonald Jones Stadium.
The men's match is at 4.05pm and the women kick off at 6.15pm.
"I love the town," Griffiths said.
"I'm Novocastrian born and bred, although I'm not from there originally, my people, that's where I grew up and I understand what rugby league means to the town, so I'm really looking forward to getting home.
"And, they're a formidable outfit. Semi-finals last year, and obviously had some success the two years prior to that.
"Last weekend, they showed who they are as a team, so really looking forward to that opportunity as well against an outfit that's extremely strong."
Griffiths will have plenty of inside information on the Knights, with a core group of their most experienced players remaining from his time at the club.
"I'm not sure it's an out-and-out advantage, but you understand their strengths, and no doubt they've progressed since I've coached them," he said.
"I've seen some of their growth, it's been great. But you certainly understand some real key parts of their game that you need to focus on, and it probably goes vice versa.
"They understand what me and the assistant coach, Ian Bourke, who was at the Knights, what our strengths are."
The Knights, now coached by Ben Jeffries, were beaten 26-12 by newcomers Canterbury in round one but produced a strong performance, led by NSW halfback Jesse Southwell, to beat North Queensland 26-6 in Townsville in round two.
"On the weekend, she controlled the whole team," Griffiths said.
"She was certainly the maestro, and her Origin series reflects where she's at. She had a wonderful series, and we've seen her growth has been immense ...
"They've got some really classy outside backs, but with Jesse driving their forwards, they've always been strong in the middle, and it's similar this year."
The Warriors are also 1-1 after succumbing 30-6 to St George Illawarra on the road in their season-opener before beating Parramatta 14-0 at home last weekend.
Fullback Apii Nicholls, a New Zealand international, is the most experienced NRLW player in a Warriors squad that has also drawn on a number of rugby union converts, including Blacks Ferns superstar Michaela Brake.
"We don't have expectations around the year in terms of results," Griffiths said.
"One thing that we set about doing is, we've got some plans of how we want to change the landscape of female rugby league in New Zealand.
"That's the overarching plan of what we're trying to achieve and that's what we're working towards."
Warriors lock Laishon Albert-Jones also returns to face her former side. The forward was part of the Knights' 2023 premiership-winning side. Warriors centre Emmanita Paki was in Newcastle's line-up when they won the 2022 title.
In the only change to the Knights' squad from round two, Staines replaces Lilly-Ann White on the wing.
Ronald Griffiths left his mark on the Newcastle Knights, etching his name into club folklore by winning back-to-back NRLW premierships in two years at the helm.
Now, as he returns home in opposition colours this weekend, the Novocastrian is aiming to create a legacy for female rugby league players in New Zealand.
Griffiths coached the Knights' NRLW side in 2022 and 2023, winning 16 games in 18 outings, then the club's NSW Cup men's team last year before accepting a three-year deal to take the reins as the New Zealand Warriors re-entered NRLW.
"It was the opportunity to do something different, in terms of it's a blank canvas or fresh landscape when it comes to rugby league," Griffiths told the Newcastle Herald from New Zealand on Wednesday.
"They haven't got great junior systems for females, so an opportunity to leave an indelible impression or imprint on that."
Griffiths will be back in Newcastle on Sunday, when the Knights host the Warriors in an NRL-NRLW double-header at McDonald Jones Stadium.
The men's match is at 4.05pm and the women kick off at 6.15pm.
"I love the town," Griffiths said.
"I'm Novocastrian born and bred, although I'm not from there originally, my people, that's where I grew up and I understand what rugby league means to the town, so I'm really looking forward to getting home.
"And, they're a formidable outfit. Semi-finals last year, and obviously had some success the two years prior to that.
"Last weekend, they showed who they are as a team, so really looking forward to that opportunity as well against an outfit that's extremely strong."
Griffiths will have plenty of inside information on the Knights, with a core group of their most experienced players remaining from his time at the club.
"I'm not sure it's an out-and-out advantage, but you understand their strengths, and no doubt they've progressed since I've coached them," he said.
"I've seen some of their growth, it's been great. But you certainly understand some real key parts of their game that you need to focus on, and it probably goes vice versa.
"They understand what me and the assistant coach, Ian Bourke, who was at the Knights, what our strengths are."
The Knights, now coached by Ben Jeffries, were beaten 26-12 by newcomers Canterbury in round one but produced a strong performance, led by NSW halfback Jesse Southwell, to beat North Queensland 26-6 in Townsville in round two.
"On the weekend, she controlled the whole team," Griffiths said.
"She was certainly the maestro, and her Origin series reflects where she's at. She had a wonderful series, and we've seen her growth has been immense ...
"They've got some really classy outside backs, but with Jesse driving their forwards, they've always been strong in the middle, and it's similar this year."
The Warriors are also 1-1 after succumbing 30-6 to St George Illawarra on the road in their season-opener before beating Parramatta 14-0 at home last weekend.
Fullback Apii Nicholls, a New Zealand international, is the most experienced NRLW player in a Warriors squad that has also drawn on a number of rugby union converts, including Blacks Ferns superstar Michaela Brake.
"We don't have expectations around the year in terms of results," Griffiths said.
"One thing that we set about doing is, we've got some plans of how we want to change the landscape of female rugby league in New Zealand.
"That's the overarching plan of what we're trying to achieve and that's what we're working towards."
Warriors lock Laishon Albert-Jones also returns to face her former side. The forward was part of the Knights' 2023 premiership-winning side. Warriors centre Emmanita Paki was in Newcastle's line-up when they won the 2022 title.
In the only change to the Knights' squad from round two, Staines replaces Lilly-Ann White on the wing.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Advertiser
10 minutes ago
- The Advertiser
Pezet eyes week-to-week NRL in Storm spine squeeze
Jonah Pezet says he wants to chase the opportunity to play in the NRL every week, but insists a loan deal away from Melbourne is not yet at the front of his mind. Melbourne's half-in-waiting for several years, Pezet has been named to come off the bench against Brisbane on Thursday night with Jahrome Hughes injured. Pezet is signed with the Storm until the end of 2029, but is believed to have a clause in his contract that allowed him to speak to rivals if Hughes re-signed. Hughes did so last week, extending his time in purple until 2030. The other factor is the future of Cameron Munster, who is contracted until the end of 2027 but been linked to potential Perth interest. Both Pezet and Munster share a manager in Braith Anasta, while a loan deal could potentially buy time for Munster to decide his future beyond his current deal. "I'd be lying if I said I didn't want to play NRL every week," Pezet said. "As a kid you grow up and that's what you want to do. So of course I want to chase those opportunities. "But I'm just focused on putting my best foot forward every week, so that's when Belza (coach Craig Bellamy) picks me in the team." Melbourne hooker Harry Grant this week backed the idea of loans, speaking of the good it did him at Wests Tigers while stuck behind Cameron Smith in 2020. Asked whether a loan deal could be an option for him, Pezet said it was not something he wanted to be considering. "I think I'll leave that up to Braith and everyone at the club ... they'll sort it all out," Pezet said. "With Hughesy going down there's an opportunity there, and I'll keep putting my best foot forward so that when the time comes I'm ready for that wherever it might be. "Obviously the best footy I play, the more NRL I'm going to get, so that's what I'm focused on." The Storm have stuck with Tyran Wishart as Hughes' replacement at No.7, after the reigning Dally M Medallist dislocated his shoulder last month. Bellamy on Wednesday left the door open for Hughes to return before finals, with the 22-year-old avoiding surgery and back training away from the main squad. Melbourne have not got a specific plan for Pezet off the bench, who has had limited football in the past 16 months with an ACL rupture and subsequent setback. Pezet was brought on at halfback late in last week's win over Parramatta, with Wishart shifting to lock. "I'm definitely confident in my own ability to go out there and play 80 minutes of footy in the halfback position," Pezet said. "But that's not what's best for the team at the moment." Jonah Pezet says he wants to chase the opportunity to play in the NRL every week, but insists a loan deal away from Melbourne is not yet at the front of his mind. Melbourne's half-in-waiting for several years, Pezet has been named to come off the bench against Brisbane on Thursday night with Jahrome Hughes injured. Pezet is signed with the Storm until the end of 2029, but is believed to have a clause in his contract that allowed him to speak to rivals if Hughes re-signed. Hughes did so last week, extending his time in purple until 2030. The other factor is the future of Cameron Munster, who is contracted until the end of 2027 but been linked to potential Perth interest. Both Pezet and Munster share a manager in Braith Anasta, while a loan deal could potentially buy time for Munster to decide his future beyond his current deal. "I'd be lying if I said I didn't want to play NRL every week," Pezet said. "As a kid you grow up and that's what you want to do. So of course I want to chase those opportunities. "But I'm just focused on putting my best foot forward every week, so that's when Belza (coach Craig Bellamy) picks me in the team." Melbourne hooker Harry Grant this week backed the idea of loans, speaking of the good it did him at Wests Tigers while stuck behind Cameron Smith in 2020. Asked whether a loan deal could be an option for him, Pezet said it was not something he wanted to be considering. "I think I'll leave that up to Braith and everyone at the club ... they'll sort it all out," Pezet said. "With Hughesy going down there's an opportunity there, and I'll keep putting my best foot forward so that when the time comes I'm ready for that wherever it might be. "Obviously the best footy I play, the more NRL I'm going to get, so that's what I'm focused on." The Storm have stuck with Tyran Wishart as Hughes' replacement at No.7, after the reigning Dally M Medallist dislocated his shoulder last month. Bellamy on Wednesday left the door open for Hughes to return before finals, with the 22-year-old avoiding surgery and back training away from the main squad. Melbourne have not got a specific plan for Pezet off the bench, who has had limited football in the past 16 months with an ACL rupture and subsequent setback. Pezet was brought on at halfback late in last week's win over Parramatta, with Wishart shifting to lock. "I'm definitely confident in my own ability to go out there and play 80 minutes of footy in the halfback position," Pezet said. "But that's not what's best for the team at the moment." Jonah Pezet says he wants to chase the opportunity to play in the NRL every week, but insists a loan deal away from Melbourne is not yet at the front of his mind. Melbourne's half-in-waiting for several years, Pezet has been named to come off the bench against Brisbane on Thursday night with Jahrome Hughes injured. Pezet is signed with the Storm until the end of 2029, but is believed to have a clause in his contract that allowed him to speak to rivals if Hughes re-signed. Hughes did so last week, extending his time in purple until 2030. The other factor is the future of Cameron Munster, who is contracted until the end of 2027 but been linked to potential Perth interest. Both Pezet and Munster share a manager in Braith Anasta, while a loan deal could potentially buy time for Munster to decide his future beyond his current deal. "I'd be lying if I said I didn't want to play NRL every week," Pezet said. "As a kid you grow up and that's what you want to do. So of course I want to chase those opportunities. "But I'm just focused on putting my best foot forward every week, so that's when Belza (coach Craig Bellamy) picks me in the team." Melbourne hooker Harry Grant this week backed the idea of loans, speaking of the good it did him at Wests Tigers while stuck behind Cameron Smith in 2020. Asked whether a loan deal could be an option for him, Pezet said it was not something he wanted to be considering. "I think I'll leave that up to Braith and everyone at the club ... they'll sort it all out," Pezet said. "With Hughesy going down there's an opportunity there, and I'll keep putting my best foot forward so that when the time comes I'm ready for that wherever it might be. "Obviously the best footy I play, the more NRL I'm going to get, so that's what I'm focused on." The Storm have stuck with Tyran Wishart as Hughes' replacement at No.7, after the reigning Dally M Medallist dislocated his shoulder last month. Bellamy on Wednesday left the door open for Hughes to return before finals, with the 22-year-old avoiding surgery and back training away from the main squad. Melbourne have not got a specific plan for Pezet off the bench, who has had limited football in the past 16 months with an ACL rupture and subsequent setback. Pezet was brought on at halfback late in last week's win over Parramatta, with Wishart shifting to lock. "I'm definitely confident in my own ability to go out there and play 80 minutes of footy in the halfback position," Pezet said. "But that's not what's best for the team at the moment."
Daily Telegraph
17 minutes ago
- Daily Telegraph
NRL 2025: Wayne Bennett tells Lewis Dodd he's free to leave the Rabbitohs, NRL 360, Braith Anasta, player transfers
Don't miss out on the headlines from NRL. Followed categories will be added to My News. Braith Anasta has described the Rabbitohs' signing of Lewis Dodd as 'one of the great recruitment blunders in NRL history' as reports emerged that coach Wayne Bennett had told the youngster he was free to leave the club. Bennett apparently had a meeting with the Englishman on Tuesday and told him he was free to look elsewhere in the NRL or overseas. Dodd has played just six NRL games in 2025, and just 68 minutes in the No. 7 jersey, despite signing a $2 million, three-year deal and a huge injury crisis at the club. FOX LEAGUE, available on Kayo Sports, is the only place to watch every game of every round in the 2025 NRL Telstra Premiership, LIVE with no ad-breaks during play. New to Kayo? Get your first month for just $1. Limited-time offer > Anasta, the host of NRL 360, gave a frank assessment of the Rabbitohs' decision to sign Dodd, who won a Super League title and a World Club Challenge title with St Helens. 'It's one of the great recruitment blunders in NRL history,' Anasta said on Wednesday night. 'I just can't get my head around how (CEO) Blake Solly, (football manager) Mark Ellison are the ones flying to England to sign a premier half for your club without the permission of a coach. Lewis Dodd's signing has been a disaster. NRL Photos 'I can't get my head around it.' Co-host Gorden Tallis believes the club would have run the signing of Dodd past coach Wayne Bennett. 'You would think (Bennett) would have been asked (about Dodd),' Tallis said. Anasta said Solly and Ellison needed to take responsibility for the decision to sign Dodd. 'The fact of the matter is 'Ello' and Blake have got their hands all over it, it's just whether Wayne knew or not,' Anasta added. 'Wayne might have had one fingerprint on it,' Tallis said. Anasta said he was always surprised by the Rabbitohs' decision to sign Dodd, given there were others playing in the Super League who seemed more suitable to join an NRL club. 'Everything I have heard out of the Super League, from coaches, players over there and even recruitment back here, is that there's four or five better candidates that could be better in our game over here, in the NRL,' Anasta said. 'I think there's just some accountability that needs to be taken there.' Tallis said he was 'shocked' the Rabbitohs are in last spot on the ladder, with Bennett rejoining the club this season. 'Probably shocked with the injuries, and I know Wayne, and normally Wayne Bennett coached sides compete really hard, they win against the odds, don't give up,' Tallis said. 'The way that they've sort of fallen apart, I think I am shocked, and if you went to every Souths fan, they wouldn't believe that they'd be in this position, no way.' Originally published as 'One of the greatest recruitment blunders': Blame game over who made $2m, 68-minute signing
Courier-Mail
6 hours ago
- Courier-Mail
NRL 2025: Wayne Bennett tells Lewis Dodd he's free to leave the Rabbitohs, NRL 360, Braith Anasta, player transfers
Don't miss out on the headlines from NRL. Followed categories will be added to My News. Braith Anasta has described the Rabbitohs' signing of Lewis Dodd as 'one of the great recruitment blunders in NRL history' as reports emerged that coach Wayne Bennett had told the youngster he was free to leave the club. Bennett apparently had a meeting with the Englishman on Tuesday and told him he was free to look elsewhere in the NRL or overseas. Dodd has played just six NRL games in 2025, and just 68 minutes in the No. 7 jersey, despite signing a $2 million, three-year deal and a huge injury crisis at the club. FOX LEAGUE, available on Kayo Sports, is the only place to watch every game of every round in the 2025 NRL Telstra Premiership, LIVE with no ad-breaks during play. New to Kayo? Get your first month for just $1. Limited-time offer > Anasta, the host of NRL 360, gave a frank assessment of the Rabbitohs' decision to sign Dodd, who won a Super League title and a World Club Challenge title with St Helens. 'It's one of the great recruitment blunders in NRL history,' Anasta said on Wednesday night. 'I just can't get my head around how (CEO) Blake Solly, (football manager) Mark Ellison are the ones flying to England to sign a premier half for your club without the permission of a coach. Lewis Dodd's signing has been a disaster. NRL Photos 'I can't get my head around it.' Co-host Gorden Tallis believes the club would have run the signing of Dodd past coach Wayne Bennett. 'You would think (Bennett) would have been asked (about Dodd),' Tallis said. Anasta said Solly and Ellison needed to take responsibility for the decision to sign Dodd. 'The fact of the matter is 'Ello' and Blake have got their hands all over it, it's just whether Wayne knew or not,' Anasta added. 'Wayne might have had one fingerprint on it,' Tallis said. Anasta said he was always surprised by the Rabbitohs' decision to sign Dodd, given there were others playing in the Super League who seemed more suitable to join an NRL club. Is Souths' 'top 8 side' in spoon danger? Video Player is loading. Play Video This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Opacity Opaque Semi-Transparent Text Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Opacity Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Caption Area Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Opacity Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Drop shadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Learn More X Loaded : 11.80% 0:00 Close Modal Dialog This is a modal window. This modal can be closed by pressing the Escape key or activating the close button. 01:16 SUBSCRIBER ONLY Is Souths' 'top 8 side' in spoon danger? avoid...... more more copping the wooden spoon. NRL: The NRL 360 panel discuss the shock that is the South Sydney Rabbitohs battling to ... more 'Everything I have heard out of the Super League, from coaches, players over there and even recruitment back here, is that there's four or five better candidates that could be better in our game over here, in the NRL,' Anasta said. 'I think there's just some accountability that needs to be taken there.' Tallis said he was 'shocked' the Rabbitohs are in last spot on the ladder, with Bennett rejoining the club this season. 'Probably shocked with the injuries, and I know Wayne, and normally Wayne Bennett coached sides compete really hard, they win against the odds, don't give up,' Tallis said. 'The way that they've sort of fallen apart, I think I am shocked, and if you went to every Souths fan, they wouldn't believe that they'd be in this position, no way.' Originally published as 'One of the greatest recruitment blunders': Blame game over who made $2m, 68-minute signing
