Stunning news about Latrell Mitchell as Wayne Bennett divides with brutal axing
But the superstar fullback was named on the extended bench for the Rabbitohs' clash with the Titans in Round 22. Named in jersey 22, it means Mitchell could be a late inclusion in what would be a boost to Bennett's quest to avoid a first-ever wooden spoon.
Souths are equal on points with the Titans (16) after just six wins from 20 games in 2025. Their inferior points-differential has them below the Titans on the ladder and sitting dead-last heading into Round 22. A loss to the Gold Coast on Sunday would be a hammer blow to Bennett, who's never received the wooden spoon in his long and illustrious coaching career.
The late inclusion of Mitchell could see Jye Gray shift to the halves from fullback, although Mitchell could be utilised in the centres to replace Tallis Duncan. A back-rower by trade, Duncan has been forced to play in the outside backs due to the Rabbitohs' insane injury crisis.
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Wayne Bennett divides fans with axing of Lewis Dodd
Despite being without a plethora of first-grade players, Bennett has still found a reason not to pick Englishman Dodd. The $600,000-per season recruit started at halfback last week against the Broncos, but was powerless to stop a 60-14 loss for Souths.
The Englishman has paid the price for the record defeat, with Jamie Humphreys and Ashton Ward picked in the halves instead. Bennett has been reluctant to pick Dodd all season, after the half was signed by former coach Jason Demetriou last year.
Speaking on SEN radio on Tuesday, former NRL player Joel Caine said the writing is on the wall for Dodd that he needs to leave the club. "You've got to feel for Lewis Dodd. Just get out of there mate," Caine said. "What a rollercoaster ride it's been for him.
"He came out here and won a World Club Challenge against Penrith (with St Helens), and was very close to man of the match. And now he's found himself behind Ashton Ward. Bennett is just not a fan of him."
Souths fans were also left questioning why Dodd hasn't been given more of chance. He played in the Round 21 loss to Cronulla, which could have been a bigger margin if not for a brilliant try-saver he made on Nicho Hynes.
One person wrote on social media: "South Sydney recruitment, just a sad story with no questions raised, zero accountability." Another commented: "Lewis Dodd once again hard done by." While a third added: "Won't be able to blame Dodd this week when you get beat by the Titans. Let's see what what excuses come out after the game."
Lewis Dodd insists he's staying at Souths
Despite being forced to spend the majority of his time in reserve-grade, Dodd previously stated he won't be angling for a release from his three-year deal. "Wayne likes playing tricks with people, you know what he's like. I can't say a bad word about anything. I'm here for three years," Dodd said last month.
"That's the plan. I've done it this year, and got a bit of a chance now. We'll see where that will take me to the off-season and start of next (season)."
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8 hours ago
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Major boost for Wallabies as overseas player rule lifted for Springbok tour
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New York Times
8 hours ago
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Yahoo
14 hours ago
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Huge boost for Scott Boland as Nathan Lyon overlooked in predicted Ashes Test team
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