Despite a tough season, the Rabbitohs could contend if key players and Coach Bennett stay healthy.
It may seem unlikely to label a team that finished last season in 14th place as contenders for the premiership, especially with minimal high-profile acquisitions. However, the South Sydney Rabbitohs possess one of the strongest rosters in the NRL if their key players remain healthy.
Last season, captain Cameron Murray played just 1 match, while hooker Brandon Smith featured in 5, prop Tevita Tatola in 9, and backs Cody Walker, Campbell Graham, and Latrell Mitchell managed only 11 appearances each, totaling just 48 matches among them for the Rabbitohs.
All these players are representative stars eager for a successful 2026 under the guidance of master coach Wayne Bennett, who has the distinction of being the longest-serving and most successful coach in the sport's history.
Throughout his illustrious career, which began in Canberra in 1987, Bennett has secured six premierships with the Broncos, one with the Dragons, and reached the grand final three additional times, including with Souths in 2021. Despite this impressive history, he faced one of his toughest seasons in 2025, marked by the Rabbitohs' record of only nine victories.