Fascinating dilemma facing Bennett over 'problem child'

One of the worst starts to a season since Souths were founded in 1908 ensured this would be one of the sorriest years in the Rabbitohs' history. Regarded as a big chance for finals footy back in March, the Rabbitohs lost nine of their first 10 games and never looked like making up the lost ground. Popular coach Jason Demetriou was a casualty of the terrible start, replaced by Ben Hornby who warmed the seat for his mentor Wayne Bennett in 2025. The club did enjoy a brief revival mid-season, winning six games from seven, to give their fans hope of finals footy. But it was all too brief, with losses in their last seven straight games capping a year to forget, with only the Tigers finishing behind the battered Bunnies on the ladder. Marquee man Latrell Mitchell managed just 11 games, his season marred by ill discipline on and off the field and it will be fascinating to see how renowned hardman Bennett handles his talented problem child. Souths' other magic man Cody Walker had a better season - 21 try assists from 21 games - but didn't look a happy camper for much of the year. Big signing Jack Wighton was something of a disappointment in his first season in red and green, playing some good footy but overall not finding his Canberra form. Inspirational skipper Cam Murray struggled with injury throughout the year, playing only 14 games, and they took a toll on him as he did much of the defensive work up front. Damien Cook had some good touches in his final season at the club and the heat will be on youngster Peter Mamouzelos to steer the team around the park in 2025. Special mention for Thomas Burgess, the last member of the marvellous family dynasty, who played his heart out in his final season, appearing in every game and scoring a try and booting a goal in his farewell appearance.

South Sydney Rabbitohs: 2023 finish: 9th | 2024 finish: 16th.

2025 gains: Jamie Humphreys (Sea Eagles), Euan Aitken (Dolphins), Lewis Dodd (St Helens)

2025 losses: Thomas Burgess (Huddersfield), Damien Cook (Dragons).

Rabbitohs' secret Panthers 'ambush' plan revealed

They are missing five key forwards and are given little chance of victory - but Souths are planning an old fashioned ambush of premiers Penrith tonight.Without Keaon Koloamatangi, Tevita Tatola, Siliva Havili, Liam Knight and Shaquai Mitchell, the Bunnies look like cannon fodder up front for the Penrith machine.But the Panthers could be in for a shock if they think it will be an easy victory at Homebush."No one out there thinks we can win but that is what is spurring us on," a senior Souths official told Wide World of Sports."We are going to come out with all we have and hope to ambush them."They are a great team, but this year it's been shown that they are beatable."If we play at our best, we are a chance."They have a five-day turnaround and we have a week so that is something in our favour."To add to the Bunnies' woes, they are also expected to lose much-improved winger Izaac Tu'itupou Thompson with a knee injury.He is set to be replaced by the experienced Taane Milne.That could lead to an interesting situation tonight … the last time the teams met, Milne was sent off for an horrific high shot on Panthers forward Spencer Leniu in a spiteful affair in the finals, which Penrith won 32-12.

What's going on at Melbourne?

Keaon Koloamatangi has come of age this season and has been leading the way for the Rabbitohs up front.The big man took on the Storm pack on Saturday and was the most damaging forward on the field.Koloamatangi scored the game's opening try after less than two minutes and ran for 189 metres as the Bunnies scored a rare win against the team that has had the wood on them for ages.The Storm have now lost four straight games for only the fourth time in 20 years, and while there are some injuries, coach Craig Bellamy admits he is lost for answers. 

Unheralded south powerhouse shines

Mark down Keaon Koloamatangi as one of the big improvers in the early stages of 2021. The big man doesn't get many headlines but he was a key figure in Souths' remarkable comeback 40-30 win over the Titans. A powerhouse forward with good ball skills, Koloamatangi produced two try assists as Souths came back from the dead to score a rousing win. The guile of Wayne Bennett should ensure that Koloamatangi gets better and better as the season continues.