The Rabbitohs started life impressively under the watch of the legendary coach, but even Bennett couldn’t mastermind a way out of trouble when the issues started to pile up at the club.

Souths managed to avoid the wooden spoon thanks to some wins late in the year and they will be looking to wipe the slate clean and establish themselves as a fixture in the finals once again in 2026.

South Sydney Rabbitohs predicted team list for Round 1

1. Jye Gray
2. Alex Johnston
3. Jack Wighton
4. Campbell Graham
5. Edward Kosi
6. Latrell Mitchell
7. Cody Walker
8. Jai Arrow
9. Peter Mamouzelos
10. Keaon Koloamatangi
11. Tallis Duncan
12. David Fifita
13. Cameron Murray

14. Jayden Sullivan
15. Euan Aitken
16. Lachlan Hubner
17. Tevita Tatola

Rabbitohs latest team news ahead of Round 1

There is an interesting decision to be made throughout the summer on whether Latrell Mitchell or Jye Gray are handed the No.1 jersey. However, the latter seems to be in pole position to start at fullback after an impresssive 2025.

Alex Johnston has the left wing locked down as he prepares to break Ken Irvine’s all-time tryscoring record.

On the opposite flank, Wayne Bennett has more options at his disposal with New Zealand pair Edward Kosi and Moala Graham-Taufa landing at the club.

The duo’s arrival is a welcome boost after Isaiah Tass suffered a torn ACL while playing carnival footy in the off-season and will miss the first half of the year.

Meanwhile, Tyrone Munro has been sidelined indefinitely due to the no-fault stand-down policy after being charged with assault.

Campbell Graham has endured an injury-plagued past two years, but he will be hoping to put that behind him. He will hold down one position in the centres, while Jack Wighton will take the other.

Cody Walker will grab the No.6 jersey and will be partnered by Jamie Humphreys in the halves usually.

However, the latter picked up a suspension late in 2025 and will miss the season opener. So, Mitchell could line up at five-eighth in his absence.

Jonah Glover has been brought across from St George Illawarra after a stellar season in the NSW Cup and could be firmly in the frame when it comes to cover for injuries to playmakers.

One man who won’t be in the mix is Lewis Dodd after the English import failed to impress at the Bunnies. The former St Helens halfback was granted permission to move elsewhere and has ended up at Catalans.

Gerome Burns was forced into an early retirement as the playmaker was unable to overcome a knee injury.

Tevita Tatola has been hampered by injuries for the past three years that has restricted his appearances in matches.

He could start up front with Keaon Koloamatangi likely partnering him in the engine room after the forward excelled following his positional switch last season. Yet Jai Arrow is also in contention to start at prop as the club’s stocks in the backrow look healthy.

Peter Mamouzelos could be handed the No.9 jersey, although he will face competition from new recruit Bronson Garlick.

Tallis Duncan had a brilliant end to the 2025 season and will start as the favourite to hold down a spot in the backrow. Euan Aitken will be his biggest competitor for a starting role on an edge.

Star recruit David Fifita will likely get the nod in the backrow, with Cameron Murray making a welcome return to the starting side at lock after the skipper missed almost the entirety of the last campaign due to an Achilles injury he suffered in pre-season.

Jayden Sullivan has been re-signed after intially being brought to the club on a loan deal. The playmaker was released from his contract with the Wests Tigers and has inked a two-year deal at Redfern.

He could be used as the utility off the bench after seeing his 2025 campaign ended by a serious leg injury.

Lachlan Hubner had a solid first season in Redfern following his move from the Dolphins and will earn a spot on the bench. Sean Keppie could also grab more time in the forward rotation, as Davvy Moale inches towards the exit door.

Liam Le Blanc and Max McCarthy started to force their way into Bennett’s calculations amid the horror injury toll last season and will be there or thereabouts for a place in the 17 again.

Josh Schuster‘s short stay at the club has come to an end, while the likes of Shaq Mitchell, Siliva Havili and Jacob Host have also left.

Brandon Smith became embroiled in an off-field scandal and it is currently unclear whether or not he will be available for selection in Round 1.