Wayne Bennett is reportedly planning to unleash Latrell Mitchell and new recruit David Fifita as part of a devastating left edge for Souths next season. And it’s understood Jye Gray has knocked back a lucrative offer from rebel rugby competition R360, and is set to sign a new long-term deal to remain at the Rabbitohs.

Fifita put pen to paper on a two-year deal with Souths this week after the Titans agreed to release him from the final year of a contract worth around $1 million. Gold Coast are set to cover $500,000 of the former Origin star’s contract for the next two seasons at Souths. And that could be a superb piece of business for the Bunnies if Bennett can help the 25-year-old rediscover the form that made him one of the most damaging edge forwards in the NRL.

Fifita endured an injury-ravaged 2025 that saw him feature in just eight games for the Titans. And his fitness concerns and inconsistent form would have factored heavily into Gold Coast’s decision to grant the wrecking ball an early release.

David Fifita set to feature in a lethal left edge for Souths

But if anyone can get Fifita back to his best, it’s seven-time premiership-winning coach Bennett. According to reports from Fox Sports, the master coach is planning to unleash Fifita and Mitchell together on a dangerous left edge that also includes Cody Walker and try-scoring machine Alex Johnston. That follows recent revelations that Mitchell will make a permanent shift to left centre in 2026.

If the Rabbitohs quartet can stay on the park and play an extended run of games together, it could be the most lethal left edge in the competition. But it’s a big ‘if’ considering Mitchell and Walker have both also experienced their fair share of injuries in recent seasons.

Mitchell only managed 11 games for Souths this season due to injuries, suspension and State of Origin commitments. While the 35-year-old Walker only managed 10 games after a number of different soft tissue complaints. The veteran playmaker was superb off the bench for the Bunnies in the latter stage of the season though.

Walker and Mitchell share an incredible on-field understanding and with the destructive power and attacking threat of Fifita thrown in, Rabbitohs fans have plenty of reasons to get excited about the new season. The emergence of Gray as another dynamic avenue of attack leaves Bennett flushed with options.