South Sydney Rabbitohs make seven-player signing spree headlined by rookie halfback

South Sydney have unveiled a seven-player signing spree, headlined by two players who made their NRL debuts this season.

After impressing in his first handful of appearances in the top grade, young halfback Ashton Ward has been rewarded with an extension for the 2026 season.

One of the smallest players in the competition, Ward played well above his weight and looks to be a potential long-term No.7 for the Rabbitohs.

“Ashton joined us from the Dragons this year and we wanted to see how he would develop his game at the Jersey Flegg and NSW Cup levels,” Mark Ellison said.

“He has shown he can match it at the NRL level as well.

“He has earned his opportunity to play at the top level and his development will be all the better for the opportunities he has had to play first grade this year.

“He is eager to continue to learn and develop his game on both sides of the ball, and we look forward to continuing that work with him next season.”

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Among the other players to re-sign is outside back Bayleigh Bentley-Hape, who was in and out of the Souths line-up this season and filled the holes left by multiple injuries.

Middle-forward Tim Johannssen has also re-signed for 2026.

“Bayleigh also earned his shot at a berth in the NRL in 2025, and we were pleased to see him play plenty of NRL football last season,” Ellison continued.

“His attacking style and his goal kicking were both strong strings to his bow and we are very happy to see him extend his time here at South Sydney.

“Tim joined us last season having made an NRL debut at the Tigers and he went very close to earning a start in our NRL squad last season.

“He is a no-nonsense middle forward and we look forward to working with him throughout the year to help him play his best football.”

Australian Schoolboys representative Dayne Jennings has also extended his contract for a further season, keeping him in the cardinal and myrtle until the end of 2028.

The club have also added young New Zealand flyer Dean Tauaa until 2029, while rugby union prospect The Rabbitohs have also Saumaki Saumaki has signed for 2026.

Charlie Poynton rounds out the signings, inking a one-year contract.

The club also confirmed this week that Jayden Sullivan would remain at Redfern for the 2026 and 2027 seasons after earning an official release from the Wests Tigers.