After concluding their season, every team conducts an internal end-of-season assessment, and the forthcoming success of South Sydney in 2024 hinges on the honesty displayed during this closed-door reflection.
Coach Jason Demetriou is deeply troubled by the stark reality that the Rabbitohs, despite leading the league after 11 rounds, inexplicably failed to secure a spot in the finals. While possessing the offensive strength to compete with any NRL team, South Sydney succumbed to the pressures of the late-season stretch, leading to their unexpected absence from the finals.
To compound matters, internal issues emerged as assistant coaches Sam Burgess and John Morris opted to depart while the club was still contending in the finals.
Accusations suggesting that marquee players Latrell Mitchell and Cody Walker received preferential treatment, allowing them to train less than their teammates, require thorough investigation. Coach Jason Demetriou must take steps to eradicate such talk and ensure that it becomes a thing of the past.
The inclusion of Jack Wighton in an already formidable backline positions Souths as a team with the potential to make significant strides in 2024. However, they must overcome the shadows of their previous season’s downfall if they aim to re-establish themselves as a dominant force.
PRESSURE ON YOUNG PLAYMAKER
Lachlan Ilias, a rising star at the No.7 position for the Rabbitohs, has the potential to guide Souths to a premiership, but this outcome is still uncertain. While Ilias may lack the sophistication and experience of the NRL’s top-tier halves, he enjoys the support of Demetriou and the valuable lessons learned from the challenges of the 2023 season, which are expected to contribute to his development as a player.
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