Rabbitohs Young Star Earns Contract Upgrade
Ashton Ward, a promising talent from the South Sydney Rabbitohs, has successfully had his contract elevated to the club's Top 30.
He made his NRL debut in mid-2025 after joining the club under a NSW Cup deal, as the Rabbitohs faced a significant injury crisis.
Since then, Ward has remained on that contract, participating in 13 NRL games, with six in the previous season and seven thus far this year.
Beginning the current season as the Rabbitohs' halfback, he returned to first grade in Round 10, stepping in as coach Wayne Bennett sought alternatives to Jamie Humphreys, who was headed to the Perth Bears.
Ward has been a key player since returning against the Sharks, delivering standout performances during victories in Rounds 15 and 17 against the Brisbane Broncos and Parramatta Eels.
According to News Corp, the Rabbitohs, having had an available spot, chose to promote Ward before the crucial June 30 deadline.
Under the NRL's contract regulations, all teams are required to field a full squad of 30 players by the June 30 cutoff, after which player transfers are prohibited.
This year's deadline saw several player transactions, including Junior Tupou moving from the Sydney Roosters to Wests Tigers, Luke Laulilii transferring from Wests Tigers to New Zealand Warriors, and Ativalu Lisati signing with the English Super League from Melbourne Storm.
The sole exception to this rule permits teams to keep any player who was in their squad at the start of Round 1 without needing immediate replacement.