LeagueNews.co | Jason Patrick
Ben Lovett, who faced medical retirement earlier this year at just 23, has officially joined the South Sydney Rabbitohs in an off-field capacity.
Throughout his career, Lovett struggled with injuries, particularly knee problems, limiting him to only three appearances in the NRL with the Rabbitohs despite being recognized as a promising junior talent from the Parkes Spacemen.
Though he won't be playing anymore, Lovett has been appointed as an assistant coach for the club's Under-21s Jersey Flegg Cup team.
In his new role, he will work alongside Scott Kenna, who remains the head coach after joining the team following a tenure with the Manly Sea Eagles. The coaching staff also includes former NRL utility Yileen Gordon, who will continue as an assistant coach for a second consecutive season after his retirement in 2024.
Lovett's playing career began with the South Sydney Rabbitohs from 2004 to 2008, during which he participated in 34 matches. He later joined the Canterbury Bulldogs (2009-10), adding another 34 games to his record over two seasons. His final appearance in the NRL came in 2011 when he played three matches for the Penrith Panthers.