LeagueNews.co | Cooper McEnroe
In scenes reminiscent of a high-stakes penalty shootout, the Rabbitohs are facing a make-or-break moment as coach Jason Demetriou throws a curveball by sidelining star hooker Damien Cook for their showdown with Cronulla this weekend.
With the club teetering at the bottom of the NRL ladder like a shaky scrum, Demetriou's shock decision could be a game-changer as he battles to keep his spot on the coaching roster.
Demoted to the bench in their previous clash against arch-rivals the Roosters, Cook now finds himself out of the starting line-up altogether, with Peter Mamouzelos taking the reins as the new hooker.
The lineup shuffle has sent shockwaves through the team, leaving Cook on the sidelines and raising eyebrows among fans and commentators alike.
With key player Latrell Mitchell already sidelined due to suspension, Demetriou's risky move to sideline Cook further depletes the team's experience and firepower.
The absence of Mitchell, coupled with Cook's omission, leaves the Rabbitohs relying on younger talent to step up and fill the void left by seasoned veterans.
As the pressure mounts on Demetriou to deliver results, the stakes have never been higher for the embattled coach.
With rumors swirling about his future at the club, a win against the Sharks could be the lifeline he desperately needs to secure his position.
However, with doubts looming over his leadership and the team's performance, the clock is ticking for Demetriou to turn the tide and prove his worth on the field.