LeagueNews.co | Cooper McEnroe
In a bold move reminiscent of a last-minute try, coach Jason Demetriou is set to shake things up once again for the South Sydney Rabbitohs as they prepare to face off against their arch rivals, the Sydney Roosters.
After sending halfback Lachlan Ilias back to the NSW Cup, Demetriou is now reportedly planning to bench seasoned hooker Damien Cook in favor of Siliva Havili in the starting dummy-half role.
This unexpected move has raised eyebrows among fans and pundits alike, with many questioning the wisdom behind the decision.
The Rabbitohs, who have struggled to find their footing in recent matches, are facing the very real possibility of starting the season at the bottom of the ladder with a winless streak.
Cook, a stalwart of the team with over 180 matches under his belt, has not found himself in this situation since a showdown against the Cronulla Sharks back in 2017, under the leadership of Robbie Farah.
This controversial selection is not just about shaking things up for the sake of it.
It also hints at a potential changing of the guard, with promising young gun Peter Mamouzelos waiting in the wings to take over the hooker role in the long term.
As the Rabbitohs look to secure their place in the future of Rugby League, Demetriou's decision could prove to be a pivotal moment in the team's journey.