LeagueNews.co | Jason Patrick
Despite the disappointing season, Rabbitohs coach Jason Demetriou has been rewarded with a contract extension through to 2026.
The announcement comes after a series of changes within the club, including the departure of Sam Burgess from the coaching staff.
Demetriou's extension had been in the works since late June, but the officials chose to delay the announcement.
The Rabbitohs' 9th-place finish in 2023 marked a significant downfall for a team that had consistently made it to the NRL finals since 2016.
Their season took a turn for the worse after injuries to key players like Latrell Mitchell and Campbell Graham, as well as a decline in their defensive performance.
The team's capitulation after being at the top of the table in round 11 made unwanted history, as it has been over three decades since a team in a similar position missed out on the finals.
This added to the pressure on Demetriou, who had to address concerns about his management of star players Mitchell and Cody Walker.
Despite the challenges faced during the season, the Rabbitohs' decision to extend Demetriou's contract reflects their confidence in his ability to lead the team to success.
The coach will now have the opportunity to build a strong foundation for the 2024 NRL season and beyond.
Demetriou's contract extension is a testament to his resilience and determination to overcome setbacks.
With the support of the Rabbitohs' officials, he will have the chance to prove his critics wrong and guide the team back to their winning ways.
The club's decision to invest in Demetriou's long-term future demonstrates their commitment to building a successful and competitive team.