LeagueNews.co | Jess Malloy
South Sydney's latest recruit, Englishman Lewis Dodd, is feeling the pressure cooker of NRL competition early on as doubts emerge about his ability to secure the halfback position for the Rabbitohs' season opener next month.
In a trial loss to Manly, Dodd failed to make a significant impact, leaving former champion halfbacks Cooper Cronk and Greg Alexander unimpressed.
Former Manly utility Jamie Humphreys is poised to partner Cody Walker in the halves unless Dodd can produce something special in the upcoming Charity Shield against St George Illawarra.
Despite high expectations for the Super League import, questions remain about whether Dodd is up to the challenge of NRL football.
Veteran broadcaster Peter Peters, a keen observer of English imports over the past five decades, acknowledged that Dodd is already facing scrutiny but urged patience from fans.
"Dodd didn't shine against Manly, leaving Souths supporters hoping for a standout performance from the former St Helens No.7 disappointed," he remarked on Sky Sports Radio.