LeagueNews.co | Jason Patrick
In what can only be described as a classic case of high-stakes maneuvering, Souths boss Blake Solly has dropped a bombshell by disclosing that the legendary Kangaroos coach Mal Meninga was sounded out for the Rabbitohs coaching gig without the official nod from the club.
The rugby league world was left reeling as reports surfaced of a mysterious "multi-millionaire supporter" and third-party sponsor approaching Meninga about the possibility of taking the reins at Souths.
This unexpected move has added fuel to the fire surrounding the future of Jason Demetriou, who finds himself under immense pressure with Souths languishing at the bottom of the ladder after a string of disappointing results.
Speculation has been rife that Demetriou's time may be running out, with whispers suggesting that esteemed figures like Meninga, Sam Burgess, and Wayne Bennett could be waiting in the wings to swoop in.
However, Demetriou has received a temporary reprieve following a gutsy performance against the Sharks in their recent outing, buying him some time before a final decision is made on his fate following clashes with the Storm and Panthers.
The plot thickens with revelations from The Daily Telegraph's Phil Rothfield, who disclosed on the Big Sports Breakfast radio show that a figure known as 'The Art Dealer' in NRL circles, Steve Misecki, was the mastermind behind the surprise approach to Meninga.
Described as a successful and influential figure, Misecki's bold move has thrown a curveball into Souths' already tumultuous situation as they navigate through this tumultuous chapter in their storied history.