LeagueNews.co | Cooper McEnroe
Lewis Dodd, a young English recruit at Souths, may be facing the chopping block following the signing of Brandon Smith\.
Smith, a Roosters rake with a successful NRL and international track record, recently agreed to a two-year deal with the Rabbitohs\.
This has sparked speculation that Dodd, who has not yet played a minute in the NRL, could be pushed out to make room for Smith\.
Mark Ellison, Rabbitohs' recruitment manager, praised Smith's abilities and character, stating that he improves the players around him and gives his all on and off the field.
Additionally, Souths are reportedly in talks to extend Cody Walker's contract for the 2026 season, worth around $650,000\.
With Walker's potential extension and Smith's signing, it is suggested that the Rabbitohs may need to make a "brutal" decision to release Dodd\.
Dave Riccio, a league journalist, mentioned that Souths management has already begun discussions to keep Walker, despite his age\.
The salary cap constraints at Souths, with only $150,000 available, are limiting their ability to accommodate Smith this season\.
This financial situation could also impact their decisions for the 2026 season, leading to the potential release of Dodd, who is on a similar salary to Walker.
The pressure to free up cap space and accommodate key players like Smith and Walker may force Souths to part ways with Dodd, who has a hefty $650,000 salary\.
Despite Dodd's promising talent, the financial realities of the club's salary cap situation may necessitate this move for Souths to remain competitive in the future.