LeagueNews.co | Jason Patrick
In a move that has sent shockwaves through the South Sydney camp, the legendary Wayne Bennett has taken the reins as the new coach and wasted no time in laying down the law to his players.
After missing out on the NRL finals for two consecutive years, Bennett made it clear to the Rabbitohs that their performance simply wasn't up to scratch.
The 2024 season was nothing short of a disaster for Souths, with star player Latrell Mitchell finding himself in hot water more often than not.
According to reports from the Daily Telegraph, Bennett didn't mince his words when he told the team that their attitude, fitness, and work ethic were all falling short of the mark.
With his no-nonsense approach, Bennett held a meeting with the entire squad to drive home the message that changes needed to be made ahead of the upcoming 2025 season.
One insider revealed to the Daily Telegraph that Bennett left no room for ambiguity, stating, "Wayne didn't mess around.
That's just how he rolls."
Renowned for his ability to inspire and motivate players, Bennett issued a challenge to the Rabbitohs, telling them that they were lacking the respect of their competitors in the NRL.
It's a wake-up call that he hopes will ignite a fire within the team and push them to new heights.
Additionally, Bennett sat down with Mitchell for a private chat to discuss the direction of his career.
With Bennett at the helm, South Sydney can expect a new era of tough love and accountability as they strive to reclaim their position among the league's elite.
The Rabbitohs will need to dig deep and show a renewed sense of determination if they hope to turn their fortunes around under the guidance of the seasoned mentor.