LeagueNews.co | Jess Malloy
Demetriou is facing a "make or break" period as he navigates the turmoil at South Sydney following the shock exit of Sam Burgess.
The former assistant coach and club great's departure has raised eyebrows just weeks before the NRL finals.
Burgess reportedly had concerns about the declining standards at the club and the preferential treatment given to stars Latrell Mitchell and Cody Walker.
Souths officials, however, have denied these claims and stated that Burgess left to focus on his impending fatherhood and his new coaching role at Warrington next year.
Wayne Bennett, who mentored Demetriou before he took on the head coaching role, acknowledged the immense challenge his protégé now faces but expressed confidence in his ability to lead the club through this difficult period.
Bennett emphasized the pressure on Demetriou and the team, as their performance has fallen short of expectations.