Mitchell’s absence makes the situation even more incredible at Souths.
Wayne Bennett’s reputation as a master coach is nothing new, but few could have predicted how quickly he’s been able to transform South Sydney’s fortunes in 2025. When you consider Latrell Mitchell and Cameron Murray – the Rabbitohs’ two best players – have been missing, it makes South Sydney’s flying start to the new season all the more impressive. And with Mitchell set to return from injury next week, the Bunnies loom as a scary proposition for their NRL rivals.
Souths eked out narrow victories in the opening two rounds against Bennett’s former clubs, the Dolphins and the Dragons. They were then dealt a reality check in round three by an impressive Cronulla side that many have tipped to finish in the top-four this season. But Thursday night’s stunning 28-18 upset of four-time defending premiers Penrith, proved the Bunnies will be finals contenders again in 2025, after a disappointing 16th-placed finish last year.
Yes, the Panthers were missing key players in fullback Dylan Edwards and superstar halfback Nathan Cleary, but the manner in which the Bunnies dismantled Penrith’s normally mean defence was frightening. The Rabbitohs left the defending premiers and many around the NRL world gobsmacked after racing out to a 28-0 lead in the opening half, with veteran five-eighth Cody Walker, Keaon Koloamatangi and stand-in fullback Jye Gray all impressing.
Gray has been a revelation filling in for Mitchell in the No.1 jersey this season and Bennett will have a big decision to make about how best to fit both players into his 17-man squad when his marquee fullback returns next round to face the Roosters. The master coach has already suggested Mitchell will reclaim the No.1 jumper, with Gray tipped to slot into an interchange role.
Mitchell looks fit and raring to go and his return makes Souths an even scarier proposition. The 27-year-old has always enjoyed a close relationship with Bennett, who seems to be able to get the best out of the mercurial fullback. But Walker and Koloamatangi also look to have a new lease of life under the master coach, with the latter looking leaner and fitter than ever after shedding around 10kg in the off-season.
Many critics believe the Bunnies of 2024 would have lost those first two games but the team looks to have a harder edge this season and their improved fitness levels will help them go a long way. Perhaps just as importantly, the Bunnies seem to be a happy unit this year and former premiership winner Matty Johns says the influence of the veteran coach has been immense.
Wayne Bennett factor has Rabbitohs flying in 2025
“When Wayne went back there, suddenly there was a smile on their faces, particularly Cody Walker,” Johns told SEN radio on Friday. “And they were terrific last night (against the Panthers).” Walker’s one try assist did not even go close to telling the full story about his performance on Thursday night, with his kicking game frequently getting the Bunnies out of trouble, earning his side repeat sets or pinning Penrith down in their own half.
Koloamatangi was also outstanding in a two-try performance, and looks the man most likely to step up in the forward pack in the absence of rep lock, Murray. League reporter Michael Carayannis told SEN: “Keaon flies under the radar every time you watch the Rabbitohs play, sometimes for some reason he can get lost in the noise a bit. But then you look at the stats, he’s run for 200 meters… I don’t know why people don’t appreciate how consistent he is but he has been consistent for at least two or three years.”
