South Sydney are at risk of the greatest capitulation of the NRL era, with the Rabbitohs set to create unwanted history if they fall from top of the ladder to out of the finals in three-and-a-half months.
Leading the competition as recently as round 11, the besieged Rabbitohs enter Friday night’s final-round clash with arch-rivals Sydney Roosters fighting to keep their season alive.
Sam Burgess’ exit as assistant coach, concerns over Jason Demetriou’s supposed light handling of Latrell Mitchell and Cody Walker, and scathing criticism of Mitchell from club great Clive Churchill’s son Rodney have dominated headlines in the past week.
But the reality is, the Rabbitohs have equally big issues on the field.
Not since 1992 – and prior to the league adopting a top-eight finals system – has a team gone from top of the ladder in round 11 or later to out of the finals.
The collapse has come as Souths’ defence has dipped significantly, going from conceding 13.64 points per game through the first 11 rounds to 27.41 in 12 matches since.
Equally concerning for Souths is their record without Mitchell in 2023, with the superstar No.1 to miss Friday night’s blockbuster through suspension.
While the 26-year-old’s form has been questioned in the past month, the Rabbitohs are 10-6 with him in the side this year and 2-4 without him.
Former Rabbitohs captain Adam Reynolds defended Mitchell and Walker on Monday, saying he had never experienced issues with either amidst the team dynamic at Souths.
Latrell Mitchell with Rabbitohs coach Jason Demetriou. (Photo by Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images)
Now eying off a premiership charge at Brisbane, Reynolds said he was unsure how Demetriou had treated the pair, but had not seen preferential treatment from previous coaches at Redfern.
“I don’t know the dynamics of what is going on behind the scenes but (Latrell) was always fantastic to work with when I was there, as well as all the other boys,” Reynolds said
“They were a good group of boys. They were tight knit.
“I’m not sure what has gone on the last two years. I’ve got things to worry about up here now. My focus cant be down there.”
Reynolds also said it was important for Mitchell to block out the heavy criticism from people including Rodney Churchill, and not become too caught up in the situation.
“It is important for Latrell to stick to himself and solid to what he believes in,” Reynolds said.
“It is an opinion. Not everyone thinks the same way. Everyone has the right to an opinion.”
SSTID
Roar Rookie
He is a good human being that Reynolds. No need to step into this space, but he did with compassion. But to go back to the line about defence before and after round 11. How do you go from conceding 13.64 points per game through to conceding 27.41 points per game after round 11???? This is the real problem - the rest is superfluous. Something changed and I don't know what - mindset, structure or technique. If anything I have noticed more a technique that they employ about managed assist to the ground. They seem to concentrate on bringing the attacker to the ground in some manged way (possibly as one way to slow down the play the ball). While other notable clubs go up and at them hard - trying to push the attacker back into the line. Souths do this occasionally, but not consistently. Maybe you should try to get an explanation for the sudden change in points per game from the defence coach.
Dutski
Roar Guru
Everyone is going off way too early. Mitchell or not, the opposition this weekend is a Roosters that traditionally don’t play well without JWH and will be without Manu. South’s have their outs too but they always lift for these games and as many many Bunnies supporters keep reminding everyone, in the corresponding game last year towelled up the Chooks massively. You’d be mad to write the Bunnies off before the final whistle.
Gray-Hand
Roar Rookie
More like put him in an armlock and marched him out of the premises.
Phil
Roar Rookie
The only positive out of the Souths debacle is it's taken the spotlight off St George. After all the garbage Saints have gone through, it's relieving to see another club cop the flak.
Panthers
Roar Rookie
South Sydney have only missed the finals twice so far from 2013? Pretty impressive stuff & difficult to achieve.
Tony
Roar Guru
Letting Adam Reynolds walk is proving to be one of the dumbest decisions of the NRL era.
steveng
Roar Rookie
Let's just see what pans out on Friday night, yes we've had a big flop and its been a big earner for the media also, but having everyone and the media harping on this week in and week out is just getting monotonous! All Bunnies fans are right behind and supporting the Mighty Bunnies, as the boys will come through this period and be in 8th spot, and after that just wait, as Latrell Mitchell will have a blinder in the finals GO YOU MIGHTY BUNNIES :thumbup: