South Sydney Rabbitohs: 2023 finish: 9th | 2024 finish: 16th
One of the worst starts to a season since Souths were founded in 1908 ensured this would be one of the sorriest years in the Rabbitohs‘ history.
Regarded as a big chance for finals footy back in March, the Rabbitohs lost nine of their first 10 games and never looked like making up the lost ground.
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Popular coach Jason Demetriou was a casualty of the terrible start, replaced by Ben Hornby who warmed the seat for his mentor Wayne Bennett in 2025.
The club did enjoy a brief revival mid-season, winning six games from seven, to give their fans hope of finals footy.
But it was all too brief, with losses in their last seven straight games capping a year to forget, with only the Tigers finishing behind the battered Bunnies on the ladder.
Marquee man Latrell Mitchell managed just 11 games, his season marred by ill discipline on and off the field and it will be fascinating to see how renowned hardman Bennett handles his talented problem child.
Souths’ other magic man Cody Walker had a better season – 21 try assists from 21 games – but didn’t look a happy camper for much of the year.
Big signing Jack Wighton was something of a disappointment in his first season in red and green, playing some good footy but overall not finding his Canberra form.
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Inspirational skipper Cam Murray struggled with injury throughout the year, playing only 14 games, and they took a toll on him as he did much of the defensive work up front.
Damien Cook had some good touches in his final season at the club and the heat will be on youngster Peter Mamouzelos to steer the team around the park in 2025.
Special mention for Thomas Burgess, the last member of the marvellous family dynasty, who played his heart out in his final season, appearing in every game and scoring a try and booting a goal in his farewell appearance.
Best player: Keaon Koloamatangi – the powerhouse front-rower started the year slowly but hit top form mid-season and carried the Souths pack for much of the year. A real force up front.
Needs to lift: Latrell Mitchell – Souths have given the enigmatic superstar a kick up the butt after the white powder incident late in the season and he needs to get his act together – both on and off the field.
Key signing: Halfback has been a real problem spot for Souths since the departure of Adam Reynolds and Jamie Humphreys’ arrival from Manly could solve that headache.
2025 gains: Jamie Humphreys (Sea Eagles), Euan Aitken (Dolphins), Lewis Dodd (St Helens)
2025 losses: Thomas Burgess (Huddersfield), Damien Cook (Dragons).