South Sydney Rabbitohs 2026 season preview
2025 recap
The Rabbitohs had a poor campaign in 2025, although in their defence, no side was hit harder by injuries.
The top eight never looked likely and there was the distinct possibility of a wooden spoon until a late rally towards the end of the year saw them pull away from the bottom three places, but only just.
2025 position: 14th
Key signings
Edward Kosi (New Zealand Warriors), Moala Graham-Taufa (New Zealand Warriors), Bronson Garlick (Melbourne Storm), Jonah Glover (St. Geore Illawarra Dragons), Latrell Siegwalt (Souths Logan), John Radel (Mackay Cutters), David Fifita (Gold Coast Titans), Adam Elliott (Newcastle Knights)
Key departures
Mikaele Ravalawa (Castleford Tigers), Haizyn Mellars (New Zealand Warriors), Ben Lovett (Retired), Gerome Burns (Retired), Jacob Host (St Helens), Lewis Dodd (Catalans Dragons), SIlivia Havili (London Broncos), Shaq Mitchell (Released), Fletcher Myers (Released), Josh Schuster (Released)
Players to watch
David Fifita will be hoping for a renaissance in 2026 after a mixed time on the Gold Coast. The barnstorming second rower was one of the brightest prospects in the world when he left the Broncos for the Titans in 2021, and he had the pay packet to match it. Still only 25, this year could be a second coming for Fifita, who only managed eight appearances in 2025. Or, it could be the next step in his decline.
Skipper Cameron Murray managed just one appearance in 2025 due to a serious achilles injury. 2026 surely can’t be any worse for the Bunnies legend, whose presence was sorely missed during a disappointing campaign for Souths last year. Will he be the Cam Murray of old though?
Young gun
Ashton Ward came out of the 2025 campaign with plenty of credit. The young five-eighth was thrust into NRL action earlier than expected, but he didn’t do his chances of more games this year any harm in his six appearances. He also kicked 9/11 goals, which could make him an even more useful asset for Souths this year.
Our prediction – 13th
It’s hard to judge the Rabbitohs too strongly on last year’s evidence, given the number of serious injuries they had. Even so, I think they’ve got a bit of a way to go before they’re challenging at the top table again, and of the big names in their roster, most of them are at the older end of the scale. A top eight finish would be a huge achievement for this current squad.
