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Despite high expectations in 2024, the South Sydney Rabbitohs had their worst season since 1998, finishing in 16th spot on the ladder with just seven wins across the season.
As a result, former coach Jason Demetriou was sacked, while players such as Tom Burgess, Damien Cook and Jacob Gagai have all left the club.
Expectations are high once again for the 2025, with legendary coach Wayne Bennett returning to the side. But early season injuries to captain Cameron Murray, new recruit Euan Aitken and winger Alex Johnston may see them have a slow start to the season.
Let’s have a look at the Rabbitohs top betting markets for the 2025 NRL Season.
Established: | 1908 |
---|---|
Home ground: | Accor Stadium |
Coach: | Jason Demetriou |
Captain: | Wayne Bennett |
Premierships: | 21 – 1908, 1909, 1914, 1918, 1925, 1926, 1927, 1928, 1929, 1931, 1932, 1950, 1951, 1953, 1954, 1955, 1967, 1968, 1970, 1971, 2014 |
2024 ladder finish: | 16th (7-17) |
2025 Premiership | Top 8 Betting | NRL Top Tryscorer | |
---|---|---|---|
Odds @ BetOnline | $26 | $1.80 | Alex Johnston $51 |
There are dozens of NRL futures markets for the Bunnies, but where are they likely to return some real value?
Click on the tabs below to get more analysis on these markets:
Round | Opponent | Venue | Date | Time (NSW) |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Dolphins | Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane | Friday, March 7 | 8:05pm |
2 | Dragons | WIN Stadium, Wollongong | Saturday, March 15 | 3:00pm |
3 | Cronulla Sharks | Sharks Stadium, Sydney | Saturday, March 22 | 3:00pm |
4 | Penrith Panthers | Accor Stadium, Sydney | Thursday, March 27 | 8:00pm |
5 | Sydney Roosters | Accor Stadium, Sydney | Friday, April 4 | 8:00pm |
6 | North Queensland Cowboys | Optus Stadium, Perth | Saturday, April 12 | 5:30pm |
7 | Canterbury Bulldogs | Accor Stadium, Sydney | Friday, April 18 | 4:05pm |
8 | Melbourne Storm | AAMI Park, Melbourne | Friday, April 25 | 8:00pm |
9 | Newcastle Knights | Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane | Saturday, May 3 | 3:00pm |
10 | Brisbane Broncos | Accor Stadium, Sydney | Friday, May 9 | 8:00pm |
11 | Wests Tigers | Campbelltown Sports Stadium, Sydney | Sunday, May 18 | 6:15pm |
12 | Bye | – | – | – |
13 | New Zealand Warriors | Accor Stadium, Sydney | Sunday, June 1 | 2:00pm |
14 | Canberra Raiders | GIO Stadium, Canberra | Sunday, June 8 | 2:00pm |
15 | Canterbury Bulldogs | Accor Stadium, Sydney | Sunday, June 15 | 4:05pm |
16 | Melbourne Storm | Accor Stadium, Sydney | Saturday, June 21 | 7:35pm |
17 | Dolphins | Accor Stadium, Sydney | Saturday, June 28 | 7:35pm |
18 | Manly Sea Eagles | 4 Pines Park, Sydney | Sunday, July 6 | 4:05pm |
19 | Bye | – | – | – |
20 | Penrith Panthers | CommBank Stadium, Sydney | Friday, July 18 | 8:00pm |
21 | Cronulla Sharks | Industree Group Stadium, Gosford | Saturday, July 26 | 7:35pm |
22 | Brisbane Broncos | Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane | Friday, August 1 | 8:00pm |
23 | Gold Coast Titans | Cbus Super Stadium, Gold Coast | Sunday, August 10 | 2:00pm |
24 | Parramatta Eels | Allianz Stadium, Sydney | Saturday, August 16 | 7:35pm |
25 | St George Illawarra Dragons | Accor Stadium, Sydney | Thursday, August 21 | 7:50pm |
26 | Bye | – | – | – |
27 | Sydney Roosters | Allianz Stadium, Sydney | Friday, September 5 | 8:00pm |
Born: 27/1/2002
Games: 84
Tries: 30
Position: Halfback
Last season, the Rabbitohs could not find a partner for Cody Walker, with Lachlan Ilias, Dean Hawkins, Dion Teaupa and Jack Wighton all unsuccessful during their time in the halves. Lewis Dodd comes across from the Super League with high expectations and the opportunity to play a key role in South Sydney’s success this season. He is known for his elusive ball-running and keenness to take on the defensive line. Playing alongside one of the best groups of backs in the NRL, Dodd has all the tools to adapt to the NRL straight away.
Born: 10/11/1996
Games: 140
Tries: 9
Position: Prop
As one of the most experienced members of the Souths pack, the expectations are high for Tevita Tatola in 2025 as he’s tipped to return to a starting role. After playing just six games last season, Tatola feels like a new signing who should be keen to hit the ground running. Known for his physicality through the middle, his hard work will be the base for the side to build on as they move down the field.
Born: 2/6/1999
Games: 131
Tries: 64
Position: Centre
Another player who has struggled with injury, Campbell Graham will be one of the most awaited returns in the NRL after he missed the entirety of the 2024 season with a sternum injury. The centre was Souths’ Player of the Year in 2023 and provides an enormous difference to the side when on the park, due to his speed, height and agility in attack. He is also known for his excellent defensive reads, something that plagued the inexperienced Rabbitohs backline last season.
Nicknamed the Rabbitohs, the club achieved early success by securing the first two New South Wales Rugby League titles and adding two more around the Great War. Between 1925 and 1932, Souths clinched seven premierships, solidifying their status as a dominant force in Australian sport.
Throughout their history, the Rabbitohs have maintained spirited rivalries with teams like Eastern Suburbs and Balmain. In the mid-20th century, St George emerged as a formidable adversary. Between 1949 and 1971, the two clubs dominated the NSWRL Premierships, with Souths winning nine titles and St George achieving an unprecedented 11 consecutive premierships from 1956 to 1966.
The early 1970s brought financial challenges for South Sydney, leading to the departure of key players and a decline in on-field performance. These issues culminated in the club’s exclusion from the newly formed National Rugby League in 2000, a decision that sparked widespread public outcry. After a determined two-year legal battle, the Rabbitohs were reinstated in 2002.
The club’s revival gained momentum in 2006 when a consortium led by actor Russell Crowe and businessman Peter Holmes à Court took ownership. This new leadership attracted star players and top-tier coaches, culminating in a memorable 2014 season. Under coach Michael Maguire, South Sydney defeated the Canterbury Bulldogs to claim their first premiership in 43 years.
In recent years, the Rabbitohs have been consistent contenders, reaching the preliminary finals multiple times and making a grand final appearance in 2021, where they narrowly lost to the Penrith Panthers.
The 2024 season, however, was challenging for South Sydney. The team finished 16th on the ladder, managing only seven wins against 17 losses. This disappointing performance led to the departure of head coach Jason Demetriou, with Ben Hornby stepping in as interim coach. In a significant move, the club announced the return of veteran coach Wayne Bennett for the 2025 season, aiming to steer the team back to its winning ways.
Off the field, there were rumors about Russell Crowe considering selling his 25% stake in the club, valued between $15 million to $20 million. Crowe dismissed these reports as unfounded.
As the Rabbitohs prepare for the 2025 season, the return of Wayne Bennett has already made a positive impact. Star fullback Latrell Mitchell, who faced challenges in 2024, has shown renewed commitment and leadership during the pre-season. A candid discussion with Bennett has been credited for Mitchell’s improved focus and fitness, with club officials noting his impressive condition ahead of the season opener.
Additionally, the NRL has cleared Mitchell to play in Round 1 after allowing him to serve a one-match suspension during the All Stars pre-season fixture. This decision ensures that Mitchell will be available for the Rabbitohs’ opening game against the Dolphins on March 7.
The club is also monitoring the fitness of center Campbell Graham, who missed the entire 2024 season due to a sternum injury. Graham recently suffered a hand injury during training and is consulting with specialists to determine his availability for the upcoming season.
With a renewed coaching structure and key players returning to form, South Sydney is optimistic about a resurgence in the 2025 NRL season.
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