In 2024, Lewis Dodd was signed by the Rabbitohs on a lucrative contract, positioning him as the expected halfback for South Sydney. However, with Dodd’s suspension during the pre-season trials, Jamie Humphreys seized the opportunity to start in his place. Humphreys excelled in the opening match against the Dolphins, contributing significantly to the team’s narrow 16-14 victory with an impressive tally of 18 kicks covering 714 metres, effectively complementing the efforts of Cody Walker and Jye Gray.
Despite Dodd’s availability returning for the impending match against the Dragons, Rabbitohs coach Wayne Bennett remained coy when questioned about the starting halfback role, suggesting that the media would have the answer in due course. Previously, Bennett had expressed confidence in Dodd’s potential, highlighting a critical play he orchestrated during the match, underscoring his knack for timing and precision in passing.
Bennett’s comments reflect a broader optimism for the team, noting that many squad members are on the brink of reaching their peak performance after a substantial period of development. As the season progresses, the competition for the halfback position has intensified, with both Dodd and Humphreys making compelling cases for their inclusion in the starting lineup.