Cameron Murray has candidly shared insights into his evolving relationship with Rabbitohs coach Wayne Bennett, revealing that he felt intimidated by the coaching legend in the early stages of his career. The 27-year-old lock-forward, who is currently sidelined for the entire season due to an Achilles injury, has become an integral part of the South Sydney club, earning admiration throughout the rugby league community.
In a recent interview with Nine’s 100% Footy, Murray reflected on his early interactions with Bennett when he first joined the Rabbitohs. He admitted that he was "scared" of Bennett, acknowledging the coach’s well-established reputation as one of the game’s greats. "When he first arrived here, I was so scared of him… He brought that aura," Murray stated, noting how Bennett’s approach during his first couple of years was quite strict.
At just 21 years old at the time of Bennett’s initial tenure, Murray had already accomplished feats like playing in State of Origin and Test matches, yet he still felt the weight of Bennett’s expectations. Fast-forward to Bennett’s return in 2025, and Murray has ascended to the position of captain. He expressed that their dynamic has shifted significantly; what was once a strict coach-player relationship has blossomed into one of friendship. Murray shared how Bennett has been supportive during his injury and added, "It’s like we are best mates now. I know the dynamic has changed, and he seems to communicate with me much more."
Murray’s absence is notable for the Rabbitohs, even as they continue to achieve victory on the field. His leadership is missed, and he is also unavailable for the New South Wales Blues in the upcoming series. Despite the challenges posed by his injury, Murray is striving to maintain a positive outlook. He remarked on his acceptance of the situation, indicating that he’s found peace with the setback. "The first week or two was tough… but it’s part of rugby league," he said.
With admiration from fans and teammates alike, Murray’s journey has shaped him into not just a key player, but a respected leader within the Rabbitohs club. As he recuperates, the evolving relationship with Bennett serves as a testament to his growth both on and off the field.