Ashton Ward has rapidly established himself as a promising long-term halves candidate for the South Sydney Rabbitohs, even catching the attention of rugby league legend Andrew Johns. The 21-year-old joined the Rabbitohs from the Dragons in the off-season, flying under the radar with few predicting he would make his NRL debut this year. However, as injuries piled up at Redfern, the 74kg halfback was given his chance, participating in crucial matches to help the Rabbitohs stave off the risk of finishing last.
Ward, who hails from Gerringong Lions club alongside notable players like Tyran Wishart and Reuben Garrick, first came off the bench against Cronulla, then started against Brisbane. Despite suffering a heavy 60-14 loss to the Broncos, Ward’s performance drew praise for his relentless efforts, especially a crucial chase to deny a try to Brisbane’s Jordan Riki.
Billy Slater, the Queensland Maroons coach, highlighted Ward’s ability with the ball, noting that his directness and playmaking opened up opportunities, even amid a lost match. Slater claimed that Ward was the standout player during that heavy defeat, and his visible excitement during the commentary underlined the potential he sees in the young half.
Remarkably, coach Wayne Bennett expressed confidence in Ward, retaining him in the starting line-up for an upcoming critical fixture against the Gold Coast Titans. This decision came at the expense of Lewis Dodd, who has faced criticism throughout the season and has been sidelined. The competitive environment within the Rabbitohs’ halves department will only intensify heading into 2026, with Cody Walker set to continue in the No.6 jersey, while the future of the halfback position remains uncertain among Ward, Jamie Humphreys, and Jayden Sullivan.
Both Humphreys and Sullivan possess versatility that allows them to cover the hooker role, potentially favouring their selection in utility positions. Conversely, Dodd’s chances of securing a spot seem dim; Bennett’s comments suggest the English import may not feature in the club’s long-term plans, reinforcing the idea that his tenure with the Rabbitohs could be nearing its end.
Overall, Ward’s emergence amidst the squad’s struggles signals hope for South Sydney’s future as they look to rebuild and restructure their lineup. While adjustments are expected heading into the next season, Ward’s initial performances suggest that he could be a key player in driving the Rabbitohs back to contention.