Wayne Bennett, coach of the South Sydney Rabbitohs, expressed disappointment following his team’s heavy defeat to the Knights during Magic Round, simply summarising the performance as “not very good.” In a subsequent press conference, he elaborated on concerns regarding the team’s mindset as they grapple with a frustrating four-match losing streak.
When asked about the attitude of the players, Bennett asserted that it was indeed an issue of personal accountability. He stated emphatically, “How do I fix your attitude? I can’t,” indicating that each player must confront and resolve their own mindset challenges. Stand-in captain Tevita Tatola echoed this sentiment, urging the team members to conduct a “reality check” on their performance and attitude moving forward.
The Rabbitohs’ squad was stretched due to injuries, missing key players such as Jamie Humphreys and Cody Walker. All eyes were on new recruit Lewis Dodd, who made his starting debut but failed to leave a significant impact on the game. Despite accumulating 80 metres from 12 runs, Dodd struggled defensively, missing four tackles. His kicking game, usually a strength, was limited as he only made six attempts for 139 metres, significantly trailing his teammate Jayden Sullivan’s 407 metres from 13 kicks.
Bennett maintained a measured tone when discussing Dodd’s performance, noting that many players on the field, including Dodd, were not at their best during the match.
The Rabbitohs face a crucial period ahead as they work to rectify their recent inconsistencies and find a better team dynamic. Each member of the squad will need to take ownership of their contributions to turn the tide in upcoming fixtures.