Wayne Bennett’s ongoing revitalisation of the South Sydney Rabbitohs has taken a significant step forward with the signing of Bronson Garlick from Melbourne on a two-year contract, effective from the next season. This addition enhances the club’s depth in the hooker position, joining existing players Peter Mamouzelos, Siliva Havili, and Brandon Smith, although Havili’s contract is set to expire at the end of this year.
Mark Ellison, the Rabbitohs’ head of recruitment and retention, expressed his enthusiasm for bringing a local talent back home. “Bronson has had a varied career journey, but now he returns to the Rabbitohs for the next two years, which brings us great joy,” he stated. Garlick’s experience of over 150 games in senior rugby adds valuable versatility, as he is capable of playing not only as a hooker but also in the second row and middle positions.
Garlick comes from a strong rugby lineage; his father, Sean, captained the club, and his brother, Jackson, also played for South Sydney. The Rabbitohs are looking forward to welcoming him back into their ranks after he completes the remainder of the current season with Melbourne.
In 2023, Garlick made his NRL debut, having previously played his junior rugby with South Eastern Seagulls. To date, he has participated in 33 NRL matches. His signing follows that of Moala Graham-Taufa, marking another addition for the Rabbitohs ahead of the upcoming season.
Since Bennett’s appointment, several new players, including Euan Aitken, Lewis Dodd, Lachlan Hubner, Mikaele Ravalawa, Josh Schuster, Smith, and Jayden Sullivan (on loan), have been introduced to the team.
With these strategic acquisitions, the Rabbitohs are positioning themselves for a stronger future as they continue to build a competitive squad.