South Sydney Rabbitohs coach Wayne Bennett has described the club’s current injury crisis as the worst he has encountered in his extensive career. Following a heavy defeat to his former team, the Brisbane Broncos, who scored 60 points against the Rabbitohs, Bennett addressed the media, acknowledging that he had anticipated such a result given the circumstances.
The injury toll was exacerbated when Peter Mamouzelos was ruled out before the match due to delayed concussion, leaving the team without an 18th man. Bennett lamented the ongoing struggles, noting that his side had been fighting hard all season but that the comprehensive loss highlighted their fatigue and vulnerability. He pointed out that the Rabbitohs were missing 13 first-grade players, including key stars like Cody Walker, Latrell Mitchell, and Cameron Murray.
Bennett reflected on the situation in the locker room, noting that the club’s spine had collectively only played 30 NRL games, which underscored the strain on the remaining players. “They just hit the wall tonight,” he stated, confirming that injuries have taken their toll after a prolonged period of hard battles on the field.
When questioned if this was the worst injury list he had faced, Bennett replied straightforwardly: “Absolutely,” recalling a previous time at Redcliffe when he had only eight or nine players unavailable to him. He did, however, express hope that Walker and Mitchell might return before the end of the season.
Despite the pressing injury issues and the club’s struggles in the rankings, Bennett also addressed the performance of Lewis Dodd, who has recently started in a key position. Dodd’s display against Brisbane was scrutinised, and while Bennett acknowledged some positives, his response was minimal, prompting a light-hearted reaction from teammate Jai Arrow nearby. Dodd’s statistics included ten runs, a try assist, and 449 metres kicked, but Bennett indicated that many players, including Dodd, are finding their current circumstances challenging.
As the season progresses, Bennett stated that he would have a more significant role in roster decisions moving forward, indicating a desire to address the current situation and rebuild his team.