South Sydney Rabbitohs have secured a major win today, with Jye Gray reportedly rejecting a lucrative offer from R360 in order to re-sign with the club.
The 21-year-old fullback is said to have declined a deal believed to be worth more than $900,000 per year from the new rebel rugby competition.
Gray’s decision to stay was described by club officials as a huge commitment, highlighting his loyalty and belief in the Rabbitohs’ direction.
“His performances were so good that he attracted interest in his services elsewhere; however, he sees his future at the South Sydney Rabbitohs,” Rabbitohs head of recruitment Mark Ellison said.
MORE: Perth Bears push closer to securing Tyran Wishart
Gray was delighted to be staying at Redfern and having his future secured, speaking glowingly about the club.
"I'm determined to repay the faith they have shown in me by putting my best foot forward over the next few years to help us achieve our goals," Gray said.
"I love playing for this club and its Members, and I can't wait to get back out onto the field in the red and green," Gray continued.
At just 170 cm and 78 kg, Gray has defied expectations, becoming one of the Rabbitohs’ most exciting attacking players through his football IQ and speed.
He played 19 NRL matches for South Sydney throughout the 2025 season, with 15 of them as the Rabbitohs’ starting fullback.
His position of choice was always thought to be a stumbling block to his future at the Rabbitohs, with superstar Latrell Mitchell ahead of him to wear the number 1 jersey.
Towards the back end of the past season Mitchell was moved to centre — a position he played when first breaking into the NRL as a Sydney Rooster — with Gray given fullback responsibilities.
The re-signing of Gray now points to Wayne Bennett continuing that strategy, with it becoming apparent that having both Gray and Mitchell in the starting side is key to the Rabbitohs’ attack now.
His re-signing comes at a crucial time for Souths, who are looking to build a team around some veterans mixed with some young, explosive talent — and Gray fits that mould perfectly.
For the NRL, it is another hammer blow to R360 and a win chalked up to rugby league.
For the Rabbitohs, keeping Gray long-term isn’t just about retaining talent — it’s about staking a claim on their future and ensuring they return to finals football sooner rather than later.