TL;DR
- Jye Gray has rejected a large offer from R360 to re-sign with the South Sydney Rabbitohs.
- Gray expressed his commitment to the Rabbitohs, citing his love for the club and its members.
- The fullback's decision is seen as a significant pledge and a win for rugby league.
- Gray's renewal suggests the Rabbitohs will continue with him and Mitchell in key roles.
South Sydney Rabbitohs has reportedly secured a significant victory today, as Jye Gray has turned down a substantial offer from R360 to recommit to the club.
The 21-year-old fullback reportedly turned down an offer estimated at over $900,000 annually from the emerging rebel rugby league.
Club officials characterized Gray's choice to remain as a significant pledge, emphasizing his devotion and confidence in the Rabbitohs' trajectory.
“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.
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Gray expressed his joy at remaining with Redfern and having his future secured, speaking highly of 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.
Despite standing only 170 cm and weighing 78 kg, Gray has surpassed expectations, emerging as one of the Rabbitohs’ most thrilling offensive talents thanks to his football intelligence and quickness.
During the 2025 season, he participated in 19 NRL games for South Sydney, starting at fullback for The Rabbitohs in 15 of those contests.
It was consistently believed that his preferred position presented an obstacle to his prospects with The Rabbitohs, given that star player Latrell Mitchell was already slated to occupy the fullback role.
Late in the previous season, Mitchell was shifted to the centre role, a position he occupied when he initially joined the NRL as a Sydney Rooster, while Gray took on fullback duties.
With Gray's contract renewed, it suggests Wayne Bennett will maintain this approach, as it's evident that starting with Both Gray and Mitchell is crucial for The Rabbitohs' offensive performance.
The Rabbitohs' decision to re-sign him arrives at a pivotal moment for the club as they aim to assemble a squad blending experienced players with promising, dynamic newcomers, a profile that Gray embodies exceptionally well.
For the NRL, it is another hammer blow to R360 and a win chalked up to rugby league.
For The Rabbitohs, securing Gray for the long haul signifies more than just holding onto a player; it's about asserting their future direction and guaranteeing a quicker return to finals contention.