TL;DR
- * South Sydney's 2025 season was impacted by numerous injuries, despite a strong start.
- * Several players are departing the Rabbitohs in 2025, including Mikaele Ravalawa and Josh Schuster.
- * Injuries forced Gerome Burns and Ben Lovett into early retirements from rugby league.
- * Wayne Bennett is optimistic for 2026 with returning stars and new signings like David Fifita.
The anticipated return of Wayne Bennett to Redfern did not unfold as hoped, with a significant number of injuries derailing their prospects.
South Sydney's strong season opening, marked by four victories in their initial six games, was disrupted by an extraordinary number of injuries.
However, the veteran coach will be confident of an improved showing in 2026 as he welcomes his stars back to the fold and looks to build the Rabbitohs back into a premiership contender.
MORE: Sporting News' NRL team of the year selections feature James Tedesco and Isaiya Katoa.
Souths departures in 2025?
The Bunnies signed Mikaele Ravalawa and Jayden Sullivan on loan deals for the 2025 campaign, but the Fijian has headed off to the Super League.
Alongside the winger's departure, other players leaving include Siliva Havili, Jacob Host, Shaq Mitchell, and Josh Schuster.
Gerome Burns and Ben Lovett have had to retire from the game early because they couldn't recover from their knee injuries.
The complete roster of players leaving the South Sydney Rabbitohs
| Player | New club |
|---|---|
| Gerome Burns | Retired |
| Siliva Havili | London Broncos |
| Jacob Host | St Helens |
| Ben Lovett | Retired |
| Haizyn Mellars | New Zealand Warriors |
| Shaq Mitchell | - |
| Fletcher Myers | - |
| Mikaele Ravalawa | Castleford Tigers |
| Josh Schuster | - |
Rabbitohs' 2026 signings
- David Fifita (Gold Coast Titans)
- Bronson Garlick (Melbourne Storm)
- Jonah Glover (St George Illawarra Dragons)
- Edward Kosi (New Zealand Warriors)
- Jayden Sullivan (Wests Tigers)
- Moala Graham-Taufa (New Zealand Warriors)
Rabbitohs re-signings for next season?
The Bunnies locked down emerging talents Tyrone Munro and Tallis Duncan to new deals after they impressed Wayne Bennett during his first term in charge upon his return to Redfern.
Lachlan Hubner, Liam Le Blanc and Thomas Fletcher were handed new contracts, while club favourites Alex Johnston and Cody Walker also re-signed.
Jayden Sullivan has agreed to a new two-year contract with the club, following his release from the remaining portion of his agreement with Wests Tigers.