Tip Sheet: 5 talking points for the Rabbitohs in 2024

They were shaping as a genuine premiership contender midway through the season but the Rabbitohs came crashing down in a disappointing and drama-filled end to 2023. 

Now 2024 will be about how Jason Demetriou and his Rabbitohs use their devastation as motivation when they return to the field next season. 

After sitting pretty in first place heading into Round 12 they lost nine of their last 13 games to miss the play-offs for the first time in six years, so the Rabbitohs are going to have to work out work out quickly how they let their season slip away.

Where will Jack Wighton fit in?

Most recently we’ve seen him on the left hand side of the field calling the shots from five-eighth but it’s unlikely an in-form Cody Walker will be shifted. An experienced fullback, outside back and playmaker, Wighton will join the Redfern club as arguably one of the most versatile players in the NRL. But the 30-year-old looks set to benefit the Bunnies greatest at centre, having represented both New South Wales and Australia in that position. The marquee signing is renowned for his physicality and tough carries which could be perfectly suited to the Rabbitohs lethal left edge.

Can Ilias find his form?

From premiership contenders to a ninth-place finish, the Rabbitohs were one of the most disappointing storylines of 2023 and someone who couldn't hide from the critics was halfback Lachie Ilias. After carrying the Rabbitohs all the way to a preliminary final in 2022, the 23-year-old seemed to suffer a case of "second year syndrome" this year. Not all the blame for the Rabbitohs' demise can be put on to the South Sydney junior, however after slotting an extra-time field goal in Round 4, Ilias struggled to ice any more big moments for the Bunnies in 2023. Jason Demetriou will likely give the young halfback another shot next season but Ilias will need to stay ahead of NSW Cup player of the year Dean Hawkins who will be pushing for a crack in the No. 7 jersey.

Latrell - the expectation, the drama, the discipline

All eyes will be on Latrell Mitchell and how he can bounce back from what was a tumultuous year for the star fullback. From on-field injuries to off-field drama, it was anything but smooth sailing for the 26-year-old in 2023 and the Rabbitohs showed just how much they need their strike No. 1 on the field. Limited to just 16 NRL games last season, Mitchell's absence exposed South Sydney with the club winning just two of the seven games he missed between Rounds 13-21. Having also been ruled out of their do-or-die clash in Round 27 with suspension, the Taree junior will be hoping headlines will be limited to performances on the field in 2024.  

Coaching staff shake-up 

Coach Jason Demetriou is locked in for another three years at the helm but after his side missed the finals for the first time since 2017, the club confirmed several changes to their coaching structures. With Sam Burgess (head coach, Warrington), John Morris (assistant coach, Wests Tigers) and Eddie Farah all departing the club, new systems and structures will be put in place in 2024. Ben Hornby will continue as assistant coach until the end of 2025 but the Rabbitohs also said Demetriou will have a more hands-on coaching role from 2024 onwards, taking control of the team's defence. This will be a crucial area for the Rabbitohs to improve on next season after they conceded the most points (505) since 2017.

Will magic Johnston catch Ken Irvine?

Heading into his 11th NRL season with 187 tries to his name, Johnston has put himself in the box seat to become the greatest try scorer in premiership history. The Rabbitohs flyer sits just 25 tries adrift of record holder Ken Irvine, who scored 212 tries for North Sydney and Manly from 1958 to 1973. If Johnston is blessed with an injury-free 2024, the 28-year-old has every chance to break the record next season if he maintains his recent strike rate, scoring 104 tries since 2019. What could also benefit the PNG international is new recruit Jack Wighton. With 93 line engagements and 13 line break assists over 22 games last season, Johnston could certainly benefit from the new ball playing outside back if he slots in at left centre.