Act of Squad: Rabbitohs predicted team and 2025 overview
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Injuries and suspension have decimated the Rabbitohs during the pre-season but if anyone knows how to prepare a team for an against the odds upset in Round 1 it is Wayne Bennett.
The super coach has seen and done it all before and have little doubt he will have Souths ready to take on the Dolphins - the most recent of his other five former clubs - at Suncorp Stadium on March 7.
The key for Bennett and the Rabbitohs is how long they can cope with the losses of captain Cameron Murray and superstar fullback Latrell Mitchell - arguably their best and most influential forward and back.
Murray is facing up to eight months on the sideline with an Achilles injury, while Mitchell could be out for six-to-eight weeks with a hamstring tear - both sustained within minutes of each other at training last week.
The join fellow internationals Campbell Graham (broken wrist), Alex Johnston (Achilles) and Euan Aitken (pec) on the injured list for the start of the season.
English halfback Lewis Dodd is also facing suspension after being charged over a tackle in the Charity Shield, but rookie playmaker Jamie Humphreys may have done enough to secure the No.7 jersey anyway.
The loss of Dodd has probably opened the door for another recruit, Jayden Sullivan, to play against the Dolphins, while outside backs Jye Gray, Tyrone Munro and Fletcher Myers are set to feature in the opening rounds.
The injuries have left no doubt that Bennett, who is entering his 38th season since helping to guide the Raiders to the 1987 grand final and has coached at the Broncos, Dragons, Knights and Dolphins, is Souths biggest off-season signing.
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His last premiership game in charge of the Rabbitohs was the 2021 grand final and of the team which lost 14-12 to Penrith the only players in line for selection against the Dolphins are Cody Walker, Keaon Koloamatangi, Tevita Tatola, Jai Arrow and Jacob Host.
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Predicted Round 1 team
1. Jye Gray
2. Tyrone Munro
3. Isaiah Tass
4. Jack Wighton
5. Fletcher Myers
6. Cody Walker
7. Jamie Humphreys
8. Tevita Tatola
9. Peter Mamouzelos
10. Davvy Moale
11. Keaon Koloamatangi
12. Jai Arrow
13. Tallis Duncan
14. Sean Keppie
15. Siliva Havili
16. Shaq Mitchell
17. Jayden Sullivan
