By Adrian Proszenko
Mal Meninga has emerged as a key figure in a plan to revive South Sydney with supercoach Wayne Bennett back at the helm.
Meninga is the club’s preferred caretaker candidate should embattled coach Jason Demetriou be sacked after the club’s dismal start to the season.
According to sources, speaking on the condition of anonymity given the sensitive nature of discussions, Souths have made Bennett their top choice to take over from Demetriou from next season.
But with Bennett contracted to the Dolphins until the end of the season and Demetriou seemingly coaching for his future against Cronulla this weekend, the Rabbitohs may need someone to keep the seat warm, which is where Meninga could fit in.
Even a win against the Sharks on Saturday night is no guarantee Demetriou will see out the season, let alone his newly minted contract, with Souths currently sitting last on the ladder, having won just one of their five matches so far to open the season after failing to qualify for the finals in 2023.
But the Rabbitohs still believe they can turn the situation around and the interest in Meninga, one of the most decorated figures in the game and the current coach of Australia, is a clear indication they have not given up on the current campaign.
Mal Meninga and Wayne Bennett.Credit: NRL Photos
Meninga has a strong relationship with a raft of Rabbitohs stars – including Latrell Mitchell, Cameron Murray, Jack Wighton, Damien Cook and Campbell Graham – from their time together with the Kangaroos. The club feels he is the right man to get the best out of Mitchell, who is serving a suspension after an ill-disciplined display against the Warriors.
Given that Meninga is currently the Kangaroos coach, he would need the ARL Commission to rule there are no conflicts of interest before pursuing the post.
Meninga declined to comment on Wednesday evening.
A Souths comeback for Bennett would mark a stunning return to the Rabbitohs for the seven-time premiership-winning mentor. Bennett steered them to the grand final in 2021 but relationships with some of the club’s hierarchy became strained towards the end of his tenure. There are some bridges that would need to be mended. Should he return to Souths, Bennett will attempt to become the first coach in history to win premierships with three different clubs.
Meninga has been bestowed the highest honour in the game, Immortal status, for his deeds on the playing field. His coaching record at State of Origin level remains unparalleled, having overseen eight consecutive series wins by the Maroons, while his record as Australian coach is 23 wins from 26 games.
The 63-year-old had been employed as senior advisor at the Gold Coast, but the role came to an end following the appointment of Des Hasler as Titans coach.
The Rabbitohs face a tough task turning their season around. After Cronulla, they take on Melbourne in Melbourne before hosting three-time defending champions Penrith at Accor Stadium.
They will be without Mitchell, who won’t be back until the following fixture, while Campbell Graham, Alex Johnson and Jai Arrow remain sidelined indefinitely.
In what could be one of his final acts, Demetriou axed Cook, although the NSW hooker’s fortunes may change under a new coach.
South Sydney were contacted for comment.
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