Latrell Mitchell and Cody Walker criticism labelled ‘complete crap’ by South Sydney Rabbitohs boss

Fired-up South Sydney chief executive Blake Solly has called criticism for the club’s leadership group - namely Latrell Mitchell and Cody Walker - “complete crap” and “total garbage.”

Sam Burgess has earned millions from the Rabbitohs since being medically retired from the game. Picture: Getty Images

Fired-up South Sydney chief executive Blake Solly has castigated critics of star players Latrell Mitchell and Cody Walker, claiming condemnation over their dedication to the club was “complete crap” and “total garbage.”

“How dare people question their commitment to the club,” Solly said. “The stuff being said around Cody and Latrell is complete crap.

“No-one should ever question their dedication to this club.”

And Solly then took aim at critics of Souths’ leadership team - comprising Mitchell, Walker, Cam Murray, Campbell Graham, Damien Cook and Jai Arrow.

“And suggestion that any of those leaders lack passion for the club is also total garbage,” he said.

Souths are under-siege after a dramatic fall-away in form was linked to alleged in-fighting among players and coaches.

The drama did lead to Souths great Sam Burgess quitting the club before heading out to coach Warrington in Super League.

Solly was filthy at talk Walker and Mitchell weren’t passionate and unwavering towards the club.

CEO Blake Solly (R) has slammed criticism of the club’s leadership group. Picture: Julian Andrews

“Latrell and Cody’s passion for the Rabbitohs is the equal of any player at our club,” Solly said.

“We’ve been really deliberate in the last two years to allow our senior player leaders – Cody, Latrell, Jai, Cameron and Damien – to take more ownership and accountability for the team.”

Mitchell and Walker attended the Nikita Tszyu weigh-on in Sydney together on Tuesday night.

Solly also went on the attack over condemnation directed at Murray, South Sydney’s captain.

“Some of the criticism of Cameron is way off the mark,” Solly said. “He is an outstanding person and a great captain.

“I still think the best years of Cameron’s career and his captaincy are to come.”

There were ill-informed suggestions that Murray was looking at returning to rugby union.

This masthead checked with close associates of Murray who claimed the NSW star was totally committed to Souths.

MORRIS JOINS BURGESS IN SOUTHS EXIT

John Morris will become rookie Wests Tigers coach Benji Marshall’s right-hand man in 2024.

In a day of drama that only rugby league can produce, Morris has been announced as Marshall’s assistant coach for the next four seasons on the same day that the Rabbitohs shutdown suggestions of the defence coach being at odds with head coach Jason Demetriou.

Morris’ return to the Wests Tigers will be celebrated as a homecoming for the club having played 72-games for the joint-venture.

In a club statement, Wests Tigers assistant coach Benji Marshall, who will become head coach in 2024, said Morris will be a great addition to the coaching staff.

“We are really excited to welcome John and his family back to our club as an assistant coach,” Marshall said.

“His experience, his character and his attention to detail are second to none.

John Morris (left) will join Wests Tigers next season. Picture: NRL Imagery.

“He is a very good person, a dedicated family man, and we share the same values.

“I have complete trust in him and know he’ll do a great job for us.”

Wests Tigers CEO Justin Pascoe added: “John was identified as someone who has been a head coach, knows what it takes to be a head coach, and how much hard work is required.

“John was a thorough professional as a player and he’s taken that same work ethic into his role as a coach.

“He will be a welcome addition to the coaching team we have for next season and beyond.

“I welcome John and his family back to the club and look forward to him working closely with Benji and our other assistants.”

SAM BURGESS’S MASSIVE GOLDEN HANDSHAKE

Sam Burgess will walk away from the South Sydney Rabbitohs with a $700,000 golden handshake.

The Rabbitohs confirmed assistant coach Burgess’ departure on Wednesday morning, following a marathon meeting involving club powerbrokers at their Heffron Park training base.

The former English international medically retired from the NRL in 2019 with four years remaining on his playing contract with the Rabbitohs until the end of 2023.

However, this masthead can reveal he had an option in his favour for next year as well – meaning he gets another $700,000 in 2024 – even though he’ll be 17,000 kilometres away as Warrington coach in the north of England.

Sam Burgess leaves Souths training on Wednesday. Picture: Julian Andrews

All up, Burgess has earned almost $3 million from the club since retiring with a shoulder injury.

He was still fit enough in 2021 to win the TV show SAS Australia, a gruelling test of fitness and strength.

The Rabbitohs have announced Burgess will walk away immediately after stepping down as an assistant coach.

Sources at the Rabbitohs have confirmed Burgess has fallen out with head coach Jason Demetriou, which explains why the Englishman left his post on Wednesday but fellow assistant John Morris remains, for now.

“Sam’s been frustrated around the team’s form and that he thinks Jason is not listening to him,” the source said.

Burgess clutches his shoulder in 2019. Picture: Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images

Burgess on his way to winning SAS Australia.

The Rabbitohs are clinging to a finals spot, having lost eight of their past 12 matches.

South Sydney (eighth), North Queensland (ninth) and the Roosters (10th) are all on 28 competition points with only for and against separating the trio. With a bye this week, Souths face the Roosters in the final round in a game that could act as a finals qualifier.

Now they’ll have to do it without Burgess, who has signed a two-year deal to coach Warrington from next season.

He rejected a move from Wayne Bennett to join the Dolphins this year to instead return to South Sydney under Demetriou. He spent last season coaching Souths co-owner Russell Crowe’s local footy team, the Orara Valley Axemen, in Group 2 in northern NSW to a grand final loss.