Rabbitohs make coach change in Jason Demetriou U-turn

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - JUNE 07: Knights assistant coach David Furner looks on before the round four NRL match between the Canberra Raiders and the Newcastle Knights at Campbelltown Stadium on June 07, 2020 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Mark Kolbe/Getty Images)

With rumours continuing to swirl, the Rabbitohs have reportedly decided on making a coaching change and have begun negotiations.

Former South Sydney assistant David Furner is reportedly in negotiations to return to Redfern to assist head coach Jason Demetriou during a turbulent period at the club.

Furner was Tim Sheens’ assistant coach at the Tigers last season, having previously held coaching roles at the Rabbitohs, Knights, Raiders and Bulldogs.

Now, according to the SMH, Furner is in discussions to join Demetriou and become his right-hand man, hoping to add an experienced voice to South Sydney’s coaching ranks.

The only place to watch every game of every round LIVE with no ad-breaks during play is Fox League, available on Kayo. New to Kayo? Start your free trial today >

The club has made the move as rumours continue to swirl about Demetriou’s uncertain future

at the club.

It emerged last week Mal Meninga was one of several candidates being considered as possible replacement options should the axe fall on Demetriou.

Jason Demetriou and Mal Meninga.

The team’s brave performance in losing to the Sharks on Saturday showed there is hope for the club this season — and it is reported to have given Demetriou a stay of execution for at least another few weeks.

South Sydney has a bye followed by clashes with Penrith and Melbourne.

Rabbitohs powerbrokers have reportedly held concerns regarding the lack of experience in their coaching staff following the departure of John Morris and Sam Burgess last year.

Demetriou was reportedly informed by club officials they believe he needed to hire a senior coach to join his staff.

However, he instead promoted NSW Cup coach Joe O’Callaghan to replace both Burgess and Morris, being given the green light from the club.

David Furner with the knights. Photo by Mark Kolbe/Getty Images.

Furner was reportedly the man Rabbitohs powerbrokers suggested Demetriou hire after they missed the finals in 2023.

“I’m close with David and I know he’ll have a good impact on improving our defence,” Demetriou said.

Demetriou has reportedly taken over the defensive coaching duties this season, with Morris being the club’s defensive coach in 2023.

So far this season the Rabbitohs have leaked an average of 32.6 points per game, the worst defensive record in the NRL.

Originally published as Rabbitohs make coach change in Jason Demetriou U-turn