NRL 2024 scouting report: South Sydney Rabbitohs recruitment, rising stars, burning issues

Jack Wighton’s signing attracted the most attention, but an elite tier of junior talent is ready to emerge and help drive the Rabbitohs’ premiership quest.

Souths' premiership hopes will be built on stars and rookies alike.

While all eyes will be on new recruit Jack Wighton helping South Sydney’s established stars to propel them back into NRL premiership contention, there is an impressive production line of talent ready to ensure the club’s long-term success.

The Rabbitohs have arguably the most exciting backline in the competition, with the ability to pour on points.

However, at times last season, opposition teams manhandled their forward pack. The challenge for Souths is to win the battle in the middle, get over the advantage line and allow their money men the opportunity to assert their dominance.

MICHAEL CARAYANNIS looks at how the Rabbitohs reassert themselves as a finals force.

There are high expectations of Jack Wighton at Souths. Picture: NRL Photos

2023 RICH 100 REPS: 7

Latrell Mitchell (16, $950,000), Cameron Murray (17, $950,000), Thomas Burgess (41, $750,000), Cody Walker (50, $750,000), Jai Arrow (53, $700,000), Damien Cook (56, $700,000), Tevita Tatola (91, $600,000)

FREE AGENCY WRAP AND RATING

Huge signing in Jack Wighton, who provides more X-Factor to a South Sydney side already filled with talent. The late addition of Sean Keppie gives the Rabbitohs another big body on the bench.

Rating: A

Pressure is starting to mount on coach Jason Demetriou. Picture: Mason-Hubers

COACH STATUS AND SAFETY RATING:JASON DEMETRIOU (2026)

Comes into the season under a huge amount of scrutiny despite only inking a contract extension at the end of 2023.

South Sydney floundered at the back end of last season and they won’t accept a repeat. Needs to start well.

Safety rating: B-

LIKELY DEBUTANTS

Thomas Fletcher: An emerging back-row prospect who hails from the NSW country town of

Coonamble. He featured in the Charity Shield against St George Illawarra in 2023 but a shoulder injury interrupted his development.

Jye Gray: A running half who, while still just 19, has been promoted into South Sydney’s top-30 squad for 2024. The Rabbitohs have high hopes for the diminutive playmaker, who they signed from Brisbane in 2022 following an outstanding Australian Secondary Schools Championship campaign.

Haizyn Mellars: The 19-year-old outside back has been described as the best athlete at the club. His father, Vince, played NRL for the Warriors, Roosters and Sharks while his mum, Charmian, is a Commonwealth Games silver medal-winning basketballer.

At 193cm and with an impressive vertical leap, Mellars is an exciting prospect on a development deal for next season, before he moves into the top-30 list.

Haizyn Mellars is rated the best athlete at the club. Picture: Sean Teuma

WHO TAKES THE NEXT STEP: TALLIS DUNCAN, TYRONE MUNRO

Two players who had a taste of first grade but are primed for a big 2024 include Tallis Duncan and Tyrone Munro.

Duncan reminds those at the Rabbitohs of Cameron Murray, so expect him to spend some time on the field relieving the South Sydney skipper.

Munro is a genuine teenage sensation who has already shown his try-scoring ability.

BURNINGS ISSUES

1. Halfback role

Jason Demetriou has backed in Lachlan Ilias long-term and has publicly declared his support for the No.7, so much so that he proclaimed he would be the best halfback the club has had in a long-time.

Ilias has had a mixed bag in his two seasons but has shown enough promise that he can be the club’s long-term halfback.

2. Unlocking the backline

At full strength South Sydney have arguably the most potent backline in the NRL. The task will be getting them all to deliver on their potential.

Wighton needs to ensure he isn’t lost from matches playing at centre, while South Sydney have to find a way to get Munro the ball. He is a try-scoring freak.

3. Tatola’s rise

At times in 2023 the South Sydney forwards were manhandled by their opposition. Consistent injuries to Tevita Tatola didn’t help.

But Tatola was on the verge of becoming one of the game’s best props at the end of 2022. He will carry the load for South Sydney in the middle of the field.

Lachlan Ilias has the backing of coach Jason Demetriou. Picture: Matt King/Getty Images

CRYSTAL BALL

South Sydney will look to put their horror finish to 2023 behind them. Wighton’s inclusion plus a return to consistent form for Latrell Mitchell will springboard the Rabbitohs to again becoming a premiership threat.

Finish the past five years

2023: 9th

2022: 7th (eliminated in third week of finals)

2021: 3rd (runners-up)

2020: 6th (eliminated in third week of finals)

2019: 3rd (eliminated in third week of finals)

2024 TAB odds

Premiership: $9

Minor premiership: $8

Top four: $2.05

Top eight: $1.25

To miss the top eight: $3.50

To miss the top four: $1.68

Most losses: $126

Originally published as NRL 2024 scouting report: South Sydney Rabbitohs recruitment, rising stars, burning issues