South Sydney Rabbitohs Have Many Players Injured

The South Sydney Rabbitohs are having a tough time with many players hurt. Coach Wayne Bennett said this is the worst injury situation he has ever seen in his job. The team has fewer players to pick from, which makes games harder.
By Newsroom | Sports, Rugby League |

Challenging Season for Rabbitohs as Injuries Mount

The South Sydney Rabbitohs are currently experiencing a period of considerable player absence due to injuries. Coach Wayne Bennett has publicly acknowledged the severity of the situation, describing it as the worst he has encountered in his career. This has led to a depleted squad, impacting the team's performance in recent matches.

Timeline of Key Events and Player Status

Reports indicate a series of setbacks for the Rabbitohs throughout July and August 2025.

Bennett facing major Souths headache after brutal injury — NRL Trials Team Tips - 1

  • July 17, 2025: Superstar player Latrell Mitchell sustained a quad injury at training, expected to sideline him for at least a month. Coach Bennett, however, maintained a calm demeanor, stating, "It doesn't worry me." The club confirmed the injury later.

  • August 1, 2025: Following a significant loss to the Brisbane Broncos, Coach Bennett revealed the team was without thirteen first-grade players. The available players had limited experience, with the spine of the team possessing only thirty NRL games combined experience. He characterized the situation as a battle, with players giving their all, and noted that even the designated "18th man" had to withdraw before the game. Bennett expressed uncertainty about player availability for the following week.

  • Ongoing: Throughout this period, questions have been raised regarding Coach Bennett's leadership and approach, with some commentators suggesting he may be "losing the plot," particularly in light of the team's inability to make the finals series under his tenure and previous experiences with the Dolphins.

Coach Bennett's Perspective

Coach Wayne Bennett has been upfront about the difficulties the team is facing. His admissions highlight the extraordinary circumstances surrounding player availability.

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"We’ve been battling every week and they’ve been giving everything they’ve got."— Wayne Bennett, August 1, 2025

"Maybe we’ll have some back next week I’m not sure. Anyway, that’s our lot and we’ve got to regroup."— Wayne Bennett, August 1, 2025

"It doesn’t worry me."— Wayne Bennett, July 17, 2025

"We’ve had no crisis meetings, which I’m very pleased about.”— Wayne Bennett, July 17, 2025 (sarcastically)

"Absolutely: Wayne Bennett's injury crisis admission as more chaos hits South Sydney South Sydney coach Wayne Bennett has admitted the club's injury crisis is the worst of his career after a flogging against his old club he saw coming."— Fox Sports, August 1, 2025

Team Performance Amidst Injury Crisis

The impact of the extensive injuries has been evident in the Rabbitohs' recent results.

Bennett facing major Souths headache after brutal injury — NRL Trials Team Tips - 2

  • Loss to Broncos: The team suffered a significant defeat against the Brisbane Broncos, with the scoreline reflecting a substantial margin. The first half reportedly showed resilience, with younger, less experienced players competing, but the team was eventually overwhelmed in the second half.

  • Limited Experience: The composition of the team during this period featured players with minimal NRL experience, particularly in key positions. This lack of seasoned players presents a challenge in maintaining consistent performance against opposition teams.

Public and Media Scrutiny

The ongoing injury crisis and the team's performance have drawn attention and raised questions from the media and observers.

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  • Questions of Coaching: Some reports have begun to question Coach Bennett's approach and decision-making, with suggestions that his influence might be waning. These discussions appear to be linked to the team's current predicament and past coaching history.

  • Player Availability vs. Performance: The juxtaposition of the severe injury toll with public scrutiny of the coach's performance is a key dynamic. The extent to which player availability dictates performance is a central element in this ongoing narrative.

Analysis of the Situation

The current situation for the South Sydney Rabbitohs is characterized by a critical shortage of experienced players due to injuries.

Bennett facing major Souths headache after brutal injury — NRL Trials Team Tips - 3

  • Impact on Player Depth: The sheer number of players unavailable forces the team to rely on players with limited game time at the NRL level. This strains the team's depth and ability to absorb further setbacks.

  • Coach's Experience: Coach Wayne Bennett, a veteran with extensive premiership success, has openly acknowledged the unprecedented nature of the current injury crisis. His "grim admissions" and seemingly pragmatic, yet sometimes sardonic, responses suggest a focus on managing the immediate circumstances.

  • Performance Metrics: The team's performance, particularly the large margin of defeat against the Broncos, is a direct indicator of the impact of these player absences. The disparity in experience between the available players and the opposition likely contributes significantly to these results.

Conclusion and Future Outlook

The South Sydney Rabbitohs are navigating a severe player availability crisis, with a significant number of key players sidelined due to injury. Coach Wayne Bennett has been forthright in his assessment of the situation, labeling it the most challenging of his career. The team's performance has been demonstrably affected, leading to notable defeats and increased public commentary.

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The immediate focus for the club will likely be on player recovery and managing the existing squad as effectively as possible. The long-term implications will depend on the speed and success of player rehabilitation and the team's ability to regroup and perform with the available resources. Further assessment of the roster and player management strategies may become pertinent as the season progresses, particularly given the concerns raised about the coach's influence and the team's overall trajectory.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why are the South Sydney Rabbitohs having trouble?
Many of their players are injured and cannot play. This means the team has fewer players to choose from.
Q: What does the coach say about the injuries?
Coach Wayne Bennett says this is the worst injury problem he has seen in his whole career. He says the players are trying their best.
Q: Has a key player been injured?
Yes, Latrell Mitchell hurt his leg in July and will be out for about a month.
Q: How is the team playing with so many injuries?
The team has lost some games, including a big loss to the Brisbane Broncos. The players who are playing have less experience.