The South Sydney Rabbitohs have announced an exciting overhaul of their football department coaching structure as they prepare for the upcoming 2025 season.
Wayne Bennett will continue to serve as the NRL Head Coach, extending his contract through to 2027. He will be supported by NRL Assistant Coaches Ben Hornby and Steve Antonelli. Hornby has been part of the Rabbitohs since 2020, making his way up to Interim Head Coach during the 2024 season. Antonelli makes a return to the Rabbitohs after a short stint with the Parramatta Eels, having previously coached the NSW Cup side in 2021.
South Sydney legend John Sutton will maintain his role as Development Coach, focusing on nurturing the club’s young talent across various age groups. Additionally, Wayne Collins, a former Rabbitohs premiership-winning Assistant Coach, will come back in 2025 as the Head Coach of the NSW Cup team.
Trent Elkin has been appointed as the new Head of Performance, bringing a wealth of experience from his previous roles with various clubs, including Parramatta. Tom Watkins will also join as the Pathways Head of High Performance. Mark Ellison, the former Head of Football, is transitioning to the Head of Recruitment and Retention role, while David Furner takes on the position of Head of Pathways, overseeing player development from junior squads up through to senior levels.
Jason Clark has been elevated to Football Manager after serving as the Pathways Wellbeing Manager, and Rob Capizzi returns as Pathways and Women’s Operations Manager, emphasizing the club’s commitment to establishing a future NRLW team.
Essential staff members, including the Chief Medical Officer, strength and conditioning coaches, and other vital roles, will maintain their positions for the new season, ensuring continuity and stability within the organization.
This revamp of the coaching staff not only reflects the Rabbitohs’ commitment to excellence but also represents a hopeful push for a successful future. The addition of experienced professionals and the clear focus on youth development positions the club well as they aim to build a competitive team in the coming seasons.
In summary, the South Sydney Rabbitohs are preparing for a dynamic and promising 2025 season with a robust support structure, experienced coaching staff, and a strong emphasis on player development. Fans have much to look forward to as the club reinforces its foundations and strives for success on the field.
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