The South Sydney Rabbitohs are excited to unveil their football department coaching structure and staff appointments in preparation for the 2025 season. As announced in May, Wayne Bennett will return as the NRL Head Coach for the seasons spanning 2025 through 2027, a decision that brings continuity and experience to the team’s leadership.
Supporting Bennett will be NRL Assistant Coaches Ben Hornby and Steve Antonelli. Hornby, who has been with the Rabbitohs since 2020, rose from Development Coach to Interim Head Coach during the 2024 season. Antonelli, who previously coached the Rabbitohs’ NSW Cup team in 2021 and served as NRL Assistant Coach in 2022, rejoins after a brief period with the Parramatta Eels.
Rabbitohs icon John Sutton will maintain his role as Development Coach, focusing on nurturing the club’s promising young talents and ensuring a seamless integration across all levels from NRL to under 17s. Former premiership-winning Assistant Coach Wayne Collins will return as the head coach of the NSW Cup team in 2025.
Additionally, the club has appointed Trent Elkin as the new Head of Performance for the upcoming season. Elkin comes with extensive background in high-performance programs from several clubs, including his recent role at Parramatta. Tom Watkins will also be joining as Pathways Head of High Performance.
In a strategic shift, former Head of Football Mark Ellison will take on the responsibilities of Head of Recruitment and Retention, with a focus on bringing in and keeping full-time players. Meanwhile, David Furner will step into the Head of Pathways role, enhancing the club’s talent pool from open age through to under 17s and collaborating with Souths Juniors on development squads.
Jason Clark, a former premiership-winning player, has been elevated to Football Manager, working closely with Football Logistics and Facilities Manager Kyle Furner. Additionally, Rob Capizzi returns as Pathways and Women’s Operations Manager, concentrating on future preparations for an NRLW team.
Continuity is also evident in the medical and support staff, with key personnel like Chief Medical Officer Dr. Andrew McDonald, Strength and Conditioning Coach Jack Milligan, and several others remaining in their roles for the new season.
Overall, these appointments show the Rabbitohs’ commitment to fostering a strong and cohesive team culture while preparing for competitive seasons ahead. With a blend of experience, youth development, and strategic recruitment, the Rabbitohs are building a promising future.
In summary, the South Sydney Rabbitohs have strengthened their coaching structure for the upcoming seasons, signaling a hopeful outlook as they prepare to remain competitive in the NRL landscape.
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