The South Sydney Rabbitohs are excited to reveal their coaching structure and new staff appointments in preparation for the upcoming 2025 season.
As announced earlier this year, Wayne Bennett will continue as the NRL Head Coach through to the 2027 season. He will be supported by NRL Assistant Coaches Ben Hornby and Steve Antonelli. Hornby has been with the Rabbitohs since 2020, starting as a Development Coach and advancing to senior Assistant Coach in 2022. He took over the role as NRL Interim Head Coach during the 2024 season. Antonelli is returning to the Rabbitohs after a brief period with the Parramatta Eels, having previously coached the Rabbitohs’ NSW Cup side and served as an NRL Assistant Coach.
John Sutton, a South Sydney legend, will maintain his position as Development Coach, focusing on integrating and supporting the club’s young talent across all grades, from NRL down to under 17s. Wayne Collins, a former Rabbitohs premiership-winning Assistant Coach, will rejoin the club in 2025 as the NSW Cup Head Coach.
For the 2025 season, the Rabbitohs have appointed Trent Elkin as the new Head of Performance. Elkin comes with a wealth of experience in high-performance rugby league programs, having worked with various clubs, including a recent position as Head of Performance at Parramatta. Tom Watkins will also join the organization as Pathways Head of High Performance.
Mark Ellison, who previously served as Head of Football, will transition to the role of Head of Recruitment and Retention, concentrating on the recruitment and retention of elite players. Former NRL Assistant Coach David Furner has taken on the Head of Pathways position, managing the recruitment and development of talent from open age down to junior levels. Tyrone McCarthy will assist Furner in his efforts.
Jason Clark has been elevated to Football Manager after serving as the Pathways Wellbeing Manager, and he will collaborate closely with the Football Logistics and Facilities Manager, Kyle Furner. Rob Capizzi will rejoin the Rabbitohs as Pathways and Women’s Operations Manager, with a specific focus on preparing for a future NRLW team.
Continuing in their roles for the new season are Chief Medical Officer Dr. Andrew McDonald and Strength and Conditioning Coach Jack Milligan, among others in the medical and performance support staff.
This strategic restructuring aligns the Rabbitohs for a promising future and reflects the organization’s commitment to fostering talent at all levels, showcasing their dedication to achieving excellence in rugby league.
Overall, these changes signal a dynamic and hopeful future for the South Sydney Rabbitohs, with an experienced coaching team primed to guide the club toward success in the coming seasons.
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