Rabbitohs 2024 preview: Inconsistency will prove too costly for star lineup

For a club dripping with superstars like Latrell Mitchell, Cameron Murray, and new signing Jack Wighton, there’s still something missing from the South Sydney Rabbitohs camp⁠—staying power.

We saw it loom up in the back end of last season, with the Bunnies forced into a do-or-die battle against arch-rivals the Sydney Roosters to even play finals; a hill they just couldn’t climb when the time came to win.

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This squad could easily be challenging for the title every season and duelling other NRL heavyweights for top four. However, lapses, defensive struggles, and an appalling home record have all put paid to that in recent campaigns. Their attack is near second to none, but when they clock off in matches and across key regular season matches, the Bunnies start to look like also-rans.

Last year’s finish: Ninth, 12 wins and 12 losses

Last ten NRL campaigns: 9th, 7th (prelim), 3rd (runners-up), 6th (prelim), 3rd (prelim), 3rd (prelim), 12th, 12th, 7th (qualifying), 3rd (premiers)

Predicted Round 1 lineup

1. Latrell Mitchell
2. Alex Johnston
3. Richie Kennar
4. Isaah Tass
5. Tyrone Munro
6. Dean Hawkins
7. Lachlan Ilias
8. Tevita Tatola
9. Damien Cook
10. Sean Keppie
11. Keaon Koloamatangi
12. Jai Arrow
13. Cameron Murray
14. Jacob Host
15. Tom Burgess
16. Tallis Duncan
17. Davy Moale

Coach: Jason Demetriou

Biggest losses: Hame Sele, Liam Knight Biggest gains: Jack Wighton

How 2024 is looking for South Sydney

It’s a huge year for Demetriou to prove that he can get this star-studded team playing good footy for the entire run. Mitchell, Murray, Cook, Wighton, Koloamatangi, and even Ilias are all purebred game-winners. They just have to be set up to succeed. 

We haven’t seen a lot of proof that can happen. Ilias is still learning how to guide the team around⁠—and we’ve seen brilliance in flashes⁠—but with the clock ticking for Walker and Cook especially, coming together as a lethal outfit may just be a bridge too far for the Rabbitohs under Demetriou.

If everyone hits their stride at the same time it could be a very, very different story, but there’s not much to say that will happen with any assurance.

Predicted 2024 finish: 11th

First five: Sea Eagles (A), Broncos (A), Roosters (A), Bulldogs (H), Warriors (H)

TopSport odds: Premiers $10, Make Top 4: $2.40, Make Final 8: $1.40, Miss The Top 8: $2.75

Pass mark: Make the postseason playoffs.