Wayne Bennett's return to Redfern certainly didn't go according to plan as a mountain of injuries piled up to wreck their chances.
The unprecedented injury toll brought an end to South Sydney's impressive start to the season, which saw them win four of their first six matches.
However, the veteran coach will be confident of an improved showing in 2026 as he welcomes his stars back to the fold and looks to build the Rabbitohs back into a premiership contender.
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Which players have left South Sydney Rabbitohs in 2025?
The Bunnies signed Mikaele Ravalawa and Jayden Sullivan on loan deals for the 2025 campaign, but the Fijian flyer headed back to his parent club before heading off to the Super League.
The winger has been joined out of the exit door by the likes of Siliva Havili, Jacob Host, Shaq Mitchell and Josh Schuster.
Meanwhile, Gerome Burns and Ben Lovett have been forced to prematurely retire from the game after being unable to recover from their respective knee injuries.
Full list of South Sydney Rabbitohs departures
| Player | New club |
|---|---|
| Gerome Burns | Retired |
| Siliva Havili | London Broncos |
| Jacob Host | - |
| Ben Lovett | Retired |
| Haizyn Mellars | New Zealand Warriors |
| Shaq Mitchell | - |
| Fletcher Myers | - |
| Mikaele Ravalawa | Castleford Tigers |
| Josh Schuster | - |
Who have the Rabbitohs signed for 2026?
- Bronson Garlick (Melbourne Storm)
- Jonah Glover (St George Illawarra Dragons)
- Moala Graham-Taufa (New Zealand Warriors)
- Edward Kosi (New Zealand Warriors)
Who have the Rabbitohs re-signed for next season?
The Bunnies locked down emerging talents Tyrone Munro and Tallis Duncan to new deals after they impressed Wayne Bennett during his first term in charge upon his return to Redfern.
Lachlan Hubner and Liam Le Blanc were handed new contracts, while club favourites Alex Johnston and Cody Walker also re-signed.