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Souths' simple fix that can keep Wayne Bennett happy
Scott Bailey, AAP •  April 2nd, 2026 3:06 pm
Wayne Bennett | Photo: AAP
A rejuvenated Wayne Bennett has told South Sydney players to fix their discipline if they want to keep him happy, as they fight to find their best on Good Friday.
Souths players joked this week Bennett had returned to Sydney in a better mood ahead of their clash with Canterbury, after days spent on his farm in Queensland.
The 76-year-old made no secret of his frustrations with the Rabbitohs after their win over Wests Tigers a fortnight ago, declaring at the time "nothing pleased him".
Bennett uttered just 11 words to the first three questions during the press conference that night, and was equally blunt on Thursday when asked what had to change.
"Our discipline," Bennett said.
Souths gave away eight penalties, five set restarts and completed at 75 per cent in the round-three win over the Tigers.
Bennett quipped a trip to his Warwick farm had left him feeling better, probably because the cows "don't have mobile phones".
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But pressed further on whether his tune had changed about the Rabbitohs' last-start victory, Bennett made clear it had not.
"I'm still not happy with the performance," he said.
"It doesn't change. But it's gone now, we've got a tremendous game tomorrow and a huge crowd."
Bennett confirmed winger Campbell Graham would return from back soreness for the date with the Bulldogs.
Brandon Smith was initially aiming to return from his calf issue, but Bennett said the hooker would now "definitely" go to Perth for next week's clash with Canberra.
Souths will have Rabbitohs legend Nathan Merritt ring the foundation bell for Friday's match, with the former flyer battling stage-four cancer of the liver and oesophagus.
Rabbitohs officials will also promote fundraisers for the 42-year-old, who was the club's leading try-scorer before Alex Johnston claimed the mark in 2022.
"That'll be a wonderful moment for him and the game and for all the Souths supporters," Bennett said of Merritt ringing the bell.
"He was a great player for this club and obviously has pretty tough times in front of him.
"But the club and fans will be supportive of him as they always have been. It's just make it a nice day for him."
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