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Important SN update for SouthlandBennett's promise to Dodd - under one proviso
Nicholas Quinlan • July 4th, 2025 12:30 pm
The Daily Telegraph’s Michael Carayannis has given some insight into the discussions between Wayne Bennett and Lewis Dodd regarding his future at South Sydney.
Since signing with South Sydney for the 2025 season from Super League side St Helens, the English halfback has only played three games for the Rabbitohs, with his last match being during Magic Round, which was his only start.
This is despite South Sydney having used eight different starting halves combinations this season, with injuries to fellow halfbacks Jamie Humphreys and Cody Walker resulting in Latrell Mitchell and Jack Wighton playing in the position despite it not being their natural place.
Having been stuck within the Rabbitohs reserves team, this has led to reports from Phil Rothfield that South Sydney may look to offload him.
However, according to Carayannis, Dodd appears more certain that he can find playing time with the Bunnies after meeting with Bennett.
“So, there was a meeting last week between Wayne Bennett and Lewis Dodd where it just was an opportunity for both parties to clear the air and get a sense of where things are at,” Carayannis said on SEN 1170’s Breakfast.
“It was in that meeting that Wayne Bennett said that he doesn’t want Lewis to leave. Obviously, both parties heard the whispers in the background, and Wayne said, 'You’ll get your chance. Once you play some consistent football in the NSW Cup, you’ll get your chance. I don’t want you to leave, there’s a few things you need to work on in your game'.
“And they both left that meeting feeling comfortable with their position at the club.”
Despite the meeting between the two and the desire to see him play in the NRL, Carayannis thinks that rumours about a potential move back to the Super League or to a new NRL club could reemerge if he is still lacking game time.
“It’s an interesting one. I feel if they don’t play him in first grade this year, then at the end of the season, it is an inevitable conversation,” he continued.
“But I’d like to see him at first grade at some point, just to see what they have got there and to see if it’s an opportunity they could work with Lewis Dodd in terms of can he be a starting NRL calibre half?
“He can play so many reserve games, but you never really know until you’re thrown into first grade. But off the back of that conversation and Wayne Bennett has come out publicly and said he wants Lewis to remain at the club for now.
“Very rarely have we seen a marquee signing not take to the field.”
Dodd will play in his first NRL game since Round 9 when South Sydney take on the Manly Sea-Eagles on Sunday afternoon at Brookvale Oval.
He has been named to the bench with Wighton returning to the halves after their Round 15 clash against Melbourne.
