New Look for the Rabbitohs’ Back Row
Tallis Duncan and David Fifita are poised to take on key roles in the back row for the South Sydney Rabbitohs this season. Their presence signals a fresh chapter for the club as they aim to recover from two challenging years. The team is looking to rebuild its strength, with some familiar faces stepping into new positions.
David Fifita has already made a strong impression on his new teammates after moving from the Titans. His time on the Gold Coast was a mixed bag, but he has now found a new home where he can thrive. He is expected to start on one edge of the field, while Tallis Duncan will take the other starting spot. This decision comes after Duncan had an impressive 2025 campaign, showcasing his potential and versatility.
At just 23 years old, Duncan defied the injury challenges that have plagued the club. He managed to play all 24 games, scoring nine tries and proving his adaptability. Starting the year in the middle and coming off the bench, he gradually transitioned to the edge, where he now feels most comfortable.
“I spoke to Wayne (coach Wayne Bennett) and we had a conversation,” Duncan said. “He sees me at the moment playing in the back row. I really enjoyed playing in the back row at the back end of last year. So I’m really happy there.”
This partnership between Duncan and Fifita could be a powerful one, especially considering Fifita’s strengths on the edges. “He’s a beast,” Duncan remarked. “He’s everything that you see and he’s had a mad pre-season. I’m proud to call him one of my mates now, and I’m really excited to see him play.”
Strategic Moves on the Field
Duncan’s performance on the left side last year has led to a shift in the Rabbitohs’ strategy. With Latrell Mitchell now set to play as a centre, the focus is on maximizing the potential of the left edge. This change allows Jack Wighton to move to the right side, where he will partner with Campbell Graham.
Wighton has been working on adapting to the right edge, a position he hasn’t played much in his career. “I’ve not played much right edge throughout my career, so it’s good to train my brain again to work on the opposite side of the field,” he said ahead of this weekend’s All Stars game.
Rebuilding After a Tough Period
The Rabbitohs have faced significant challenges over the past few years, including a high number of injuries and poor league finishes in 2024 and 2025. However, the team is now in better shape, both physically and mentally. Captain Cameron Murray praised coach Wayne Bennett for fostering a positive culture within the club.
“It’s nice having Wayne there because he takes a lot of stress off your shoulders,” Murray said. “You trust him with everything. You trust him with handling outside noise, you trust him with handling internal conversations and driving the culture that he wants to set at this club.”
A Focus on Performance
Murray emphasized the importance of focusing on performance rather than external pressures. “All we need to focus on as players is playing our best footy. It’s a simple, narrow focus for us, and it’s the type of focus that successful teams and players have.”
With a strong foundation in place, the Rabbitohs are ready to embrace the new season with renewed energy and determination. The combination of experienced players and emerging talent offers a promising outlook for the team.
