Rabbitohs Unveil Potentially Toughest Left Edge in Premiership History
South Sydney is on the verge of unleashing a left-side attacking force that could redefine premiership history, with coach Wayne Bennett set to deploy a combination boasting an astonishing near-500 career tries. The Rabbitohs are nearing full strength for their upcoming clash against Manly in Mudgee this Sunday, a match where Latrell Mitchell’s shift to left centre has been officially confirmed. Adding further firepower, David Fifita is slated to start in the second row, expected to operate on the left flank alongside the seasoned five-eighth, Cody Walker.
While winger Alex Johnston will be sidelined for this particular fixture due to a “very minor” hamstring strain, the veteran speedster is anticipated to be fit and firing for the Round 1 opener against the Dolphins on March 8th. Souths have long been recognised for their formidable left-side attack, a reputation bolstered by Johnston’s impressive pursuit of Ken Irvine’s all-time try-scoring record. However, the current configuration promises to be an unprecedented level of lethality.
The sheer try-scoring prowess of this potential quartet is staggering. Johnston, with an impressive 210 tries, Mitchell, who has crossed the stripe 120 times, and Walker, with a century of tries to his name, have all achieved the coveted three-figure mark. New recruit David Fifita adds another potent weapon to this arsenal, contributing 50 tries from his second-row position. Collectively, this formidable group has amassed a staggering 480 tries, a figure that stands head and shoulders above any other left edge in recent NRL history. For context, the Sydney Roosters’ formidable left edge in late 2023 registered 412 tries, highlighting the sheer scale of the Rabbitohs’ potential.
A Mix of Talent and Teamwork
Despite the undeniable individual brilliance on display, Souths captain Cameron Murray remains pragmatic about the team’s prospects. “If it is the left edge everyone’s talking about, there’s a lot of talent there,” Murray commented to AAP. “But that’s far from guaranteeing that it’s going to be a successful edge. You’ve got to prove it.” He stressed the importance of fostering cohesion and understanding amongst the new-look unit. “We’ve got to work out how to play to each other’s strengths out there and play as good as we can and get the most talent out of every single person on that edge. Everyone knows that talent doesn’t win games. Culture and enthusiasm and competing and developed combinations – they all play a part.”
The history of South Sydney’s left edge is rich with talent. Over the past decade and a half, the club has seen stars like Luke Keary, John Sutton, Greg Inglis, and Dane Gagai provide the platform for try-scoring machines such as Nathan Merritt, Robert Jennings, and of course, Alex Johnston. Yet, the current iteration, with the addition of Fifita, presents a compelling argument for being the most dangerous yet. Johnston is now just two tries shy of equalling the legendary Ken Irvine’s long-standing record of 212 tries, a testament to his incredible consistency and try-scoring instinct.
Mitchell’s Move and Fifita’s X-Factor
Latrell Mitchell’s return to the left centre position is a significant development. He was widely regarded as the NRL’s premier centre during his time at the Roosters, where he played on the left and was instrumental in their back-to-back premiership victories. His move to fullback upon joining South Sydney saw him continue to be a dominant force.
The acquisition of David Fifita introduces a genuine ‘x-factor’ to the Rabbitohs’ second row. His imposing physical presence and diverse skillset offer a dynamic that Souths may not have consistently possessed in the past. In the 2024 season, the 25-year-old led all forwards in tackle busts and was third for offloads, showcasing his attacking impact before an injury-plagued final season at the Gold Coast Titans last year.
“He’s his own player and he’s got a lot of incredibly talented strengths and is one of those guys that can create something out of nothing,” Murray elaborated on Fifita’s impact. “It just adds another weapon to that edge. Hopefully we can get the combinations right and get everyone playing to their strengths.”
Injury Concerns for Arrow
In other team news, the Rabbitohs have confirmed that Jai Arrow will remain sidelined indefinitely as medical staff continue to investigate a long-term shoulder injury. Arrow, along with fellow backrower Tallis Duncan, was one of the few Souths players to feature in every game for the injury-plagued club last season, highlighting his importance to the team’s forward pack.
