The South Sydney Rabbitohs are on the brink of a remarkable comeback, and it’s all thanks to their resilient skipper, Cam Murray, who’s stepping up after a devastating injury sidelined him for nearly all of last season. But here’s where it gets controversial: With Latrell Mitchell’s position still up in the air, fans are buzzing about whether he’ll thrive in the centres or if the team’s dynamics will shift dramatically. In a recent update, Murray shed light on the team’s preparations just weeks before their pre-season clash with the Dragons, revealing that experimentation is the name of the game right now. And this is the part most people miss—it’s not just about star power; it’s about finding the perfect fit for each player to maximize their strengths.
After rupturing his Achilles in a pre-season training session last year, Murray’s return to the field in the final round against the Roosters was nothing short of heroic. Now, following a rigorous off-season, he’s ready to lead, though he admits the nerves are real. ‘I’m as confident as I can be,’ Murray shared at an Asics media event, ‘but there’s no doubt there’s more nerves than usual after missing so much footy last year.’
The big question on everyone’s mind? Latrell Mitchell’s role. While it’s rumored he’ll move to the centres full-time to make way for the re-signed Jye Gray at fullback, Murray hinted that nothing’s set in stone. ‘It’s still being weighed up,’ he revealed, adding that training sessions are a hotbed of experimentation. With a squad brimming with talent, the focus is on positioning players where they’ll shine brightest.
Here’s a bold take: Could Mitchell’s potential shift to the centres be the game-changer Souths needs, or is it a risky move that could disrupt their rhythm? Let’s not forget Brandon Smith, who Murray says has been ‘phenomenal’ in training. After a 2025 season marred by injuries, a fully fit Souths lineup—featuring the likes of Mitchell, Smith, Cody Walker, and Campbell Graham—is a force to be reckoned with. Add David Fifita to the mix, and you’ve got a team that’s not just strong but downright intimidating.
Fifita, the former Titan, has been turning heads in off-season training, with Murray praising his attitude and commitment. ‘He’s been all guns blazing,’ Murray noted, highlighting Fifita’s dedication to rehab and fitness. This is a stark contrast to the on-field attitude concerns that shadowed his Titans tenure, and it’s a terrific sign for Souths’ future.
As the Rabbitohs gear up for the 2025/26 season, the question remains: Can they live up to the hype? With a healthy roster, strategic experimentation, and a skipper determined to lead, Souths is poised for a comeback. But will it be enough to dominate the NRL? What do you think? Is Mitchell’s potential move to the centres a masterstroke or a misstep? And how will Fifita’s addition reshape the team’s dynamics? Share your thoughts in the comments—let’s spark some friendly debate!
