Parker: Is Fifita the man to save Wayne Bennett?

If the Rabbitohs do not play semi-finals this year, will Wayne Bennett be the head coach moving forward?

That’s the big question for the club, according to Corey Parker who believes Souths have had too many excuses to rest on in recent seasons.

Decimated by injuries in 2025, last season was nothing short of a disaster for the founding club who finished 14th on the ladder with just nine wins to their name.

Only one player – Jai Arrow – featured in every single match last year – in what was one of the worst injury lists seen in the game, but with everyone seemingly back to full fitness and eight new recruits, it’s semi-finals or bust in 2026.

David Fifita is the most notable addition to Souths with the forward making the move from the Titans in the hopes of reigniting his career under Bennett.

“Round 12 last year was the last time they were in the top 8,” Parker said on SEQ Breakfast.

“They were decimated by injury I understand that. You don’t plan for that many injuries.

“Whether it was unfortunate or a training thing, it played its part. Overall, they finished with average points of 17 scored and 25 against.”

The Rabbitohs have a decent opening five rounds with a season opener against the Dolphins before the meet the Roosters and Wests Tigers and a fourth-round bye before hosting the Bulldogs.

The club has failed to make the eight since 2022, so the pressure is on.

“There are some massive clubs in Sydney, the Rabbitohs are a massive founding club,” Parker continued. “Their season for me, they have to play semi-finals football.

“Go through their list and it’s good list. In their predicted strongest line up, there’s eight Test players, maybe more.

“With all the quality they have, if they can get cohesion and a healthy side for 75 per cent of the season, I feel they should play semi-finals based on talent and experience. Will it happen? I’m not so sure.

“If the Rabbitohs do not play semi-final football this year, will Wayne Bennett be the head coach moving forward?

“The last couple of seasons has not been where they need to be. There have been enough excuses for them to lean on. This season, they need to bounce out the blocks.”