Everywhere you look, confidence is down. Cody Walker hasn’t been able to reproduce anything resembling the form he produced in last year’s State of Origin finale. Cook, playing in his 200th NRL game, is still smarting from the indignity of being dropped. Latrell Mitchell is yet to decide whether he wants to play for the Blues. Unless he comes back with a bang, the decision will be made for him.
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And then there’s the question about the halfback. Lachlan Ilias appears on his way out, an early injury cruelled Dean Hawkins’ audition for the No.7 position on a more permanent basis and the incoming Lewis Dodd, set to arrive from St Helens on a three-year deal, is untested at NRL level. South Sydney’s best kick of the night came from the boot of burly prop Burgess.
Should Bennett join Souths, he will do so with the backing of Russell Crowe. That support doesn’t carry the weight it once did. Demetriou, the man Bennett anointed as his successor, also had Crowe in his corner. The Rabbitohs boardroom doesn’t appear as united as the “unanimous” decision to punt Demetriou suggests.
Over at Parramatta, directors are fully behind Brad Arthur. Their belief in the coach has been steadfast, a stance that could well cost them any chance of Bennett’s signature. The master mentor would have taken note of that as well: nothing appeals to him more than working for a board that backs its coach to the hilt.
Should he return to the Rabbitohs, Bennett will ostensibly be replacing himself. History shows that those who have come after him have failed. It’s a tough act to follow. Even if you’re Wayne Bennett.
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