The odd one among the significant halves beckons; a teenage sensation poised for a breakthrough: 2024 Southern judgment.

Michael Ennis is confident that Jack Wighton’s impressive skills and adaptability could be pivotal in Souths overcoming their disappointing end to the previous season. Ennis doubts Wighton will remain at center for the 2024 season.

Despite leading the 2023 competition early on, Souths suffered a significant decline, missing the finals entirely after reaching the preliminary final the year before. While the team’s roster for 2024 remains mostly unchanged from last season, Wighton’s addition stands out, and Ennis anticipates he will have a significant impact.

Ennis expressed his admiration for Jack, stating that he’s among the top-tier players in the sport. He highlighted Wighton’s exceptional running ability and fierce competitiveness, considering him a significant addition to Souths’ already formidable lineup.

While Demetriou insists Wighton was recruited to play center, with Ilias remaining at halfback, Ennis believes Wighton’s versatility could see him utilized in various roles throughout the NRL season, including in the halves.

Despite indications that Wighton will start at center, Ennis recalls Wighton’s prowess in that position from his earlier years and acknowledges his potential to excel there.

“And we’ve witnessed his performances at the Origin level and for Australia. When you have the attacking prowess of Cody Walker and Latrell Mitchell, with whom he already shares combinations, it’s logical. However, as the season unfolds—a grueling and lengthy campaign—his exceptional versatility will be invaluable for Souths.

He can seamlessly slot into the five-eighth role if Walker is sidelined or if Ilias gets injured, allowing Walker to shift to halfback. If Mitchell is unavailable, he can cover at fullback. He’s one of those players whose versatility adds immense value to a team for numerous reasons.”

The addition of Sean Keppie from Manly to Souths on a three-year deal is seen as a move that enhances the team’s forward pack depth, according to Ennis. He sees significant potential in Keppie, who showed promise at Manly and now strengthens an already impressive Souths forward lineup.

Souths endured the absence of superstar Latrell Mitchell for a considerable portion of last season due to a calf injury sustained in Origin camp. Ennis believes the team’s struggles during that period were no coincidence, emphasizing Mitchell’s importance both on and off the field. His absence not only impacted their on-field performance but also their confidence and morale.

Ennis anticipates that Souths will use the disappointment of last season as motivation for 2024. With one of the strongest squads in the competition, he predicts they will return to the finals and contend for the title.

Given the caliber of players like Latrell Mitchell, Cody Walker, Jack Wighton, Damien Cook, Cameron Murray, and Jai Arrow, among others, Ennis is confident in Souths’ ability to secure a finals berth and potentially aim for a top-four finish. Their current roster strength positions them as a formidable force in the competition.

Strength:
Souths boast one of the most seasoned and stable forward packs in the NRL, comprising numerous representative players. Jai Arrow, Damien Cook, Keaon Koloamatangi, and Cameron Murray all hold Origin honors, while Tevita Tatola shows promise as a potential Blues standout. Murray, often compared to Isaah Yeo, shines as one of the premier locks in the game, his versatility allowing Souths various attacking strategies.

Additionally, with veteran Tom Burgess on the bench and Tallis Duncan contending for a spot in the squad, Souths exhibit impressive depth in the forwards. However, their Achilles’ heel lies in ball control and completion rates; improving in this area will be pivotal for them to match the elite packs in the league.

It’s a Big Year For:
Jack Wighton faces high expectations as he transitions to a center role for Souths in 2024 after a distinguished tenure with the Raiders. His departure from Canberra was driven by a quest for premiership success, setting a lofty benchmark from the outset of his four-year stint with Souths.

With ample experience in representative matches, Wighton’s adaptability may see him filling in at the halves if Souths’ spine fails to synchronize. The pressure on him is palpable, given his aspirations for lifting the trophy with the Redfern club.

Who’s Under Pressure:
Lachlan Ilias shoulders the weight of scrutiny inherent to the NRL halfback role. While showing promise, his standout performances have been sporadic. To solidify himself as the team’s No.7, Ilias must enhance his consistency and refine both his long and short attacking kicking games. The arrival of Jack Wighton adds to the pressure, despite assertions from Jason Demetriou about Wighton’s center role. A slow start to the season could prompt Souths to experiment with a halves pairing of Cody Walker and Wighton to maintain title contention.

The Rising Star:
Tyrone Munro emerged as a promising talent in his rookie season, displaying his athleticism with three tries in three games at just 18 years old. A physical specimen with blistering speed, Munro is expected to vie for a starting wing spot alongside Alex Johnston. Despite an ankle injury in preseason, the 19-year-old garners high praise from Jason Demetriou and could establish himself as a starter in a breakout 2024 season.

The Unlucky Ones:
Isaiah Tass, Tallis Duncan, and Taane Milne find themselves in challenging positions. Tass, a standout at center last season, faces displacement by Jack Wighton and may need to transition to the wing. Duncan, though impressive in his rookie year, contends with the depth of Souths’ forward line and could struggle for consistent bench appearances.

Milne, previously a prolific try-scorer, faces stiff competition in the backline, potentially hindering his chances on the wing. Nonetheless, their roles become vital in case of injuries within the squad.

Projected Finish: 5th

Best 17:

1. Latrell Mitchell
2. Alex Johnston
3. Jack Wighton
4. Campbell Graham
5. Tyrone Munro
6. Cody Walker
7. Lachlan Ilias
8. Jai Arrow
9. Damien Cook
10. Tevita Tatola
11. Keaon Koloamatangi
12. Jacob Host
13. Cameron Murray
14. Siliva Havili
15. Davvy Moale
16. Tom Burgess
17. Sean Keppie

Rabbitohs 2024 Squad:

The Rabbitohs have a strong squad for the 2024 season, including:
Alex Johnston, Cameron Murray, Campbell Graham, Cody Walker, Damien Cook, Davvy Moale, Isaiah Taas, Izaac Tu’itupou Thompson, Jack Wighton, Jacob Host, Jai Arrow, Keaon Koloamatangi, Lachlan Ilias, Latrell Mitchell, Michael Chee Kam, Sean Keppie, Siliva Havili, Taane Milne, Tallis Duncan, Tevita Tatola, Thomas Burgess, Tyrone Munro.

Development players:
Dion Teaupa, Ethan Ferguson, Haizyn Mellars, Liam Le Blanc, Thomas Fletcher.

Gains for 2024:
Jack Wighton (from Raiders), Sean Keppie (from Sea Eagles).

Losses for 2024:
Hame Sele (to Dragons), Blake Taaffe (to Bulldogs), Jed Cartwright (to Knights), Terrell Kalo Kalo (unsigned).

Coach: Jason Demetriou