Farewell JD
Jason Demetriou becomes the first coach to add the word “Former” to their title in 2024.
It is always disappointing to see a head coach fall on their sword (whether forwards or backwards). But this was not unexpected.
Having won just 6 games from 26 attempts since the Rabbitohs led the competition midway last season, it was inevitable.
Jason didn’t look like he had answers to turn the Club’s fortunes around. When coaches and clubs (re: board members) have their collective (re: own) backs to the wall, desperate changes are made.
Lachlan Ilias, Damien Cook were both dropped. Former NRL coach David Furner appointed as an assistant two weeks ago. JD had a stay of execution after a tough loss to the Sharks and had two weeks to prepare for their 54-18 ANZAC Day flogging to the Storm.
This whole process was like watching a band-aid slowly being torn off.
So, what did those two weeks provide? St Helen’s premiership winning half back Lewis Dodd is set to sign amongst all this turmoil. Hmmm, I am pretty sure he would want to know who his coach will be.
Media reports Latrell Mitchell will return from suspension with less power and influence. The fact that he and others self-appointed themselves as bigger than the Club, and coach, and were not put into check is why we see the demise of JD and the great South Sydney club.
Despite appointing David Furner as an assistant coach, Souths board has decided to anoint fellow assistant, Ben Hornby, as interim head coach. Now, I love Ben Hornby. He was the Dragons captain and halfback that won the 2010 Premiership. He was as tough as nails player. I just don’t see how he will influence the likes of Mitchell and Walker. At least he takes over when the Rabbitohs start to have an easier run.
This season is over, and all eyes are on 2025.
Big Stadiums
On Anzac Day, I finally made the trek out to Allianz Stadium.
The precinct is fantastic and the light rail up through Surry Hills makes the trek to Allianz Stadium easier. But it is still a trek for all but the Eastern Suburbs elite.
The new Stadium may look very similar to the old from the distance, but it is truly magnificent.
As a spectator, you are so close to the players they look massive. The design means buying food and drinks from the varied options in the concourse still gives you an uninhibited view of the action on ground.
The atmosphere was incredible, mind you it was an ANZAC Day sell out. Not sure what it’s like with 7,000 in attendance.
But things could be better.
On entering there are only three sporting codes club emblems on the Stadium.
Sydney FC, Waratahs, Sydney Roosters.
For a publicly owned stadium there needs to be more first-class teams making this their home ground.
Expect the Rabbitohs to move their burrow.
The other gripe is for such a modern stadium, if you decide to buy four plastic cups of beer at their exorbitant prices, you are rewarded with having to purchase a $1 cardboard tray to carry them. That is so last century, it feels like the Chooks are holding a chook raffle.
For such a great stadium is Allianz in the right location? Is it the premier stadium for our code?
I will be striving to watch a game at CommBank Stadium in Parramatta as well as returning to Suncorp Stadium when the Dragons play the Broncos to compare. And no Suncorp is not during Magic Round. That is when the Dragons perform their disappearing trick.
Good luck this weekend Tipsters.
