The South Sydney Rabbitohs have announced significant changes to their Football Department ahead of the 2026 NRL season. This strategic overhaul includes key promotions and new appointments aimed at enhancing the team’s performance and nurturing future talent.
Jack Milligan, who has served as the Club’s NRL Strength and Conditioning Coach for six seasons, has been promoted to High Performance Manager. He succeeds Trent Elkin, who stepped down at the end of the 2025 season. Meanwhile, Corey Bocking, formerly with the Penrith Panthers, will take over Milligan’s previous role as Head of Strength, Conditioning, and Sports Science. Bocking brings a wealth of experience, having worked with the NSW Waratahs, West Indies cricket team, and Australian tennis.
New Faces and Departures
The Rabbitohs are also welcoming Sam Pervan into the NRL Strength and Conditioning Coach position. Additionally, Davis Theobold joins the physiotherapy team as NRL Senior Physiotherapist, replacing Vicki Locke. Theobold’s experience with the St George Illawarra Dragons as Head of Rehabilitation and Head Physiotherapist will be invaluable to the team.
As part of the changes, Football Logistics and Facilities Manager Brian Stow returns from a stint in the UK with Hull Kingston Rovers. Kyle Furner will transition into the Operations, Facilities and Pathways Support Officer role, while also joining the Club’s pathways coaching staff.
Continuity Amidst Change
Despite these changes, several key members will continue in their roles. Head Coach Wayne Bennett and his coaching team, including NRL Assistant Coaches Ben Hornby and Steve Antonelli, remain at the helm. The continuity in leadership is seen as crucial for maintaining stability and achieving the club’s goals.
Rabbitohs CEO Blake Solly expressed gratitude to departing staff and optimism for the future.
“We would like to thank those staff members that have departed from our Club at the end of the season. They all made valuable contributions to our Football Department and we wish them the best of luck in the future,”
Solly stated.
Strategic Vision for 2026
The Rabbitohs’ strategic vision for the 2026 season focuses on returning to the top four of the NRL and strengthening their pathways system. Solly emphasized the club’s commitment to developing future Rabbitohs players and expressed confidence in the current coaching and support staff.
Solly added,
“We have the utmost confidence in our football department coaches and staff, led by Wayne (Bennett), to return the Club to the right end of the competition ladder, and to produce future first graders through our pathways systems.”
The team is set to begin group training sessions in early November, marking the start of their preparation for the upcoming premiership campaign. The Rabbitohs’ focused approach to restructuring their Football Department reflects their ambition to achieve success in the 2026 season and beyond.
