The South Sydney Rabbitohs are grappling with a severe injury crisis in 2025, which has brought to light what some are calling a “gigantic error” in the club’s past retention and recruitment decisions. The controversy centers around the club’s 2022 decision to let go of veteran halfback Adam Reynolds, offering him only a one-year contract extension instead of the two years he sought.
Reynolds, now 35, subsequently joined the Brisbane Broncos, feeling disillusioned by the Rabbitohs’ assessment that his body could not endure the long-term demands of the NRL. However, recent performances have debunked that notion, as Reynolds continues to excel while South Sydney struggles with a growing list of injured players.
Reynolds’ Performance Defies Expectations
According to veteran rugby league reporter Phil Rothfield, Reynolds’ success at the Broncos has shattered the belief that he was a long-term risk. Speaking on the Big Sports Breakfast, Rothfield stated, “Souths need an investigation into their injuries, they really do. Their sports science, their high-performance. A lot of them have happened at training.”
Rothfield further criticized the decision made by Souths’ high-performance staff four years ago, suggesting that whoever advised against retaining Reynolds made a significant error. In a column for The Daily Telegraph, Rothfield provided compelling statistics to support his claim.
Since joining the Broncos, Reynolds has played 74 games, which is 20 more than Souths’ fullback Latrell Mitchell and only four fewer than Cody Walker. He has also amassed 78 try assists, 600 points, 3,490 possessions, and 30,412 kicking metres, outperforming both Mitchell and Walker in each category.
Injury Crisis at Souths
The Rabbitohs’ current injury woes are extensive, with key players such as Mitchell, Walker, Brandon Smith, Campbell Graham, Cameron Murray, Jayden Sullivan, Tevita Tatola, Keaon Koloamatangi, Mikaele Ravalawa, and Davvy Moale all sidelined. Rothfield believes the club must scrutinize its sports science practices to address this issue.
However, the problem may extend beyond South Sydney. Former player Laurie Daley highlighted a broader issue with the length of the NRL season. “The season is too long, isn’t it? 27 rounds… it’s a lot of football,” Daley remarked, noting the additional burden of State of Origin and Test matches.
Calls for Change in NRL Scheduling
Rothfield echoed Daley’s concerns, urging rugby league authorities to consider the welfare of elite players who face year-round competition. “It is for the elite players, for the players who play finals every year. They play State of Origin, they play trial matches, they play the All Stars game,” Rothfield explained.
He emphasized the need for a comprehensive review of player welfare and injury management across the league. “You’ve got to look at the welfare and you’ve got to look at injuries across the competition. Look at Souths. Latrell, Walker, Murray, Campbell Graham, Keaon Koloamatangi,” Rothfield said.
As the Rabbitohs navigate their current challenges, the situation underscores the importance of strategic decision-making in player retention and the potential long-term impacts of those choices. The club’s experience may serve as a cautionary tale for other teams in the NRL.
Moving forward, the Rabbitohs will need to address their injury management strategies and possibly reconsider their approach to player contracts to prevent similar issues in the future. Meanwhile, the broader rugby league community may need to reevaluate the demands placed on its players to ensure their health and longevity in the sport.
