The South Sydney Rabbitohs have announced significant changes to their Football department ahead of the 2026 season. This strategic overhaul aims to bolster the team’s performance and strengthen their pathways system, as the club seeks to reclaim a top-four position in the NRL.
Jack Milligan has been promoted to High Performance Manager, succeeding Trent Elkin, who departed at the end of the 2025 season. Milligan, who served as the Rabbitohs’ NRL Strength and Conditioning Coach for six years, is expected to bring continuity and innovation to the role.
New Appointments and Departures
Corey Bocking will step into Milligan’s previous position as Head of Strength, Conditioning, and Sports Science. Bocking arrives from the Penrith Panthers, where he was the NRL Physical Preparation Lead for four seasons. His diverse experience includes roles with the NSW Waratahs, the West Indies cricket team, and Australian tennis.
Meanwhile, Sam Pervan has been appointed as the new NRL Strength and Conditioning Coach, and Brendan Fahrner, the Head of Sports Science, will leave the Rabbitohs at the end of 2025 to return to Victoria for family reasons.
Davis Theobold joins the Rabbitohs as the NRL Senior Physiotherapist, coming from the St George Illawarra Dragons, where he was the Head of Rehabilitation and Head Physiotherapist. Theobold replaces Vicki Locke, who has concluded her tenure with the club.
Continuity and Strategic Shifts
Brian Stow returns as the Football Logistics and Facilities Manager after working with Hull Kingston Rovers in the UK. Additionally, Kyle Furner will transition into the Operations, Facilities, and Pathways Support Officer role, while also joining the pathways coaching staff.
Key figures such as Head Coach Wayne Bennett and NRL Assistant Coaches Ben Hornby and Steve Antonelli will continue in their roles. The stability among the coaching staff is seen as crucial for maintaining the club’s competitive edge.
Leadership and Vision
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.
Solly also emphasized the importance of the new appointments and promotions in achieving the club’s goals.
“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,” he added.
Looking Ahead to 2026
The strategic changes come as the Rabbitohs prepare for the 2026 season, with players set to return to training in early November. The club is focused on building a robust pathway to deliver future talent into their NRL system, aiming to enhance both immediate and long-term success.
As the Rabbitohs look to the future, the emphasis on high performance, strategic recruitment, and player development will be pivotal. With a blend of experienced leadership and fresh talent, the club is poised to tackle the challenges of the upcoming season and beyond.
