The South Sydney Rabbitohs have announced significant changes to their football department in preparation for the 2026 NRL season. This strategic overhaul includes promotions and new appointments aimed at enhancing the team’s performance and development pathways.
Jack Milligan has been elevated to the role of High Performance Manager after serving as the club’s NRL Strength and Conditioning Coach for six seasons. He succeeds Trent Elkin, who departed at the end of the 2025 season. Meanwhile, Corey Bocking steps into Milligan’s previous position, bringing experience from his tenure as the NRL Physical Preparation Lead at the Penrith Panthers, and roles with the NSW Waratahs, the West Indies cricket team, and Australian tennis.
Sam Pervan will assume the role of NRL Strength and Conditioning Coach. In a related move, Brendan Fahrner, the Head of Sports Science, will leave the Rabbitohs at the end of 2025 to return to Victoria for family reasons.
New Faces and Returning Talent
Davis Theobold joins the Rabbitohs as the NRL Senior Physiotherapist. He comes from the St George Illawarra Dragons, where he was the Head of Rehabilitation and Head Physiotherapist for six seasons. Theobold replaces Vicki Locke, who concluded her tenure with South Sydney.
Brian Stow returns to the Rabbitohs as Football Logistics and Facilities Manager after a stint in the UK with Hull Kingston Rovers. Additionally, Kyle Furner transitions into the Operations, Facilities and Pathways Support Officer role and will join the club’s pathways coaching staff.
Continuity in Coaching and Support Staff
Despite these changes, the Rabbitohs have maintained stability in their coaching and support staff. Head Coach Wayne Bennett, along with NRL Assistant Coaches Ben Hornby and Steve Antonelli, remains at the helm. Other key figures such as Development Coach John Sutton, Head of Recruitment and Retention Mark Ellison, and NRL Football Manager Jason Clark will continue in their roles.
The club’s medical and analytical teams, including Chief Medical Officer Dr. Andrew McDonald and Football and Recruitment Analyst Leigh Richardson, also retain their positions, ensuring continuity in player health and performance analysis.
Strategic Vision and Future Goals
Rabbitohs CEO Blake Solly expressed gratitude to departing staff members for their contributions and extended congratulations to those receiving promotions and new hires. Solly emphasized the club’s commitment to returning to the top four of the NRL and strengthening their development pathways.
“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,” said Solly.
The Rabbitohs are set to commence group training in early November, as they gear up for the 2026 premiership campaign. The club’s strategic changes reflect a broader ambition to not only compete at the highest level but also to cultivate homegrown talent through robust development systems.
As the Rabbitohs prepare for the upcoming season, the focus remains on leveraging both experienced and fresh talent within their ranks to achieve their competitive goals. With a blend of continuity and innovation, South Sydney aims to make a significant impact in the 2026 NRL season.
