The South Sydney Rabbitohs have announced significant changes to their football department as they gear up for the 2026 season. The club aims to bolster its performance on the field and ensure a strong developmental pathway for future talent.
Jack Milligan has been promoted to High Performance Manager, succeeding Trent Elkin, who stepped down at the end of the 2025 season. Milligan has been a pivotal figure as the NRL Strength and Conditioning Coach for the past six years, and his elevation comes as the Rabbitohs seek to enhance their competitive edge.
Meanwhile, Corey Bocking is set to fill Milligan’s previous role as Head of Strength, Conditioning, and Sports Science. Bocking joins from the Penrith Panthers, bringing with him a wealth of experience, including stints with the NSW Waratahs, West Indies cricket team, and Australian tennis.
Strategic Appointments and Departures
Sam Pervan will step into the NRL Strength and Conditioning Coach position, while Brendan Fahrner, the current Head of Sports Science, will depart at the end of 2025 to return to Victoria for family reasons. These shifts underscore the Rabbitohs’ commitment to maintaining a dynamic and effective support team.
In the physiotherapy department, Davis Theobold joins as the NRL Senior Physiotherapist from the St George Illawarra Dragons, where he served as Head of Rehabilitation and Head Physiotherapist. Theobold replaces Vicki Locke, who has concluded her tenure with the Rabbitohs.
Brian Stow returns to the Rabbitohs as Football Logistics and Facilities Manager after his time with Hull Kingston Rovers in the UK. Kyle Furner will transition to Operations, Facilities and Pathways Support Officer, further strengthening the club’s operational framework.
Continuity and Stability in Key Roles
While there are numerous changes, many key figures will continue in their roles, providing stability and continuity. Head Coach Wayne Bennett, along with Assistant Coaches Ben Hornby and Steve Antonelli, remain at the helm. Other critical roles such as Head of Recruitment and Retention Mark Ellison, and Chief Medical Officer Dr. Andrew McDonald, will also see no changes.
The Rabbitohs are confident that this blend of new appointments and experienced staff will propel the team back to the top echelons of the NRL. According to Rabbitohs CEO Blake Solly, the club is optimistic about the upcoming season and 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,” Rabbitohs CEO, Blake Solly, stated.
Looking Ahead to the 2026 Season
The changes in the Rabbitohs’ football department are part of a broader strategy to return to the top four and cultivate a robust pathway for emerging talent. The club is focused on leveraging the expertise of its seasoned coaching staff, led by Wayne Bennett, to improve their standings in the competition.
As the Rabbitohs prepare for the 2026 season, the players are set to begin group training sessions from early November. This preparation is crucial as they aim to mount a serious challenge for the premiership.
With these strategic changes, the South Sydney Rabbitohs are poised to make a significant impact in the upcoming NRL season, driven by a renewed focus on performance and development.
