The South Sydney Rabbitohs have announced significant changes to their Football Department as they gear up for the 2026 season. The club has promoted and introduced new staff members in a bid to enhance their performance on and off the field.
Jack Milligan has been elevated to the role of High Performance Manager. Milligan, who has served as the Rabbitohs’ NRL Strength and Conditioning Coach for the past six seasons, steps into the shoes of Trent Elkin, who departed at the end of the 2025 season. This strategic move is aimed at leveraging Milligan’s extensive experience to boost the team’s overall performance.
New Faces and Roles in the Rabbitohs’ Lineup
Corey Bocking is set to take over Milligan’s previous position as the Head of Strength, Conditioning, and Sports Science. Bocking joins the Rabbitohs from the Penrith Panthers, where he was the NRL Physical Preparation Lead for four seasons. His diverse background includes stints with the NSW Waratahs rugby union team, the West Indies cricket team, and Australian tennis, bringing a wealth of knowledge to his new role.
Meanwhile, Sam Pervan will assume the position of NRL Strength and Conditioning Coach, marking another internal shift aimed at strengthening the department. Brendan Fahrner, the current Head of Sports Science, will conclude his tenure with the Rabbitohs at the end of the year to return to Victoria for family reasons.
Physiotherapy and Logistics Enhancements
Davis Theobold has been appointed as the NRL Senior Physiotherapist, joining from the St George Illawarra Dragons. With six seasons as the Head of Rehabilitation and Head Physiotherapist under his belt, Theobold is expected to bring a fresh perspective to the Rabbitohs’ medical team. He replaces Vicki Locke, who has ended her term with the club.
In logistics, Brian Stow returns to the Rabbitohs as the Football Logistics and Facilities Manager after a period 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, further solidifying the team’s operational efficiency.
Continuity Amidst Change
Despite these changes, several key figures will continue in their roles, ensuring stability within the club. Head Coach Wayne Bennett, along with NRL Assistant Coaches Ben Hornby and Steve Antonelli, remains at the helm. Other critical staff, including Development Coach John Sutton, Head of Recruitment and Retention Mark Ellison, and Chief Medical Officer Dr. Andrew McDonald, will also continue to contribute their expertise.
“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, said.
Strategic Vision and Future Goals
The Rabbitohs’ strategic vision is clear: to return to the top echelons of the NRL ladder. CEO Blake Solly expressed confidence in the revamped department’s ability to achieve this goal. The club is focused not only on immediate success but also on building a robust pathway system to nurture future talent.
“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,” Solly added.
As the Rabbitohs prepare for the upcoming season, players are expected to return to training in early November. The club is optimistic about their premiership campaign in 2026, with a renewed focus on performance and development.
