The South Sydney Rabbitohs have announced significant changes to their football department as they gear up for the 2026 season. The club has promoted Jack Milligan to High Performance Manager, following his six-year tenure as the NRL Strength and Conditioning Coach. Milligan steps into the role previously held by Trent Elkin, who departed at the end of the 2025 season.
Corey Bocking is set to fill Milligan’s former position, bringing with him a wealth of experience from his time as the NRL Physical Preparation Lead at the Penrith Panthers. Bocking’s diverse background includes stints with the NSW Waratahs, West Indies cricket team, and Australian tennis, making him a valuable addition to the Rabbitohs’ team.
Key Appointments and Departures
Sam Pervan will assume the role of NRL Strength and Conditioning Coach, while Brendan Fahrner, the Head of Sports Science, will leave the Rabbitohs at the end of 2025 to return to his family in Victoria. The club has also welcomed Davis Theobold as the NRL Senior Physiotherapist, who joins from the St George Illawarra Dragons, replacing Vicki Locke.
Brian Stow returns to the Rabbitohs as the Football Logistics and Facilities Manager after his time with Hull Kingston Rovers in the UK. Kyle Furner will transition to the Operations, Facilities, and Pathways Support Officer role and join the pathways coaching staff.
Continuity Amidst Change
Despite these changes, the Rabbitohs have retained several key figures within their coaching and management teams. Head Coach Wayne Bennett, along with NRL Assistant Coaches Ben Hornby and Steve Antonelli, will continue to lead the team. Other notable figures remaining in their roles include Development Coach John Sutton, Head of Recruitment and Retention Mark Ellison, and Chief Medical Officer Dr. Andrew McDonald.
The club’s commitment to stability is further demonstrated by the continued presence of Head Physiotherapist Crawford Quinn, Football and Recruitment Analyst Leigh Richardson, and Head of Wellbeing Ian Reeves, among others.
Strategic Vision and Future Aspirations
Rabbitohs CEO Blake Solly expressed gratitude towards departing staff members for their contributions and extended congratulations to those receiving promotions and new hires. Solly emphasized the club’s strategic focus on returning to the top four of the NRL and strengthening their pathways 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 stated.
As the Rabbitohs prepare for the upcoming season, players are expected to return to training in early November. The club is optimistic about their prospects for the 2026 premiership campaign, leveraging the expertise and leadership of their revamped football department.
This development follows a broader trend in professional sports where clubs are increasingly investing in specialized roles to enhance performance and player development. The Rabbitohs’ strategic appointments reflect a commitment to both immediate success and long-term growth, ensuring they remain competitive in the ever-evolving landscape of the NRL.
As the 2026 season approaches, all eyes will be on how these changes translate into on-field performance, with fans eagerly anticipating the Rabbitohs’ pursuit of NRL glory.
