In a significant coup for the South Sydney Rabbitohs, esteemed trainer Corey Bocking has been recruited from the Penrith Panthers, marking a pivotal shift in the club’s approach to physical preparation. This strategic acquisition by Rabbitohs coach Wayne Bennett is part of a broader effort to revamp the team’s dressing room staff following a challenging season plagued by injuries.
Bocking has been instrumental in the Panthers’ recent successes, playing a crucial role in maintaining player fitness during their premiership-winning campaigns. His expertise in sports science and conditioning will now be leveraged by the Rabbitohs as they aim to overcome the injury woes that marred their 2025 season.
Controversy and Consequences
Despite his professional accolades, Bocking’s tenure at Penrith was not without controversy. Earlier this year, he was involved in a high-profile incident where he inadvertently disrupted Titans kicker Jayden Campbell during a crucial conversion attempt. The incident, which led to a missed kick, drew widespread criticism and prompted Fox Sports commentator Andrew Voss to publicly denounce Bocking’s actions amid boos from the crowd.
In the aftermath, Penrith faced significant repercussions. The National Rugby League (NRL) imposed a five-game suspension on Bocking and fined the club $50,000, marking the most substantial penalty for the Panthers since their breach of Covid biosecurity protocols. Despite these setbacks, Bocking’s move to the Rabbitohs signals a fresh start and an opportunity to apply his skills in a new environment.
Strategic Staff Changes at South Sydney
Alongside Bocking’s appointment, the Rabbitohs have made several key staffing changes. Jack Milligan has been promoted to high performance manager following Trent Elkin’s departure. In a statement, Rabbitohs CEO Blake Solly expressed gratitude to outgoing staff, acknowledging their contributions and wishing them success in future endeavors.
Moreover, the Rabbitohs have secured the services of Davis Theobald, former head of performance at the Dragons, who will now serve as the team’s rehabilitation physiotherapist. These strategic appointments are part of Bennett’s comprehensive plan to address the injury crisis that severely impacted the team’s performance last season.
Addressing the Injury Crisis
Wayne Bennett has described the 2025 injury crisis as unprecedented in his extensive coaching career. At one point, the Rabbitohs were without half of their 30-man squad for a critical match against the Brisbane Broncos. Key players, including captain Cameron Murray, Cody Walker, Campbell Graham, and Latrell Mitchell, missed significant portions of the season, with Mitchell appearing in only 11 games.
“We have the utmost confidence in our football department coaches and staff, led by Wayne, to return the club to the right end of the competition ladder, and to produce future first graders through our pathways systems,” Solly stated.
Looking Ahead: Strengthening the Squad
In addition to staff changes, the Rabbitohs have bolstered their playing roster by securing Jayden Sullivan on a two-year contract. Sullivan, who played 13 games for the Rabbitohs in 2025 while on loan from the Wests Tigers, will now provide crucial depth as a backup to Walker and Jamie Humphreys. This move is part of Bennett’s strategy to fortify the squad against potential injuries in the upcoming season.
As the Rabbitohs prepare for the 2026 season, the focus is on recovery and resilience. Players are set to return to training in early November, with the club aiming to reclaim its position at the top of the NRL ladder. The integration of new staff and players is expected to play a significant role in this endeavor, as the Rabbitohs look to turn the page on a challenging chapter and embark on a successful premiership campaign.
