EXCLUSIVE: Phil Gould questions 'strange' Rabbitohs recruitment as heat put squarely on new No.7
Updated . First published at
Phil Gould has called into question South Sydney's recruitment for the upcoming season, with star import Lewis Dodd under pressure to perform.
There have been a stack of major changes at Redfern since the return of Wayne Bennett was announced, with multiple experienced players departing the foundation club.
Lachlan Ilias and Damien Cook have both moved on, which will see the Rabbitohs take a new-look spine into their 2025 campaign, with Dodd tipped to play halfback.
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The 23-year-old was a highly-touted prospect overseas, but whether he can bring his Super League form to the NRL on a consistent basis remains to be seen.
Gould described the recruitment drive from Bennett as "strange" and cast doubt over the UK sensation steering the ship in the No.7 jumper.
Lewis Dodd and Cody Walker ahead of the 2025 season. South Sydney Rabbitohs
"The issue will be how the Englishman goes at halfback," he said on Wide World of Sports' Six Tackles With Gus.
"It has been strange the way they have recruited.
"Euan Aitken from the Dolphins, he is a Bennett favourite. Lewis Dodd is an interesting one from St Helens. He's a high-priced purchase from the Super League.
"Jamie Humphreys from Manly, he's a good little player and bounced between seven and nine in the lower grades and they saw some utility value there.
"Josh Schuster and Jayden Sullivan … he's bought some playmaker back-up there, because Cody Walker's not getting any younger.
"I guess it's a gamble with the UK fella (Dodd) - he's probably got to prove himself."
Dodd burst onto the scene as a teenager with St Helens, before announcing himself to the world in the side's World Club Challenge win over Penrith two years ago.
Jack Wighton could be an option in the halves. Getty
However, after putting pen to paper with South Sydney midway through last season, Dodd was dropped by the Saints, adding further question marks over his NRL credentials.
While he is expected to get first crack at the chief playmaking role, Gould floated the idea of moving Jack Wighton from the centres in a bid to add class to the halves.
"I think he could play five-eighth and Cody Walker could play halfback," Gould said.
"It will be interesting to see what Wayne does - very interesting indeed."
Wighton spent time in a variety of roles last year for the Bunnies, taking out the George Piggins Medal in what was a tough season for the club.
Souths lost their first trial against Manly with very few first graders in the team, but will give Dodd another opportunity this weekend in the Charity Shield against the Dragons.
