'Terrible' Lewis Dodd signing puts spotlight on Bunnies recruitment, says Sam Thaiday

Wayne Bennett's decision to drop Lewis Dodd to NSW Cup has put a spotlight on South Sydney's recruitment before the 75-year-old signed on for his second stint at the club.

Dodd was reportedly told by the club he can negotiate with rivals after the 60-14 defeat to the Broncos last weekend, putting his future in the NRL in serious doubt.

Dodd has played just six games for Souths during his first season in Australia, mostly off the bench, with his use and impact heavily questioned, especially with a price tag of $650,000 a season.

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Despite a massive injury list, South Sydney opted to go with 21-year-old Ashton Ward and Jamie Humphreys in the halves for this week's clash against the Titans.

Sam Thaiday, who played under Bennett at the Broncos, labelled the decision to sign Dodd as "terrible" while expressing sympathy for the out of sorts playmaker.

"I feel for the young fellow. He's had to uproot his whole life, he's moved over to Australia from England, thinking he's gonna get this chance to play in the NRL," he told Nine's Today.

"Now he's been told that he can go and negotiate with other teams, unwanted by Wayne Bennett at the club.

"This was a recruitment deal that was done while Jason Demetriou was still the coach of the Bunnies. But I feel for him at the end of the day."

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While the blame has been laid at the feet of the former coach, club CEO Blake Solly and football manager Mark Ellison also signed off on the decision.

It was Ellison who reportedly travelled to England to meet with Dodd after the halfback informed St Helens he was not taking up his option for 2025.

Several NRL clubs were interested in Dodd after he kicked the winning field goal in golden point against Penrith in the 2023 World Club Challenge.

Bennett had been coy on the prospect of Dodd seeing out his three-year deal with the Bunnies before Tuesday's decision.

When asked if Dodd would see out his deal leading into the loss against Brisbane, Bennett said "we'll be a lot smarter in a couple of weeks."

But it's now set in stone and the South Sydney coach reportedly told the halfback he was free to leave the club at the end of the year.

"I have had a conversation with him and I have told him he is free to explore his options," Bennett said.

Dodd initially was defiant in the face of calls for him to leave, saying he was going to fight for his future at the club.

It's unlikely that will happen now, with the halfback sure to command offers from the English Super League, with several teams in need of a No.7.

NRL clubs like the Knights and Dragons are also on the lookout for a quality halfback.