The Rabbitohs have given halfback Lewis Dodd a six-figure pay-out after mutually agreeing to part ways with the playmaker after just six games with the club.
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South Sydney confirmed Dodd’s release from the remainder of his playing contract in a statement on Tuesday, with CEO Blake Solly crediting his “first class” attitude in what has been a tough year after the 23-year-old arrived at the club with high expectations.
“We want to thank Lewis for his service to the Rabbitohs throughout the 2025 season,” Solly said.
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“His attitude towards his football, his training and his interactions with our Members and supporters has been first class. We’re certain that Lewis will be able to return to his best football.”
The Daily Telegraph reported that Dodd is expected to join English Super League club Catalans Dragons on a 12-month contract after Souths paid a six-figure fee to release him.
The former St Helens star was a big name signing for Souths in 2025 and was seen as the club’s long-term halfback, but he played just six games under Wayne Bennett last season and only once in the No.7 jersey.
South Sydney’s recruitment officer Mark Ellison flew to England to sign Dodd, but it remains to be seen if Bennett ever approved of the deal, after only returning to the club ahead of the 2025 season.
Dodd failed to win a game at Souths, as the team struggled amid a horror casualty ward in 2025, which was the worst in Bennett’s career.
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Originally Dodd was keen to stay with the club, before the Rabbitohs granted formal permission to explore his options after it became clear he was not in coach Bennett’s long-term plans.
Dodd was overlooked for for a host of stars including Jack Wighton, Cody Walker, Jamie Humphreys, Jayden Sullivan, Latrell Mitchell, Jye Gray and Ashton Ward throughout the season, showing Bennett had little faith in his ability despite the club’s injury woes.
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Souths have re-signed Sullivan for two years despite the fact his loan deal from the Tigers expires at the end of the season.
The Rabbitohs are in talks with David Fifita to lure the former Origin star from the Titans and Dodd’s departure will free up some funds for that aim, along with releasing prop Davvy Moale to join Manly on a three-year deal.
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