Jason Demetriou is usually one of the most open coaches in the NRL, but the South Sydney boss was cagier than ever with reporters on Thursday morning as he insisted things at the Rabbitohs were just fine despite the club enduring a hellish week off the field.
The South Sydney coach refused to elaborate on the decision to drop Lachlan Ilias and the fallout from Latrell Mitchell’s foul-mouthed interview, while he chose to stay quiet when asked to respond to allegations made by former winger Josh Mansour.
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“There’s nothing to handle,” he said.
“Inside the four walls we’re rock solid, we’ve trained well and prepared well for a big game tomorrow night against the Roosters. (The noise) is outside the four walls so it’s not a problem for us.”
It’s been a tough start to the season for the Bunnies who fell apart horribly in 2023 and have failed to recapture the form that propelled them to top the table after 11 rounds last year.
Their attack hasn’t been as slick as we’ve seen in the past, with halfback Ilias sensationally dumped after two rounds where he’s set up just one try.
“I won’t explain my reasoning,” Demetriou said.
“It’s a discussion for Lachie and myself, and we’ve had that in depth and we’ll continue to have those discussions. Lachie knows it’s a step sideways to go forwards again, and that’s how we’ll approach it.
“He’s fine. It’s footy. You pick 17 blokes every week, so it’s not that dramatic.”
There were reports this week that the decision to drop the young playmaker was led by South Sydney’s leadership group, but Demetriou wouldn’t bite when asked about it.
“That’s inside information,” he fired back.
Ilias’ demotion to reserve grade opens the door for Dean Hawkins to come into the side, although Demetriou wouldn’t confirm or deny whether the six-gamer would hold onto the starting spot next week.
“No idea (if he keeps the jersey). We play Friday night and go from there,” he said.
“I want him to be Deano and to organise our team, get us around the field and kick well. It’s about a young kid who has earned the right to wear the No.7 for South Sydney on Friday night.
“I’m really proud of the journey that he’s had, and he deserves the opportunity.”
Demetriou was also asked about Mitchell’s controversial post-game interview with Triple M last week where he swore repeatedly.
The star fullback reportedly met with NRL chief executive Andrew Abdo on Wednesday night, with the game’s boss coming under fire for not sanctioning Mitchell for his choice of words.
“It’s about what goes on inside our four walls,” Demetriou repeated.
“That’s the beauty of this week – it’s all been about business and what we need to control. We’re really focused on ourselves and putting a performance in on Friday night.”
While Demetriou is thrilled to get star recruit Jack Wighton into the side this week, he’s been forced to deal with accusations from Mansour, who said the pair had a falling out and the coach lied to him about selections.
“I’ll let Josh be Josh, and I’ll be me,” Demetriou said.
“That’s one thing I learnt from last year that I’ll continue to turn up here and be me. That’s all I’m worried about.”
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