Exciting Playmaker Lewis Dodd Leaves St Helens for South Sydney Rabbitohs in 2025
Dodd’s Departure a Significant Loss for St Helens
Yesterday’s disappointing result against Hull KR has been compounded for St Helens, with the official confirmation that 22-year-old playmaker Lewis Dodd will join the South Sydney Rabbitohs from 2025. Initial reports surfaced a week ago regarding Dodd’s impending move to the NRL, and the Rabbitohs have now officially announced his signing to a three-year deal.
Dodd’s departure will be a significant loss for St Helens, as the young half-back has been pivotal to the club’s fortunes in the 2023 season following his return from injury. The Rabbitohs have described Dodd as “one of the most exciting and skillful players” currently featuring in Super League.
Surprise Move to Struggling Rabbitohs
While Dodd had previously expressed his ambitions to play in Australia, the news still came as a surprise last week, especially given the current struggles of the Rabbitohs and the recent dismissal of head coach Jason Demetriou. Speculation has now emerged that veteran coach Wayne Bennett could be a potential replacement, though Bennett claims he has not seen Dodd play before.
“Lewis is one of the rising stars in England, and he indicated to us that he wanted to test himself in the NRL, with the Rabbitohs being the club he wanted to do that with.”
- Mark Ellison, Head of Football, South Sydney Rabbitohs
Regardless, the Rabbitohs are delighted to have secured Dodd’s services, with Head of Football Mark Ellison stating, “Lewis is one of the rising stars in England, and he indicated to us that he wanted to test himself in the NRL, with the Rabbitohs being the club he wanted to do that with.”
Ellison further praised Dodd’s attributes, highlighting his young age, Super League Premiership and World Club Challenge victories with St Helens, and his potential to excel in the NRL. With Dodd’s departure now confirmed, St Helens will be forced to search for a suitable replacement, while also facing the potential loss of other key players, such as Tommy Makinson, to rival clubs.
Significant Coup for Struggling Rabbitohs
The Rabbitohs’ acquisition of Dodd represents a significant coup for the struggling NRL club, as they look to bolster their squad and turn around their fortunes in the upcoming season.
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