$4.5m 'bidding frenzy' to pour fuel on bitter rivalry

Andrew Johns says South Sydney “needs a rebuild” – but fears it will be thwarted by the club’s oldest foe.

As the Rabbitohs start looking ahead to 2025 – having all but written off 2024 after sacking head coach Jason Demetriou – the roster will come under scrutiny.

They’ve already started a revamp by reportedly signing English halfback Lewis Dodd on a three-year deal.

Veteran prop Tom Burgess is leaving, while question marks linger over veteran spine stars Damien Cook and Cody Walker after a poor start to this season.

Million-dollar fullback Latrell Mitchell’s future has also been questioned, although that’s more to do with his motivation than his age.

“It’s not a huge rebuild, but the club needs a big shake-up and a change,” Johns told Wide World of Sports’ Immortal Behaviour.

“None of their junior teams made the semi finals… which is unheard of, they are always really strong. And we know the dramas going on in the NRL team.

“Their salary cap has a lot of money in players over 30 (years old).