'Foolish' roster call that became a coach killer

With the coaching decision now made, eyes will turn to the roster calls that have contributed to the downfall of Jason Demetriou.

The one that looms largest is the decision to offer Adam Reynolds a one-year contract when he wanted three.

Standing before the media on Wednesday morning to explain the Demetriou sacking and lay out a vision for the future, South Sydney CEO Blake Solly was asked if he regretted the club’s call to “let Reynolds go”.

He corrected the journalist, arguing that the Rabbitohs wanted the star halfback to stick around, just not on his terms.

Solly added that the Rabbitohs were in no position to offer Reynolds the contract he desired due to salary cap constraints but few will buy that comment.

Ask Bulldogs general manager Phil Gould about the player market and he’ll tell you it’s never been more fluid. Salary caps that are bent out of shape can be straightened up easily enough, it’s all about priorities.

Simply put, the Rabbitohs prioritised other players due to their misplaced faith in Lachlan Ilias to seamlessly take over the No.7 jersey and keep the premiership window wide open.

Ilias was just 21 when he was given that responsibility.