Jason Demetriou circus blasted as NRL 'laughing stock' after savage Rabbitohs detail comes to light
The new Rabbitohs coach will face a tough task preparing the team for the Panthers.
NRL world has rounded on the Rabbitohs and its handling of Jason Demetriou's sacking only 48 hours from their clash with the Panthers as the club's schedule has come to light. On Tuesday at around 7pm, Demetriou's contract was terminated after a day where the Rabbitohs board met twice to figure out the future of the coach.
Demetriou trained with the team, but was forced to go home as reporters questioned him over his job security. Many Rabbitohs fans found out through reporter Buzz Rothfield, before the club put out a statement, that the coach's contract had been terminated.
And fans have been left fuming at the extended process. There was speculation Demetriou would lose his job after the Rabbitohs' loss to the Sharks in round six. However, Demetriou was given the bye round to work with his team in an effort to turn around the performances.
The Rabbitohs returned last Thursday, but a Cameron Munster masterclass sealed Demetriou's fate last Thursday. While many expected Demetriou to be gone right after the drubbing, the Rabbitohs coach was still around on Tuesday as he prepared his team for the match against the reigning premiers.
The team was then left in limbo and no coach only 48 hours before the Thursday night match after Demetriou was sacked on Tuesday night. Ben Hornby will now take charge for Thursday's clash, but will likely be left not time to implement any changes to the team. This wouldn't have been the case if the Rabbitohs made their decision ahead of the last weekend.
There is no doubt Demetriou was under serious pressure to retain his position as head coach after the Rabbitohs sit last on the table with one win and six losses. Regardless, fans have blasted the process from the top of the organisation with the players now facing uncertainty heading into the clash against Nathan Cleary's Penrith side.
1) The pride of the league has become the laughing stock of the league.
What's transpired today at South Sydney is nothing short of embarrassing.
How does it take 2 board meetings in 1 day to make a decision on the coaches future, seriously?— Mark Levy (@marklevy2gb) April 30, 2024
Souths have just completed the most botched sacking of a coach in NRL history.
Well done Blake Solly #NRL— Jack Nolan (@thejacknolan) April 30, 2024
Feel for Jason Demetriou. He is a good bloke and a good coach but the results haven’t been there for whatever reason. It’s a tough gig and JD should be proud of what he achieved at the Rabbitohs. https://t.co/ecuWfHDYio
— Brad Walter (@BradWalterSport) April 30, 2024
Jason Demetriou took over a Rabbitohs club that Wayne Bennett left with a bunch of pixy dust all over the roster. Bennett let players train how they wanted. Demetriou couldn't drag it back but couldn't not take the job #NRL
— Curtis Woodward (@woodward_curtis) April 30, 2024
I never agree with sacking a coach unless there is a better option available. Souths better have Bennett signed.
I still rate JD— paulmc (@paulmac_78) April 30, 2024
Rabbitohs tough fixtures brought to light after sacking
While the Rabbitohs have been thoroughly underwhelming this year in the NRL, fans have also pointed out they have endured one of the hardest runs to start 2024. The Rabbitohs lost their opening game to Manly, before losing to last year's finalists the Broncos.
A loss to the Roosters followed, before they got their first win against the Bulldogs in round four. They then went on another three-game losing streak having been trounced by the Warriors, a tough-fought loss to the Sharks and then finally a humiliating loss to the Storm.
Is it just me, or have the Rabbitohs had one of the hardest draws? Sure they’ve been poor, but they’ve played mostly top 8 teams.
— Matt (@MattyJared) April 30, 2024
While the results are unacceptable for the Rabbitohs, six of the seven teams they have played in 2024 are currently in the top eight. They have also lost to four of the top five teams so far this year. While mediocre results will never be accepted at a club the size of the South Sydney Rabbitohs, Demetriou was fighting a tough battle to start the year.
And Hornby will now take charge against the Panthers with Nathan Cleary recently returning for the reigning champions. The Rabbitohs will still be without Mitchell who faces one more game out having been handed a three-game suspension.
Jye Gray remains the fullback and many fans are calling for the club to build their seasons around the dynamic 20-year-old who has been a shining light in recent weeks, despite the defeats. This could see Mitchell return to the centres after his suspension to help the battling Rabbitohs.
