Mal Meninga's eye-opening response to Souths rumours amid Latrell Mitchell connection

Mal Meninga has revealed he would 'love' to be an interim coach in the NRL amid reports he's being sounded out to take over at the Rabbitohs. James Hooper of Fox Sports reported on Wednesday night that Jason Demetriou will be sacked after the Rabbitohs' clash with Cronulla this weekend, and Souths will 'fast-track' negotiations to bring in Meninga as an interim coach for the remainder of 2024.

Souths chief executive Blake Solly has insisted the club hasn't begun planning for life after Demetriou, who only signed a three-year contract extension last October. "The idea of a short list is complete rubbish," Solly told AAP. "Our only focus is throwing the kitchen sink at a win on Saturday against the Sharks."

Rabbitohs director Nick Hatzistergos was also adamant that the board had not asked for a shortlist. Meninga is currently coach of the Kangaroos, but they won't play a game until after the NRL season is done and dusted.

When asked on SEN radio about the rumours on Thursday, Meninga said he hasn't been approached by the club. He said he won't give up his Kangaroos job, but would be interested in being an interim coach in the NRL.

“I know there is interest. There has been nothing official," he said. "I feel sorry for what’s happened at the club. We want to see South Sydney firing. I feel a bit sorry for the coach. I can’t speak factually on it. We all know Jason is under the pump because of the performance of the football team.

“I love the idea of being an interim coach. However I have big commitments in my life. I am very happy in life. It’s only short-term, I know. It is something that interests me. I am flattered that my name has been mentioned. There is no real foundation to it yet.”

Mal Meninga's connection with Latrell Mitchell

The NRL legend has a connection with embattled fullback Latrell Mitchell and has coached him at national level, as well as Rabbitohs captain Cameron Murray and new recruit Jack Wighton. Meninga would seemingly hold greater sway on Rabbitohs players than Demetriou does, amid reports the current coach has been unable to pull big name stars like Mitchell and Cody Walker into line.

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Meninga's bond with Mitchell would be a huge advantage for the Rabbitohs, amid fears the star fullback could walk away from the game due to the backlash he cops on a weekly basis from fans. Mitchell is currently serving a three-game suspension, but has assured Rabbitohs officials he's fully committed to the club and wants to continue playing.

Meninga made some telling comments late last year that he was keen to get Mitchell into the Kangaroos squad for the Pacific Test Championships after a tumultuous few months. “I’m really keen for him to be available. I’m sure he loves the Kangaroos’ environment as well," Meninga said. "He’s had an up and down year with injuries and suspension, but I’ve told him it would be nice to finish the year off in a nice environment where you will have a bit of fun and play good footy."

Could Meninga take over before Wayne Bennett returns in 2025?

Meninga seems to understand Mitchell's mindset and Souths officials would be well aware of that. Whether or not the coaching move eventuates remains to be seen, but there's no doubt a change needs to be made.

Souths have started the year 1-4 and have won just five of their last 20 games under Demetriou. The move to bring in Meninga would seemingly only be for the remainder of 2024, with Wayne Bennett linked to taking the role in 2025.

Bennett is in the last year of his contract with the Dolphins, who are keen to keep him on in a director of football-type role. But he might be lured back to the Bunnies, where he coached from 2019 to 2021.

There have also been calls for Sam Burgess to work under Bennett as an assistant coach before eventually taking the reins, but Souths officials are reportedly keen for the club legend to remain at Warrington to complete his coaching 'apprenticeship'. A number of bridges would also need to be mended before Burgess returns, after the club turfed him out last year and backed Demetriou amid a falling out between the coaches.