Melbourne Storm hooker Bronson Garlick is reportedly on the radar of the South Sydney Rabbitohs for a 2026 switch, with the veteran dummy half seen as a potential solution to the club’s depth concerns in the spine.
Garlick, 29, has stepped up in recent weeks at the Storm, covering for an injured Harry Grant and impressing with his composure and defensive work.
But with Grant set to return and Melbourne’s salary cap already tight, it’s unlikely the club can offer an upgraded deal that matches his growing value.
A return to where it all began
According to Wide World of Sports’ The Mole, the Rabbitohs are exploring a move to bring Garlick back to the club where he first emerged in the National Youth Competition a decade ago.
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The Greek international Peter Mamouzelos has been given the reins at hooker in 2024 following Damien Cook’s exit, but Souths are reportedly concerned about the lack of depth behind him.
Garlick’s NRL journey hasn’t followed the standard script. After captaining the Newtown Jets in the NSW Cup and grinding through the QLD Cup, he eventually cracked first-grade with Melbourne in 2022. Since then, he’s made 33 appearances for Craig Bellamy’s side, mostly from the bench, though recent outings as a starting nine have boosted his stock.
While it's unclear whether he’d walk straight into a starting role at Souths, the opportunity for more consistent minutes—and potentially a bigger contract - could be enough to lure him away from Victoria.
With Origin approaching and Grant set to miss time again in the coming weeks, Garlick will have further chances to prove his value, not just to Melbourne but to clubs like Souths preparing for life beyond 2025.