English playmaker Lewis Dodd’s stint at South Sydney could be nearing an early end, with coach Wayne Bennett reportedly giving the 23-year-old permission to explore his options elsewhere .
“I have had a conversation with him and I have told him he is free to explore his options” Bennett has confirmed to the Daily Telegraph.
After joining the Rabbitohs on a three-year deal worth upwards of $2 million, Dodd was expected to be a long-term answer in the No.7 jersey but now finds himself on the outer after just six appearances in the NRL.
It’s been reported Bennett and Dodd met earlier this week, with the veteran coach indicating he wouldn’t stand in the way of a potential exit — whether that be to another NRL club or a return to the UK Super League.
Dodd, who is still recovering from a turbulent first season in Australia that included injury setbacks and limited game time, remains keen to stay in the NRL stating he wished to see out his contract.
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The Rabbitohs are expected to still be on the hook for a chunk of his reported $650,000 annual salary if he departs before the end of his deal, adding a layer of complexity to any mid-deal move.
Despite his strong resume from St Helens, including a Super League title and a World Club Challenge victory over Penrith, Dodd struggled to find consistent minutes at Souths and was often overlooked for other options in the spine.
He has started just once at halfback all season and wasn’t included in the squad for this weekend’s crucial match against the Titans, fuelling further speculation about his immediate future.
Throughout the year, he has been leapfrogged in the pecking order by names like Cody Walker, Jack Wighton, Jayden Sullivan, Jamie Humphreys and even rookie Ashton Ward, limiting his chances to play NRL.
His lone starting appearance came in a narrow loss to Cronulla where he was pulled late in the game, and although he's shown glimpses of quality, consistency and rhythm have eluded him since arriving down under.
The move to bring Dodd to Redfern was heavily influenced by the club’s recruitment team rather than the previous coaching regime, creating uncertainty once Jason Demetriou was sacked just days after the signing became public.
Bennett last week declined to confirm whether Dodd would be part of the club’s long-term plans, further reinforcing rumours of a potential exit.
Meanwhile, the Rabbitohs’ injury list continues to mount with Euan Aitken now questionable to suit up this week in a horror season for the Rabbits.
Latrell Mitchell remains a chance to return pending a final fitness test on Thursday, with the club desperate for reinforcements heading into a clash with fellow cellar dwellars the Gold Coast Titans that may determine this years wooden spoon.
For Dodd, the next few weeks could determine whether his time in the NRL is revived with a fresh start elsewhere or cut short entirely after an underwhelming chapter at Souths.