Demetriou's mea culpa after historic Souths collapse

The long absence of Latrell Mitchell (centre) due to injury had a big impact on the Souths. (Dan Himbrechts/AAP PHOTOS)

South Sydney coach Jason Demetriou has declared the club’s implosion rests squarely on his shoulders as the Rabbitohs face up to the prospect of missing out on finals for the first time in six years.

Friday’s 26-12 loss to the Sydney Roosters ensured Souths are the first team in the NRL era to lead the competition through the first 11 rounds and then go on to miss the top eight.

The Rabbitohs’ electric form up to May led them to being anointed favourites to win the grand final but in the time since they have a 4-9 record to their name.

Before the final-round defeat to the Roosters, the Bunnies had only been out of the top eight one week, but the second week is the one that really matters.

While their rivals will be plotting their charge towards the grand final, Demetriou will begin a period of soul searching to get to the bottom of their dramatic capitulation.

“It’s going to be part of a deep review for sure,” Demetriou said.

“I’ve got to hold my hands up. I’m the head coach I have to make sure we’re better and that we’re not falling like we were.

“You can sit here and make excuses but it hurts, it’s a tough lesson to learn.”

After four preliminary final appearances and a grand final in 2021 in the last five seasons, the pressure will be on Demetriou to turn things around next year.

But there are a number of factors that have conspired against him in 2023.

He has rarely had forwards Tevita Tatola, Tom Burgess and Jai Arrow all fit and on the field at the same time.

Latrell Mitchell’s absence looms as the biggest factor after the fullback picked up a calf complaint on the eve of State of Origin I and took more than two months to return.

Mitchell was suspended for Friday’s defeat after a fortnight in which Demetriou’s treatment of him led to club great Sam Burgess leaving his role as an assistant coach.

But Demetriou refused to attribute the club’s internal dramas to their late-season collapse.

“We're a pretty tight ship, we work our things out together and inside the four walls so it's disappointing that things are getting out,” Demetriou said.

“It's a small part of a lot of little things that have added to where we're at.”

Demetriou will lose prop Hame Sele, fullback Blake Taaffe and back-rower Jed Cartwright next year.

Jack Wighton joins from Canberra but it will take more than that to solve Souths’ woes.

“We’ll make sure we remember how much this hurts and use this as motivation to never feel this feeling again,” said captain Cameron Murray.

“It’s hard to put your finger on where it went wrong.”

License this article

What is AAPNews?

For the first time, Australian Associated Press is delivering news straight to the consumer.

No ads. No spin. News straight-up.

Not only do you get to enjoy high-quality news delivered straight to your desktop or device, you do so in the knowledge you are supporting media diversity in Australia.

AAP Is Australia’s only independent newswire service, free from political and commercial influence, producing fact-based public interest journalism across a range of topics including politics, courts, sport, finance and entertainment.

What is AAPNews?
The Morning Wire

Wake up to AAPNews’ morning news bulletin delivered straight to your inbox or mobile device, bringing you up to speed with all that has happened overnight at home and abroad, as well as setting you up what the day has in store.

AAPNews Morning Wire
AAPNews Breaking News
Breaking News

Be the first to know when major breaking news happens.


Notifications will be sent to your device whenever a big story breaks, ensuring you are never in the dark when the talking points happen.

Focused Content

Enjoy the best of AAP’s specialised Topics in Focus. AAP has reporters dedicated to bringing you hard news and feature content across a range of specialised topics including Environment, Agriculture, Future Economies, Arts and Refugee Issues.

AAPNews Focussed Content
Subscription Plans

Choose the plan that best fits your needs. AAPNews offers two basic subscriptions, all billed monthly.

Once you sign up, you will have seven days to test out the service before being billed.

AAPNews Full Access Plan
Full Access
AU$10
  • Enjoy all that AAPNews has to offer
  • Access to breaking news notifications and bulletins
  • Includes access to all AAPNews’ specialised topics
Join Now
AAPNews Student Access Plan
Student Access
AU$5
  • Gain access via a verified student email account
  • Enjoy all the benefits of the ‘Full Access’ plan at a reduced rate
  • Subscription renews each month
Join Now
AAPNews Annual Access Plan
Annual Access
AU$99
  • All the benefits of the 'Full Access' subscription at a discounted rate
  • Subscription automatically renews after 12 months
Join Now

AAPNews also offers enterprise deals for businesses so you can provide an AAPNews account for your team, organisation or customers. Click here to contact AAP to sign-up your business today.

SEVEN DAYS FREE
Download the app
Download AAPNews on the App StoreDownload AAPNews on the Google Play Store