In Dodd we trust: English halfback the first target in Rabbitohs’ revival
English halfback Lewis Dodd is set to join South Sydney next season after informing his Super League club St Helens on Friday he would not take up his option for 2025.
Sources with knowledge of the Dodd situation, speaking on condition of anonymity due to the sensitive negotiations, confirmed to this masthead that Rabbitohs recruitment chief Mark Ellison will board a flight to England on Sunday to meet Dodd and several other signing targets.
Australian rugby league fans will recall Dodd kicking the winning field goal in golden point against Penrith in last year’s World Club Challenge.
Dodd, 22, had been on the radar of several NRL clubs.
Cody Walker and Lachie Ilias are the recognised halves at Souths, but both players are off contract next year.
Dean Hawkins has replaced the injured Ilias in recent weeks, but is contracted only until the end of the season.
Ilias has struggled to step out of the shadows of Adam Reynolds, and had been dropped before he broke his leg in reserve grade.
Some at the Rabbitohs view Ilias as an ideal No.14 – or even a five-eighth option, where he has played in the past – once Walker retires.
