The South Sydney Rabbitohs are set for a major off-field overhaul following their underwhelming 2025 NRL campaign, marking one of the most significant behind-the-scenes shake-ups in recent club history. After falling well short of expectations this season, the proud foundation club has decided to reset its football department — and the changes have already begun.
In a move that’s sparked plenty of chatter around the league, the Rabbitohs have secured the services of Corey Bocking, the highly regarded yet sometimes controversial Panthers trainer, who will take up a key role within South Sydney’s performance unit. Known for his intense energy and demanding standards, Bocking was part of Penrith’s golden era, contributing to the club’s dominance across the past few years. His arrival signals a clear intent from South Sydney to inject professionalism, precision, and accountability back into their system.
While Bocking’s signing has made headlines, it comes amid a string of notable exits at Redfern. Several long-serving staff members — including members of the high-performance and medical teams — have departed as the club seeks a new direction. Insiders say the shake-up follows a comprehensive internal review led by football boss Mark Ellison and senior figures in the club’s leadership group. The review reportedly identified cultural inconsistencies, issues with fitness standards, and a need to modernize recovery and preparation methods.
The Rabbitohs’ 2025 season was one fans would rather forget. Despite boasting one of the most talented rosters in the league, the team struggled to find consistency, missing the finals for the second straight year. Injuries, lapses in discipline, and questions around physical preparation plagued the squad from start to finish. The new staff structure aims to address those issues head-on — with Bocking expected to play a central role in reshaping the team’s approach to training and resilience.
Club insiders believe that bringing in someone with a premiership pedigree like Bocking is a step toward re-establishing South Sydney’s edge. Known for his no-nonsense approach and vocal on-field presence, he’s expected to toughen the squad’s standards, both mentally and physically. While some critics have labelled him a “polarizing” figure due to past sideline confrontations, others see him as exactly the kind of spark the Rabbitohs need to reignite their culture.
Fans have already taken to social media to express a mix of excitement and curiosity. Many hope this move represents the start of a broader cultural reset — a return to the grit, unity, and passion that once made South Sydney one of the most feared clubs in the competition.
As the Rabbitohs prepare for the 2026 season, this staff revamp could prove to be the first step in a much-needed revival. With Corey Bocking joining a new-look football department, the message is clear: South Sydney aren’t content to fade quietly. They’re rebuilding from the ground up — and they’re doing it with intent, energy, and a renewed hunger to return to premiership contention.
The winds of change are blowing through Redfern, and for the Rabbitohs, that might be exactly what’s needed to bring the pride back to the Burrow.
