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Legendary Souths halfback urges critics to give Lewis Dodd time after mixed NRL trials debut
Sam Kosack • February 21st, 2025 5:59 pm
Legendary South Sydney halfback Craig Coleman believes new Rabbitohs’ half Lewis Dodd deserves more patience from his critics after a mixed debut in his first NRL trial.
Dodd made his first appearance in Souths colours on Saturday as he looks to kickstart his NRL career after moving from England.
Dodd, who previously kicked the winning field goal against the Penrith Panthers in the 2023 World Club Challenge, signed a three-year deal with the Rabbitohs and is set to start the year as the team’s halfback.
Coleman, who played 207 games for the Rabbitohs, has encouraged Dodd’s doubters to give him some more time to adjust to the NRL, and not to judge on one trial performance.
“There’s pressure on him (Dodd) anyway because he’s a big name signing from the UK,” Coleman told SEN 1170 Afternoons.
“People are being a bit hard on him in the first game for Souths. I thought he was okay.
“He wasn’t outstanding, but it was his first game, and you’ve got to give him a couple games to get used to it and his teammates.”
Coleman also criticised Souths’ decision to release Adam Reynolds at the end of 2021.
The Rabbitohs baulked at Reynolds’ desire for a multi-year contract, instead only offering him a one-year extension due to injury concerns. Reynolds ultimately left the club for the Brisbane Broncos, where he has played three seasons, averaging 18 games a season.
“Everyone can see it was a big mistake to let him go,” Coleman said.
“He’s been fantastic for the Broncos. He took them off the bottom into a grand final himself and that’s one decision that shouldn’t have happened. He should still be a South Sydney Rabbitoh.
“I love seeing all the doubters who say he’s injury prone… he's averaged like 20-odd games since he left Souths. He’s been outstanding for them.”
Reynolds will face Lewis Dodd for the first time in Round 10 at Accor Stadium.
