Incoming Rabbitohs halfback Lewis Dodd has been dropped to reserve grade by St Helens coach Paul Wellens in a move that could send a scare through the South Sydney camp.
According to The Daily Telegraph, Dodd is set to earn $700,000 per-season on his three-year deal that begins ahead of the club’s 2025 campaign.
Dodd, 22, was left out of St Helens’ spine ahead of their clash with the Warriors, with Jack Welsby slotting into halfback.
The only place to watch every game of every round LIVE with no ad-breaks during play is Fox League, available on Kayo. New to Kayo? Start your free trial today >
Speaking to the St Helens Star, Wellens insisted that Dodd’s omission wasn’t a decision made because he’s set to leave the club at the season’s end.
“I do need to put on record that obviously Lewis Dodd has missed out today,” he said.
“I don’t think any less of Lewis a player.
“And Lewis hasn’t not played tonight because he’s going to Australia at the end of the year.
O’Brien takes responsibility for game | 05:13
MORE NRL NEWS
‘HAVE TO CHANGE’: Kevvie blasts Broncos in all-time spray after SIXTH straight loss
WHAT WE LEARNED: Broncos’ season on life support after Dragons capitalise on bin
‘JUST DUMB’: Staggs slammed for ‘lazy’ moment that left Broncos under pressure
WHAT WE LEARNED: Titans’ finals surge continues as Fifita responds to Slater snub
“There’s just a couple of areas of his game that we feel he can improve on, and if he does that, and he’s prepared to do that then there’s an avenue back into the team for him.
“We are not giving up on Lewis Dodd; he’s a very good person and a very good player and he’s got some small improvements that he needs to make his game.
“If he makes those improvements. He can find himself back in team.”
Wayne Bennett will also arrive at the Rabbitohs ahead of the 2025 season, with Dodd set to compete with Cody Walker, Lachlan Ilias and Jack Wighton for a spot in the halves.
Source Agencies
