Gone in 27 seconds: Under siege South Sydney coach Jason Demetriou storms off after just FOUR questions as his NRL career hangs in the balance
- It looks like Jason Demetriou is on borrowed time at Rabbitohs
- Walked away from the media crowd on Friday after just 27 seconds
- Coach is likely to be sacked after Saturday’s game against Cronulla
- South Sydney have won just once so far this NRL season
As pressure mounts to retain his role as coach of beleaguered South Sydney, Jason Demetriou sensationally walked out of a pre-match media call on Friday.
In dramatic scenes at the club’s training base in Maroubra, the man they call ‘JD’ answered just four questions before storming out after 27 seconds.
Demetriou’s press conference was shorter than Darius Boyd’s infamous 42-second effort at the Dragons in 2009, and Wayne Bennett’s 80-second replies after a loss to Penrith in 2020.
Multiple reports suggest Demetriou will be sacked after Saturday’s match against Cronulla, with suggestions Kangaroos coach Mal Meninga will replace him for the remainder of the season.
‘Supercoach’ Wayne Bennett is then tipped to return to the club in 2025.
Coach Jason Demetriou may be sensing his time at South Sydney is coming to an end and sensationally walked out of a pre-match media call after just 27 seconds on Friday.
In dramatic scenes at the club’s training base in Maroubra, Demetriou answered just four questions before storming out (pictured, with assistant coach Ben Hornby)
The Rabbitohs are 1-4 and anchored at the foot of the NRL ladder – just a year after they topped the competition after 11 rounds but then missed the finals.
A horde of journalists attended the captain’s flight in Sydney’s east, but they heard only 73 words before Demetriou walked back to the South Sydney office.
Four questions about his future and how he dealt with the speculation were enough for Demetriou.
First question: You’ve had easier weeks in your life. How do you travel, given all the talk from outside?
‘We had a great week in training. The energy was excellent all week,” Demetriou replied.
Second question: How were you able to block it?
‘New guys are coming in. Jye Gray [on debut], Ty Munro and Davvy Moale are back. I’m excited about the energy they’ve brought.”
Demetriou’s case is not helped by a recent three-match ban for star fullback Latrell Mitchell (pictured centre), who has had a controversial start to the season
Third question: What about you personally?
‘I’m very excited about the performance. I can not wait. The energy goes through the roof. I look forward.’
Fourth question: Do you believe you are coaching for work on Saturday nights?
“I believe I’m coaching for a great performance this week, and that’s what we’re going to get.”
South Sydney CEO Blake Solly claimed this week that the club fully supported Demetriou, but the writing appears to be on the wall.
Demetriou’s case is not helped by a three-match ban for star full-back Latrell Mitchell, who has endured a controversial start to the season himself.
The coach also made the bold call this week to drop NSW State of Origin hooker Damien Cook, three weeks after axing halfback Lachlan Ilias.