Read the heartwarming text ex-Souths coach Jason Demetriou sent his players on the worst day of his professional life
Jason Demetriou’s stylish and heartfelt text message to his players has been revealed after the embattled coach was sacked as Souths coach on Tuesday evening.
The club’s board met on Tuesday evening and ultimately decided there was little choice but to cut ties with the third-year coach after his last-placed Rabbitohs won just one of seven games to start the year.
Bunnies players will start life after Demetriou on Wednesday, with interim coach Ben Hornby to complete preparations for Thursday’s match with Penrith.
When Demetriou heard the bad news, he sent a heartfelt message to the playing group.
“Hey guys, just a quick note from me to let you know that I have unfortunately been fired,” Demetriou wrote.
Jason Demetriou (pictured in training on Tuesday) sent a classy message to his players after the embattled coach was sacked as Souths coach on Tuesday evening
Demetriou said it created memories with the team that he will cherish forever
“It has been an absolute privilege to be your head coach and it has been a blessing to be a part of many of your professional journeys over the past 5.5 years.
“Watching you debut, reach milestones and become young fathers are memories I will cherish forever.
“As your head coach and assistant coach, I am grateful for the memories on and off the field. The build-up to the 2022 finals series and preliminary round in addition to the preseason and the transition to Heffron in 2023 was a great highlight.
“That feeling in the dressing rooms that led us to the top of the NRL ladder less than a year ago was one of the greatest experiences of my career. I’m sure this team is destined for more of those memories.
“Blessings to you and your beautiful families. J.D.’
Souths officials will immediately begin planning for 2025 and beyond as they conduct a search for a full-time successor.
Wayne Bennett appears to be the most attractive option, with CEO Blake Solly confirming the club will speak to him as he addressed the media on Wednesday morning.
The veteran coach will take over the reins at the Dolphins at the end of this year and was always going to be a target for any club looking for a new coach.
Bennett only teamed up with South Sydney in 2021, taking some of their current stars to the grand final.
Interim coach Ben Hornby will take over as coach for the remainder of the season (Photo: Souths stars during their loss to Cronulla last month)
Souths are believed to be targeting Wayne Bennett to replace Demetriou (pictured with Jack Wighton during training on Tuesday)
There is also speculation that the 74-year-old is an option for Parramatta next year if the Eels part ways with Brad Arthur after 11 seasons.
But by sacking Demetriou on Tuesday night after two separate board meetings in one day, Souths have given themselves the first chance at Bennett if they want it.
It was Bennett who initially backed Demetriou as his successor at South Sydney when the head coach left the club at the end of 2021.
Demetriou took the Rabbitohs to a preliminary final in 2022, and last year they topped the ladder after 12 rounds.
But they have won just five of 21 games since, missing out on last year’s final and now sitting in last place after the first eight rounds of 2024.
“The board and management believe that now is the time to make a change in the leadership of our football program as it relates to the head coaching role,” chairman Blake Solly said in a statement.
“There is no doubt about Jason’s work ethic or his drive for success, but unfortunately that success has not materialized over the last twelve months.
Solly faces the media on Wednesday morning, where he is asked whether Bennett is a realistic option for the club.