- Jason Demetriou appears to be on borrowed time at Rabbitohs
- He walked away from the media scrum on Friday after just 27 seconds
- Coach likely to be sacked after Saturday’s clash with Cronulla
- South Sydney have won just once so far this NRL season
As pressure mounts to maintain his role as coach of beleaguered South Sydney, Jason Demetriou sensationally walked away from a pre-game 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 in 2009 when he was at the Dragons, and Wayne Bennett’s 80-second responses after a loss to Penrith in 2020.
Multiple reports suggest Demetriou will be sacked after Saturday’s game against Cronulla, with suggestions Kangaroos coach Mal Meninga will replace him for the remainder of the season.
‘Super coach’ Wayne Bennett is then expected to return to the club in 2025.
Perhaps sensing his time at South Sydney was coming to an end, coach Jason Demetriou sensationally walked away from a pre-game media call on Friday after just 27 seconds.
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 bottom of the NRL ladder, just a year after they led the competition after 11 rounds but then missed out on the finals.
A group of journalists attended the captain’s presentation in eastern Sydney, but only heard 73 words before Demetriou returned to the southern Sydney offices.
Four questions about his future and how he has handled the speculation were enough for Demetriou.
First question: have you had the easiest weeks in your life. How do you travel given all the outside talk?
‘We’ve had a great week in training. The energy throughout the week has been extraordinary,” Demetriou responded.
Second question: How were you able to block it?
‘New guys are coming. Jye Gray [on debut], Ty Munro and Davvy Moale are back. “I am excited by the energy they have brought.”
Demetriou’s cause has not been helped by the recent three-game suspension of star defender Latrell Mitchell (pictured center), who has had a controversial start to the season.
Third question: And you personally?
‘I’m very excited about the performance. I can not wait. The energy is through the roof. I’m looking forward to it.’
Fourth question: Do you think you will be training for your job on Saturday night?
“I think I’m training for a great performance this week, and that’s what we’re going to get.”
South Sydney chief executive Blake Solly said this week the club fully supports Demetriou, but the writing appears to be on the wall.
Demetriou’s cause has not been helped by the three-game suspension of star defender Latrell Mitchell, who has also endured a controversial start to the season.
The coach also made the bold decision this week to sack NSW State of Origin hooker Damien Cook, three weeks after sacking halfback Lachlan Ilias.