Who will play #14 for the Rabbitohs in Round 1?

Who will play #14?

The number #14 position in the NRL is as important today as it ever has been. With the concussion rule so strict now on head knocks your #14 has got be ready to go in a number of positions at anytime. With the departure of veteran Kodi Nikorima from the Rabbitohs the #14 jumper at the club is up for grabs.

Benji Brilliance

In 2021 Benji Marshall played that role for Souths wearing the #14 in 16 games from his 22 appearances in the famous Rabbitohs jersey. His roll changed week to week. 1st he was used at lock as a middle link player, he also played in the halves and at hooker.

However it was his performance against the Titans in Round 7, 2021 in a blue Anzac Jersey with #14 on his back that Bunnies fans won’t forget. The veteran playmaker put on a Benji master class with 3 line break assists and two tries in a 40-30 thriller victory on the Gold Coast.

The Options

In the 2023 Rabbitohs squad they have a number of options. Blake Taaffe is the firm favourite after our chat with Head Coach Jason Demetriou. Taaffey can cover a number of positions, including fullback halfback and 5/8.

Siliva Havili, a nugetty middle forward/hooker had a huge year in 2022. Boom rake Peter Mamouzelos is also an option if coach JD would like to freshen up 31 year State of Origin hooker Damien Cook.

Jed Cartwright is also a candidate for the #14 jersey. He’s a versatile player who can cover backrow, lock and centre. Carty just needs a good run of health.

100 game first grader Michael Chee Kam can play edge backrow and centre. ‘Cheeks’ had no luck in 2022 due to a couple of injuries but his experience will be handy in the up coming season.

From all the inside noise coming out of the Rabbitohs first block of preseason training Blake Taaffe looks like the early favourite to wear the coveted #14 Jersey come round 1 of the 2023 NRL season

Who will play #14 for the Rabbitohs in Round 1?

By Grant Chappell for Bunnies TV grantc@bunniestv.au