It’s been a long time coming for former St Helens half-back Lewis Dodd but could he potentially make his NRL debut very soon?
Dodd joined the South Sydney Rabbitohs in the off-season on a two-year deal but despite making two pre-season appearances, he’s yet to feature in the NRL.
He copped a ban for round one following a head-high shot in the Rabbitohs final trial match against Manly Sea Eagles.
Dodd signed with the Bunnies back in May 2024, with Wayne Bennett’s return announced just two weeks later, and he is yet to catch the head coach’s eye
However, the man who Bennett has picked ahead of Dodd, Jamie Humphreys, limped off after only five minutes during South Sydney’s game against Sydney Roosters on Friday morning.
It was confirmed a few minutes later that Humphreys had suffered a hamstring injury and he did not return.
Such an injury is usually a two to four-week lay-off, according to NRL physio analyst, Brien Seeney, on X.
Humphreys has impressed so far in 2025 with an excellent kicking game and his physicality.
Later on, fellow half-back Cody Walker limped off early in the second half also with a hamstring issue.
However, Dodd could still be kept out of the side following Latrell Mitchell’s return.
He played in the centres after Bennett opted to keep Jye Gray in the full-back spot but could easily make a move into the halves.
Jayden Sullivan could also be an option for the Rabbitohs after he replaced Humphreys in the halves during the game.
Across the NRL, pundits have suggested Dodd could return to Super League, citing that a player worth $650,000 a season shouldn’t be playing in the NSW Cup.
Dodd made his NSW Cup debut three weeks ago, scoring a try and grabbing two try assists in a 30-18 loss against St George Illawarra.
He’s made two more appearances in the competition, losing both of those games and has been named at seven for their round five game against the Roosters’ second string on Sunday.
South Sydney Rabbitohs host North Queensland Cowboys in their next NRL match on Saturday 12th April.
