Legend claims ex-St Helens man Lewis Dodd was “outshone” with Souths starting shirt in the balance

Former St Helens man Lewis Dodd was “outshone” in the NRL trials according to one legend at the position with questions asked of the English playmaker.

Dodd was the biggest English Super League export this off-season alongside Matty Nicholson who joined Canberra Raiders, however, lots of attention is on Dodd given his position.

The half-back denotes the position that orchestrates the play and makes teams tick so there is huge pressure on Dodd to be the man in a South Sydney Rabbitohs side that is looking to bounce back from a terrible season.

Souths finished 16th in 2024 and Dodd is one of the major changes as well as the return of legendary coach Wayne Bennett, however, questions are already being asked of the former St Helens man following his recent performance in the NRL trials.

The Rabbitohs lost 34-24 to Manly with Dodd’s performance coming under the microscope of one of the best halves that the NRL has seen in Cooper Cronk.

Covering the game for Fox League, Cronk said: “I really wanted to see something from him (Dodd) but he’s been outshone by some of the younger guys.”

Legend claims ex-St Helens man Lewis Dodd was “outshone” with Souths starting shirt in the balance

Those younger guys in question including Ashton Ward who played in the halves alongside Dodd although it’s expected that Dodd will be fighting Jayden Sullivan for the starting shirt alongside Cody Walker.

Sullivan signed for the Bunnies with the playmaker released to Souths from Wests Tigers for 2025, whilst still being contracted to Wests for 2026 and 2027. It is effectively a loan deal, although just not in name.

He will offer competition for the former St Helens man whilst recent reports suggested that a “little-known” half could also get the nod ahead of Dodd.

According to The Mole, former Manly junior Jamie Humphreys could start ahead of Dodd with the ex-Super League man seemingly having to fend off multiple contenders for the number seven shirt.

Dodd will have the chance to impress again this weekend when he plays alongside Jayden Sullivan, however, Humphreys will be on the bench.

According to retired playmaker Greg Alexander, Dodd still has major questions to answer.

He said: “Coming into the game I was fascinated to watch Lewis Dodd. He’s a big signing — a halfback from the Super League to be your No.7.

“Is he up to it? That’s the question. The question mark still hangs, is Lewis Dodd up to it?”