A former Super League target looks set to challenge ex-St Helens star Lewis Dodd after also signing for South Sydney Rabbitohs for 2025.
Jayden Sullivan has been released by Wests Tigers and penned a deal with the Bunnies for the 2025 campaign, however, the 23-year-old is still under contract with Wests for 2026 and 2027.
In a bizarre situation, Sullivan will effectively be loaned to Souths for the 2025 season before returning to Wests for 2026 and 2027 – although, there is a chance for him to earn a longer-term contract with the Bunnies or another NRL side should he prove himself.
Wests, who signed Sullivan ahead of the 2024 season, have confirmed that it would be ‘bad business’ to pay the playmaker $700,000 in 2025 after having just signed Samoa star Jarome Luai.
As such, they have released Sullivan from the second year of his contract with a view that he will play elsewhere in 2025 before either returning in 2026 to see out the rest of his deal or impressing another team.
Ex-Super League target to ‘add depth’ and challenge Lewis Dodd
Credit: Allan McKenzie/SWpix.com
Sullivan was on the radar for some Super League clubs when it became apparent that his move to Wests was faltering, evidenced by the fact that rookie Lachlan Galvin played ahead of him for much of the 2024 campaign.
Among those reported to be interested were Hull FC and Salford Red Devils but Sullivan made it clear that he was not interested in a Super League deal.
He’s now found an NRL lifeline, however, it is one that could come at the expense of English star Lewis Dodd as Sullivan arrives at Souths to challenge the former Saint for a starring spot alongside veteran Cody Walker.
Dodd’s switch to Souths was confirmed back in May with the young English star linking up with the club this off-season. His path to first-team minutes looked to have cleared when the Rabbitohs released Greece international Lachlan Ilias, however, Sullivan’s arrival signifies clear competition for places.
News of Sullivan possibly heading to Souths was first reported last week but the deal has now been confirmed with Souths revealing that it’s a move to ‘add depth’.
A statement from the Bunnies saw Head of Recruitment Mark Ellison explain: “Jayden is a great talent and we think he can play his best football here at the Rabbitohs under the guidance of Wayne (Bennett).
“He was one of the country’s best young talents coming through the junior representative system on the south coast of New South Wales and has had opportunities to play first grade at the Dragons and Wests.
“He will add to our depth in the five-eighth and halfback positions and we are looking forward to Jayden joining us for pre-season training as we get ready for our premiership charge come March 2025.”
Souths will begin their NRL campaign in 2025 with an away trip to face Wayne Bennett’s former club The Dolphins, offering fans the first chance to see if it is Dodd or Sullivan who partners Cody Walker.
