Lewis Dodd on ‘character’ Wayne Bennett, NRL ‘pressure’ and leaving St Helens

Former St Helens playmaker Lewis Dodd has addressed the Aussie media after completing week one of pre-season with the South Sydney Rabbitohs.

Dodd has made the bold leap to back himself and head Down Under with his move to the NRL giants confirmed back in early May. The 22-year-old leaves Super League with 79 appearances under his belt but reckons he’s ready to test himself in the toughest comp.

Leaving St Helens and making that switch is something he’s now described as ‘tough’ albeit necessary. Speaking on Saints and his move, Dodd said: “It’s such a prestigious club back home in England. I grew up there all my life, my friends and my family are there so it was definitely tough but I knew it was a decision that I had to make.

“Since I signed, I’ve been speaking to people at the club and the lads and you get her sense that it’s a prestigious and historic club so I’m just privileged to be a part of it.”

Dodd reveals he left St Helens to follow ‘dream’

He joins a Bunnies side that massively underachieved in 2024 with Souths placing 16th of 17, just two points ahead of the Wooden Spoon. As such, there’s big expectations on the club to bounce back and that pressure will fall on Dodd as the chief playmaker.

“There’s obviously a bit more added pressure with the size of the game over here,” the England international accepted.

“I think the only thing I can do is keep working hard. Nothing is guaranteed at this club so I’ve got to work hard to earn my spot. If that comes in Round One or Round 15, I’m sure I’ll be ready.”

Dodd debuted for St Helens aged 18 and has already etched his name into their history with his drop goal winner in the World Club Challenge against Penrith a particular standout.

With 88 games under his belt at such a young age, legendary status could have awaited him with the club but he’s insisted that an NRL switch was a dream that he had to follow.

Asked about staying in Super League, Dodd conceded: “That was always an option. My family and friends are there, I grew up there and that was my life and my home but this has always been a dream to be here one day. I’m just so thankful and grateful that it’s here with the Rabbitohs.”

“I wasn’t offended” – Lewis Dodd on that Wayne Bennett moment

One aspect of South Sydney Rabbitohs’ expected improvement in 2025 is the fact that ‘Supercoach’ Wayne Bennett is back with the former England boss returning to Souths.

As one of the sport’s legendary coaches, he’s also who catches the headlines and that was the case during week one of pre-season when he purported to not know who Lewis Dodd was, just labelling him as the ‘Pommy’.

“He’s a character but I’ve loved having him, in the first week it’s been good,” Dodd explained when asked about the 74-year-old.

“He’s been brilliant. I’ve heard a lot of stories about him from players who have had him in the past so I was quite excited and nervous to meet him but he’s told me what he wanted from day one which has put my mind at ease.”

Specifically on that viral moment, Dodd explained: “I didn’t know what to expect from him so when it came out, I couldn’t stop laughing. I wasn’t offended one bit, I found it more funny than anyone.”