Lewis Dodd released from NRL contract as former St Helens star set to “explore new options”

Lewis Dodd’s torrid time at South Sydney Rabbitohs is over, after the NRL club have agreed to release him from the remainder of his contract.

Dodd moved Down Under from St Helens for the start of 2025, after winning a Grand Final with the Red Vee in 2021.. The deal was confirmed in May of last year, with the Rabbitohs then being coached by incoming London Broncos boss, Jason Demetriou.

However, Demetriou was sacked later that year, as the Bunnies brought back Wayne Bennett to lead them going into 2025. On first arrival, Bennett admitted he had no idea who Dodd was, and has never favoured him as NRL standard.

Playing just six games all year, and losing every one, it was thought that Dodd could have been a long-term halfback at South Sydney, but he will now pursue other options in what is a sad end to an NRL career that never really got going.

Dodd was labelled the “$2 million mistake” by Aussie journalists, given his bumper contract and has failed to live up to the expectations required at the club, albeit with extremely limited game time.

Rabbitohs CEO, Blake Solly, said: “Firstly, we want to thank Lewis for his service to the Rabbitohs throughout the 2025 season. His attitude towards his football, his training and his interactions with our Members and supporters has been first class. We’re certain that Lewis will be able to return to his best football.”

“On behalf of everyone at South Sydney, we wish Lewis the very best of luck in the future, and he and his partner will always be welcome here at the Rabbitohs.”

Lewis Dodd linked with next club as ex-St Helens man looks to seal Super League return

The Daily Telegraph have reported that Dodd has already got a new club lined up for 2026, and it will see him back in the Northern Hemisphere. His next destination looks to be Catalans Dragons, as he looks to partner fellow incoming half Toby Sexton next year, who joins the Perpignan outfit from Canterbury Bulldogs.

The media outlet discusses that whilst a few NRL clubs were interested in approaching him for his services, they are set to miss out with Dodd set to become the retiring Luke Keary’s replacement at the Dragons.

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