- Jason Demetriou’s job is safe in the short term
- Souths’ spirited defeat bought coach more time
- Coach says he couldn’t be more proud of his team
South Sydney’s spirited loss to Cronulla should earn Jason Demetriou more time as Rabbitohs coach, with Cody Walker insisting the players remain ready to fight for their embattled mentor.
Wracked by injuries and left with just one man on the bench for the second half, Souths suffered their fifth defeat of the season on Saturday night.
But the fact they managed to stay alongside the table leaders in the second half did enough to keep Wolves at bay, with no immediate calls being made on Demetriou’s future.
Despite having next week off, Demetriou still faces a tough road ahead, with matches against Melbourne and Penrith in the following fortnight before the club’s draw becomes clear.
South’s spirited defeat to Cronulla should give Jason Demetriou (pictured) more time as Rabbitohs coach
Souths suffered their fifth defeat of the season on Saturday night against the Sharks.
South Sydney’s next scheduled board meeting will take place between these two matches.
Chairman Nick Pappas said before the Sharks game he needed to see a new determination and resilience – and Souths delivered both on Saturday night.
Star five-eighth Walker said the team played with Demetriou in mind.
“We always try to go out there and fight for the jersey and for the coach,” he said after the match.
“We have a ton of respect for JD and all the work he does. We wanted to show that. I thought we did that.
“You can see the effort and the energy.”
Captain Cameron Murray is expected to return from concussion for Souths’ next match against Melbourne on April 25, but Tyrone Munro (collarbone) and Tevita Tatola (foot) remain serious doubts.
Demetriou said on Saturday night he planned to stay on as coach for the Anzac Day clash, despite a run which has brought just five wins in 19 games since his side took the top spot last May.
No immediate call will be made on Demetriou’s future following his loss
Souths general manager Blake Solly has backed Demetriou to stay in the job following the team’s defeat to Cronulla.
The Rabbitohs’ defense remains a big problem: they have given up 26 points or more in 15 of those games.
Demetriou said he had every reason to be impressed with Saturday’s effort.
“I couldn’t be more proud of the boys,” he said.
“As a coach, what you (players) want is to come forward and fight for each other, fight for their jersey and show what the club means to them.” We saw that (against Cronulla).
“I will not walk around with my head down. I have no reason to do this.
“I have worked hard to get into this position as head coach of one of the biggest rugby clubs in the world.
“I’m excited to turn things around. If that changes, time will tell.
Demetriou also offered an explanation for storming out of a press conference after 27 seconds on Friday, following four questions about his future.
The Souths manager had been the subject of reports that the club were considering Mal Meninga as a potential interim replacement for the rest of the year.
“I’m going out to do a press conference with the noise that’s going on and the things that have been said and done,” Demetriou said.
“There’s no point in me sitting here answering questions about it. It’s no use for the players, it’s no use for me.
“So I said what I needed to say and ended the interview.”
South Sydney general manager Blake Solly told the Sydney Morning Herald on Sunday: “I think Nick Pappas (Rabbitohs chairman) said on Saturday what would be required to get that time (for Demetriou) and I think the team showed it.
“It was a courageous performance in really difficult circumstances. Obviously there’s always room for improvement, but the character and performance is exactly what Nick said we needed to see on Saturday.
