Why Jye Gray’s Extension Could Redefine South Sydney’s Spine
- Jye Gray re-signs with Rabbitohs until 2029, rejecting big offers.
- Gray's role could redefine South Sydney's lineup, easing Latrell Mitchell's workload.
- His extension bolsters a formidable Souths spine, vital for future success.
Why Jye Gray’s Extension Could Redefine South Sydney’s Spine
Jye Gray re-signing with South Sydney barely made a ripple compared to some of the giant deals flying around this off-season, but it might be one of the most important moves of the lot.
The 20-year-old livewire has turned down serious external interest, including a big-money push from R360 and strong noise around the Perth Bears, to commit to the Rabbitohs long-term. Reports now have him locked in at Redfern until the end of 2029.
On the recent League of Inches Podcast, the boys didn’t hold back: they think Gray should be Souths’ fullback of the future, sooner rather than later.
The Latrell question: centre, five-eighth or still at the back?
Latrell Mitchell remains one of the most talented players in rugby league, but the fullback load is brutal. At this stage of his career, the physical demands of 80 minutes at the back don’t always match his body.
That’s where Gray changes everything.
Locking him in opens up options:
- Gray at fullback, Latrell at centre – a look many have pushed for over the last two seasons.
- Gray at fullback, Latrell at five-eighth with Cody Walker steering at halfback – the League of Inches lads floated this as a way to maximise touches for both.
- Latrell roaming in the front line, where his ball-playing and physicality can be used without asking him to cover every blade of grass in defence.
Whichever way Wayne Bennett goes, Gray gives Souths a genuine, energetic number one who can handle the work and let Latrell pick his moments.
What makes Gray so valuable?
The hype isn’t just about speed:
- High motor: he plays like an Energizer bunny – always around the ball, always in support.
- Playmaking: his work for the Prime Minister’s XIII and in NSW Cup showed he can be a genuine second or third passer, not just a runner.
- Versatility: comfortable at fullback or in the halves, which gives Bennett cover across the spine.
That combination is exactly what modern fullbacks need: run threat, ball-playing and defensive work rate.
Why this hurts the Bears (again)
For the Perth Bears, Gray was another dream target that slipped away.
They’ve already missed on Tino Fa’asuamaleaui and Jayden Campbell; Gray would’ve been a perfect expansion signing given he is young, electric and marketable.
Instead, he’s now locked in as part of a Souths spine that already includes Latrell, Cody Walker and incoming forward weapon David Fifita, with Wayne Bennett steering the whole thing.
That’s the kind of spine you can build a premiership window around.
What Souths’ best version looks like
Putting it all together, a team that makes a lot of sense on paper is:
- 1 – Jye Gray
- 6 – Latrell Mitchell or Latrell at centre with a steady 6
- 7 – a controlling half (Walker short term, then succession plan)
- 14 – a utility like Hawkins/Humphreys who can cover multiple spots
The core idea is simple - Get the ball into Mitchell and Gray’s hands as often as possible, without burning Latrell out at fullback.
Souths have gambled that Gray is ready to be that bloke. If he lives up to the hype, this might be the contract we look back on as the moment the Rabbitohs’ next era really started.
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