Reynolds insists Walker, Latrell not to blame at Souths

Adam Reynolds has thrown his support behind under siege South Sydney coach Jason Demetriou and insists star duo Latrell Mitchell and Cody Walker are not to blame for his former side’s woes.

The 33-year-old Brisbane skipper is well qualified to speak on the subject after playing 231 games for the Rabbitohs, for whom he won the 2014 premiership.

Demetriou is under pressure to retain his job after losing four of the first five games this season, on the back of missing the 2023 finals with a late season fade-out.

Influential fullback Mitchell is suspended for three weeks for an elbow to the head of Warriors half Shaun Johnson and has been below his best this season with ill-discipline marring his performances.

Walker has also been out of touch. Both players have been accused of being given preferential treatment by their coach and having too much influence at the club.

“That’s people from outside looking in. When I was there they were terrific team players and got the job done,” Reynolds said of the pair.

“I had no problems when I was there with them. When you aren’t playing your best football, it’s easy for outsiders to make judgement on these players, but their teammates and ex-teammates would love to have them in the team every day.”

Reynolds, who captained Souths, also played under Demetriou when he was the assistant coach to Wayne Bennett for three seasons.

While Reynolds said it was not his business to sort out the Rabbitohs’ problems, he had high praise for the coach.

“I’m not down there so I don’t know (what is going wrong) but I feel for the boys and JD,” Reynolds said.

“I worked with JD before and I know he is a great coach. I don’t know what is exactly happening but it’s never easy to see your old team and mates go through that sort of stuff.

“You want to see your mates do well, no matter who they are playing for. I still love a lot of the boys there.

“I know most of them and it’s never good to see them not playing good footy or being criticised in the media. I feel for them but it’s different now that I’m up in Brisbane. It’s not my job to worry or fix their problems.”

There has been speculation Bennett could return to South Sydney next year if Demetriou does not see out his contract but the Dolphins also want to keep Bennett beyond the 2024 season in a role other than head coach.

“I don’t know. It’s been written and it’s been talked about,” Reynolds said.

“Wayne is pretty comfortable up here in Redcliffe. He is building a team up here. I’m not too sure what’s in the plans for Wayne, but wherever he is he is a great addition.”