Lewis Dodd has been labelled a “$2 million mistake” by pundits in the NRL, after a move to South Sydney Rabbitohs has not worked out and has been heavily criticised by many fans and journalists in Australia.
Dodd is named in the starting line-up for Souths’ game against Cronulla Sharks, in what is set to be just his second start of the year and his first at his preferred position.
He started in the Bunnies’ round nine loss to Newcastle Knights and has made three more appearances off the bench so far in 2025.
However, pundits on Fox Sports’ NRL 360 have blasted the Rabbitohs’ decision to sign the 23-year-old, particularly on such a huge contract.
Journalists Paul Crawley, Dan Ginnane and Andrew Webster were discussing what went so wrong and why Souths’ put so much fair into the unproven Englishman.
Ginnane started the debate, speaking on his selection at half back this week: “How they’ve handled him is fascinating. They clearly don’t think he’s good enough, but if he’s not going to be part of the club you may as well get rid of him and put him in the shop window and see what he’s got in first grade.”
Crawley added: “It’s a bit sad, really. He would have come over here with great expectations, but it’s got to the point where it’s become an albatross around Souths’ neck. He’s got two more years on his Souths’ contract and they’ve got to come to some resolution.”
Lewis Dodd earns NRL recall but questions remain over South Sydney Rabbitohs’ future
Ginnane pointed out the theory that Souths potentially jumped the gun on signing the former St Helens man, after his deciding drop goal gave the Saints the victory in the World Club Challenge against Penrith Panthers.
He said: “Let’s be honest, in our part of the world, it’s a glorified exhibition game, with all due respect to the English sides who really take it seriously. It’s a glorified exhibition game in February, he kicks a field goal they win 13-12. Is that a $2 million field goal that he kicked?
Webster responded to Ginanne’s comments and added his take on the situation, labelling him a “$2 million mistake”.
“You’d like to think there was a bit more to it than that, but you’re right. I have heard people both in the UK and other recruiters here in the NRL question why Souths signed him, but also threw that amount of money at him.”
He added: “Look, it’s a $2 million dollar mistake. I know Super League clubs are interested in getting him, but they want to be offering some pretty heavy coin to move Lewis Dodd, or for Lewis Dodd to want to move away from the $700k a year contract he’s on.”
