Ashton Ward has rapidly emerged as a possible long-term halves possibility for South Sydney, even getting one of many sport’s Immortals excited.
The 21-year-old has flown underneath the radar since his low season transfer from the Dragons and there have been few who anticipated him to make his NRL debut this yr.
However with the harm toll at Redfern getting worse every week, the 74kg half was thrown into the combo over the previous fortnight because the Rabbitohs try to keep away from the wood spoon.
READ MORE: Naden, Tigers whacked by NRL over hand gesture
READ MORE: McGuire tells Demons to ‘shutup’ after Goodwin leak
READ MORE: Cult hero’s quiet word to Madge led to Broncos resurgence
Ashton Ward NRL Photographs
Ward – one other product from the Gerringong Lions membership that boasts the likes of Tyran Wishart, Reuben Garrick and Hamish Stewart – got here off the bench in opposition to Cronulla in spherical 21, earlier than incomes a late call-up to start out the next week in opposition to Brisbane.
Whereas his facet have been on the receiving finish of a 60-14 shellacking by the hands of the star-studded Broncos, it could be arduous to seek out anybody who was criticial of Ward.
One determined second, the place Ward chased down Jordan Riki to cease a sure strive at Suncorp Stadium, had loads of followers and consultants applauding his efforts.
However in line with league nice Billy Slater, it was a few of his work with ball in hand that was getting Andrew Johns “excited” throughout his stint within the 9 commentary field.
“Doubtless [he could],” the Maroons coach mentioned on 9’s Billy Slater Podcast when requested if Ward might be a long-term Rabbitohs half.
“The chase on Jordan Riki was the important thing spotlight for Ashton Ward – however there have been a few moments the place he straightened the assault.
Ashton Ward pulls off a try-saving deal with on Jordan Riki 9
“I used to be really sitting subsequent to Andrew Johns calling the sport and you would inform how excited Joey was getting when he was doing this stuff.
“Nothing was occurring outdoors it, however he was really creating some alternatives by the straightness and directness of his play.
“He is solely a extremely small man, he is bought loads of improvement left in him.
“He was the shining mild for the Bunnies in that 60-point loss.”
Watch the 2025 NRL premiership reside and free on 9 and 9Now.
Clearly, one thing about Ward’s efficiency within the defeat impressed Wayne Bennett, who has retained the rookie within the halves in opposition to Gold Coast in what looms as a vital sport for the Bunnies if they’re to keep away from the dreaded spoon.
Lewis Dodd, who has turn into the scapegoat at instances this yr for Souths, has once more been axed from the workforce as Jamie Humphreys returns from concussion.
Lewis Dodd sits on the bench NRL Pictures
The halves scenario on the Rabbitohs is fluid heading into 2026 and there is a actual probability that Ward might issue into calculations.
Cody Walker has inked a one-year extension and can put on the No.6 jersey when match, however the halfback spot may be up for grabs between Ward, Humphreys and Jayden Sullivan, pending an settlement with the Wests Tigers that enables him to remain put.
The latter two choices have the power to cowl the hooker spot as nicely, which might see them better-suited to carrying the No.14 jersey as a bench utility.
Studying between the strains, one man who will not be within the combine is Dodd – and it would not be a shock if his transient time donning the cardinal and myrtle is over.
“I believe he is in that class of fellows who’re struggling somewhat bit,” Bennett mentioned when requested about Dodd’s efficiency in spherical 22.
Wayne Bennett speaks post-match. Â NRL
The coach has failed to back the English import every time the subject of his future and spot within the membership’s plans is introduced up by journalists, portray a crystal-clear image.
Dodd was a standout for St Helens and led the facet to a World Membership Problem victory over the Penrith Panthers two years in the past.
Since arriving at Souths on a deal value an estimated $700,000 per yr, the halfback has began simply three matches and are available off the bench in one other three.
Walker, Humphreys, Sullivan, Jack Wighton, Latrell Mitchell, Jye Grey and now Ward have all been positioned forward of Dodd within the pecking order for the Rabbitohs.
