It started with a withering Wayne Bennett tongue-lashing, and claimed Latrell Mitchell’s home bar, Jai Arrow’s breakfast and Keaon Koloamatangi’s dessert.

To a man, the Rabbitohs are leaner and meaner in 2025 – some by as much as 10-12 kilos – after Bennett walked into Heffron Park on his first day in September last year and blasted the fitness and work ethic of his new players.

The difference is already plain to see in their 4-1 start to the year, in which South Sydney are finishing over the top of teams in the final 20 minutes and winning despite being comprehensively beaten in yardage battles and missing 40 tackles a game.

Not least, Friday’s 20-14 comeback triumph over the Roosters, which Bennett rated as one of the proudest of his 48-year coaching career, and came with just one fit player on his bench and Souths’ starting halves literally hamstrung.

As the longstanding barometer of all things South Sydney, good and bad, Mitchell’s svelte physique has been the talk of rugby league all summer.

The $1.1 million fullback is listed at 102 kilos on the Rabbitohs website after finishing last season 10 kilos heavier and has cut out booze and processed foods. Mitchell also knocked down the home bar in his garage and replaced it with a gym, ice bath and........

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