Jason Demetriou will take on a more hands-on role as South Sydney head coach next year, also heading up the team’s defence after securing a two-year contract extension to the end of the 2026 season.

After missing the finals for the first time since 2016, the club confirmed changes to several of the club’s coaching, medical and football staff positions on Wednesday.

One thing that won’t change, however, is Demetriou’s position as coach.

His contract extension was all but complete in late June, but Rabbitohs officials held off the announcement.

It came as South Sydney endured the worst capitulation in the NRL-era, falling from first after 11 rounds to finish the season ninth and outside the finals.

Sam Burgess’ very public early exit from the coaching staff also added to the intense spotlight on the club, with Demetriou forced to answer questions over his handling of stars Latrell Mitchell and Cody Walker.

It means Demetriou is set to enter next season under the most pressure of any coach, after guiding the Rabbitohs to the preliminary finals in his rookie year in 2022.

“It is an absolute honour to coach this club and I feel very privileged to be extending my time at South Sydney,” Demetriou said in a statement.

“I’m really looking forward to the challenges ahead of us in 2024.”

Jason Demetriou. (Photo by Matt King/Getty Images)

A restructure in coaching staff following the exits of assistants Burgess and John Morris will also see Demetriou head up the Rabbitohs’ defence.

Ben Hornby will stay on as Demetriou’s attack coach after signing a new deal until the end of 2025, while Joe O’Callaghan will be an assistant for NRL while still coaching NSW Cup.

Rabbitohs legend John Sutton will step up to a full-time head of development role, while head physio Eddie Farah has left the club after 17 seasons for personal reasons.

“We have identified the areas in which we can improve to return the club to its goal of being a top four team every year,” CEO Blake Solly said.  “We have already taken some steps towards rectifying the key areas that have been identified as capable of improvement. 

“We know a ninth-place finish is not what is expected of our club. Our members and supporters expect more, our partners expect more, and we expect more of ourselves.

“We have great confidence in Jason and the entire coaching, medical and operational staff, to return our team to the finals in 2024.”