Rabbitohs’ Lethal Left Edge Poised to Dominate NRL in 2026
The South Sydney Rabbitohs have unveiled a formidable left-edge combination that is already making waves, even before the official NRL season kicks off. In their sole pre-season trial against Manly in Mudgee on Sunday, star recruits Latrell Mitchell and David Fifita showcased their electrifying potential, contributing to a dominant 30-6 victory. This performance, coupled with the sheer statistical might of the quartet, suggests the Rabbitohs are assembling an attacking force with the most potent edge in NRL premiership history.
The synergy between Mitchell, the high-profile recruit Fifita, and veteran playmaker Cody Walker was on full display against a struggling Sea Eagles outfit. While the convincing win should instil significant confidence in coach Wayne Bennett, the team received another boost with the news that their record try-scorer, Alex Johnston, is expected to be fit for round one despite a “very minor” hamstring strain.
Should Johnston return for the March 8 clash against the Dolphins, the Rabbitohs’ preferred left-edge quartet would boast an astonishing combined total of 480 tries. This figure dwarfs the next closest edge combination from the modern era, where the Sydney Roosters’ left-side stars accumulated 412 tries by late 2023.
Johnston himself is a try-scoring machine, sitting on 210 tries and closing in on the legendary Ken Irvine’s all-time record of 212. Adding to this incredible tally, Latrell Mitchell has surpassed the century mark with 120 tries, while Cody Walker has also reached a remarkable 100 tries in his NRL career. David Fifita, the powerful former Gold Coast Titan, further bolsters the attacking arsenal with 50 tries from his second-row position.
The sheer firepower of this quartet is undeniable. However, a crucial factor for the Rabbitohs’ success in 2026 will be their ability to keep these star players on the park. All four have experienced their share of injury concerns in recent seasons. If Bennett can manage their workloads and fitness, he will possess one of the most feared attacking units in the entire competition.
Walker’s Resurgence and Fifita’s Explosive Debut
Cody Walker, in particular, delivered a performance against Manly that exuded confidence and exceptional form. His first-half display featured three line breaks and a try, hinting at a player revitalised and ready to make a significant impact in the upcoming season.
“It’s the first time I’ve had a really good pre-season in about three years, so I am looking forward to the start of the season,” Walker commented, expressing his optimism. This sentiment is echoed by the return to form of a player who managed only 11 games last season due to soft-tissue injuries.
David Fifita wasted no time in announcing his arrival at Redfern. Just three minutes into the match, he demonstrated his destructive capabilities by breaching Manly’s defence with ease. The former State of Origin second-rower, who endured an injury-plagued 2025 campaign playing only eight games, made an immediate impression. He recorded 13 runs for a staggering 142 metres before being afforded an early rest in the second half.
These promising signs suggest Fifita is regaining his devastating best. The prospect of his dynamic edge combination with Latrell Mitchell is set to be a captivating spectacle throughout the 2026 season. Mitchell himself looked assured in his return to the centres, scoring a try from a well-placed grubber kick. New fullback Jye Gray also impressed with his relentless work ethic in the No. 1 jersey.
Walker issued a clear warning to rival teams, asserting that the Rabbitohs’ left-edge combination will only strengthen as they play more games together. “That’s going to continually grow,” Walker stated. “We’ve got that many strike weapons over there so I’m going to have a ball this year.”
Right Edge Also Firing on All Cylinders
Adding to the Rabbitohs’ formidable outlook, their right-edge combination also showed promising signs. The trio of halfback Ashton Ward, Jack Wighton, and Campbell Graham linked up for a slick early try, demonstrating their own cohesive attacking prowess.
Ward’s kicking game and organisational skills were particularly noteworthy. The 21-year-old playmaker has clearly put his hand up, providing Bennett with a strong indication that he is ready to assume the No. 7 jersey long-term in 2026. This dual-threat capability across both edges makes the Rabbitohs a truly terrifying prospect for any opposition in the coming NRL season.
