Latrell Mitchell detail emerges as Souths respond to Mal Meninga ...

South Sydney have refuted 'rubbish' suggestions they have a 'shortlist' of coaching candidates lined up to replace Jason Demetriou amid reports they're in talks with Kangaroos boss Mal Meninga. James Hooper of Fox Sports reported on Wednesday night that Demetriou will be sacked after the Rabbitohs' clash with Cronulla this weekend, and Souths will 'fast-track' negotiations to bring in Meninga as an interim coach for the remainder of 2024.

But Souths chief executive Blake Solly has insisted the club hasn't begun planning for life after Demetriou, who only signed a three-year contract extension last October. "The idea of a short list is complete rubbish," Solly told AAP. "Our only focus is throwing the kitchen sink at a win on Saturday against the Sharks."

Meninga was unavailable for comment on Wednesday night, and Rabbitohs director Nick Hatzistergos was also adamant that the board had not asked for a shortlist. Meninga is currently coach of the Kangaroos, but they won't play a game until after the NRL season is done and dusted.

Mal Meninga has a bond with Latrell Mitchell from coaching him at the Kangaroos. Image: Getty

The NRL legend has a connection with embattled fullback Latrell Mitchell and has coached him at national level, as well as Rabbitohs captain Cameron Murray and new recruit Jack Wighton. Meninga would seemingly hold greater sway on Rabbitohs players than Demetriou does, amid reports the current coach has been unable to pull big name stars like Mitchell and Cody Walker into line.

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Meninga's bond with Mitchell would be a huge advantage for the Rabbitohs, amid fears the star fullback could walk away from the game due to the backlash he cops on a weekly basis from fans. Mitchell is currently serving a three-game suspension, but has assured Rabbitohs officials he's fully committed to the club and wants to continue playing.

Meninga made some telling comments late last year that he was keen to get Mitchell into the Kangaroos squad for the Pacific Test Championships after a tumultuous few months. “I’m really keen for him to be available. I’m sure he loves the Kangaroos’ environment as well," Meninga said. "He’s had an up and down year with injuries and suspension, but I’ve told him it would be nice to finish the year off in a nice environment where you will have a bit of fun and play good footy."

Latrell Mitchell and Mal Meninga after a Kangaroos game in 2018. (Getty Images)

Meninga seems to understand Mitchell's mindset and Souths officials would be well aware of that. Whether or not the coaching move eventuates remains to be seen, but there's no doubt a change needs to be made.

Souths have started the year 1-4 and have won just five of their last 20 games under Demetriou. The move to bring in Meninga would seemingly only be for the remainder of 2024, with Wayne Bennett linked to taking the role in 2025.

Bennett is in the last year of his contract with the Dolphins, who are keen to keep him on in a director of football-type role. But he might be lured back to the Bunnies, where he coached from 2019 to 2021.

There have also been calls for Sam Burgess to work under Bennett as an assistant coach before eventually taking the reins, but Souths officials are reportedly keen for the club legend to remain at Warrington to complete his coaching 'apprenticeship'. A number of bridges would also need to be mended before Burgess returns, after the club turfed him out last year and backed Demetriou amid a falling out between the coaches.