South Sydney Rabbitohs have confirmed the departure of eight players after the 2024 season, including Tom Burgess, who will join the Huddersfield Giants.
Dewsbury-born, powerful prop Burgess will return to his native England in 2025, after signing a three-year contract with the Super League’s Huddersfield Giants.
The 32-year-old has left his beloved Souths after 12 seasons in the NRL, scoring 22 tries in 249 appearances since joining from the Bradford Bulls ahead of the 2013 season.
Meanwhile, former Australian international Damien Cook will depart the Rabbitohs after nine seasons, joining the St George Illawarra Dragons on a two-year contract.
Samoan Outside-back Richie Kennar left the NRL with 50 appearances, 27 of which were for the Rabbitohs. The 29-year-old has previously been linked with a move to the Super League, but his next destination has not been revealed.
Dean Hawkins, a half-back, leaves South Sydney with 14 NRL games after making his first-grade debut for the Rabbitohs in 2021. He led the Rabbitohs’ New South Wales Cup team to the NSWRL Premiership and NRL State Championship in 2023.
Dion Teaupa, a Tonga international half-back, leaves South Sydney after four NRL games since his first-grade debut earlier this year.
Outside-back Izaac Tu’itupou Thompson leaves the Rabbitohs with 14 NRL appearances, all for South Sydney, since his first-grade debut in 2022.
Leon Te Hau, a 21-year-old winger or fullback, is one of eight players leaving the Rabbitohs without having made his debut.
“We would like to thank Michael, Richie, Dean, Dion, Izaac, and Leon for their contributions to South Sydney,” Rabbitohs Head of Football Mark Ellison said.
“Some of these players will be offered opportunities at other NRL teams, and we wish them and their families the best of luck in the future. “They will always be remembered as proud Rabbitohs.”
