The Black Rabbits System: Breeding the Next Generation of Rabbitohs Talent
Launched in 2022, the Black Rabbits system has quickly become a key pillar of the South Sydney Rabbitohs' pathways program. Designed to nurture and guide select young players through positional coaching, performance training, and a deep cultural connection to the club, it’s now the Rabbitohs’ primary platform for identifying and developing promising young talent.
The vision behind the Black Rabbits system is clear: to create a sustainable pathway that not only prepares players for the physical and mental demands of elite football, but also instills the professionalism, pride, and values required to represent South Sydney.
The Black Rabbits system involves the identification of a select group of players, usually in their mid-to-late teens, who show signs of potential. These athletes are brought into a structured environment which provides specialist positional training, performance development, and the full support of Rabbitohs pathways staff. The program is spearheaded by David Furner, Head of Pathways Football, and Brent Hill, Pathways Recruitment Manager, whose roles also include travelling interstate to work closely with junior competitions and feeder clubs across New South Wales, Victoria and Queensland to uncover emerging talent.
The Black Rabbits system involves the identification of a select group of players, usually in their mid-to-late teens, who show signs of potential. These athletes are brought into a structured environment which provides specialist positional training, performance development, and the full support of Rabbitohs pathways staff. The program is spearheaded by David Furner, Head of Pathways Football, and Brent Hill, Pathways Recruitment Manager, whose roles also include travelling interstate to work closely with junior competitions and feeder clubs across New South Wales, Victoria and Queensland to uncover emerging talent.
A key component of this interstate reach is the Rabbitohs' current affiliation with Keebra Park State High School on the Gold Coast. Keebra Park SHS has a strong history of producing elite Rugby League players, including current Rabbitoh Jai Arrow, and former Rabbitohs such as Ben Te'o, Benji Marshall, and Jesse Arthars. The school has also developed representative stars like Payne Haas, David Fifita, Reece Walsh, Moeaki Fotuaika, and AJ Brimson. Through this partnership, the Rabbitohs have embedded staff within Queensland to identify, support, and develop promising young athletes. This relationship allows South Sydney to maintain a strong presence in a key recruitment region and further extend the influence of the Black Rabbits system.
A New Generation Emerges
The inaugural Black Rabbits intake in 2022 featured Tallis Duncan, Tyrone Munro and Ben Lovett — all of whom have progressed into the NRL system. Duncan has become a key figure in the Rabbitohs forward pack with his high work rate and ball-playing ability; Munro has impressed early with his blistering speed and maturity beyond his years, earning the prestigious Provan-Summons Medal for embodying the spirit of the game; and Lovett has earned accolades for his work ethic and contribution to the team and community.
In 2023, the system welcomed Jye Gray, Liam Le Blanc, and Thomas Fletcher. Le Blanc has emerged as a powerful forward option, showcasing strength through the middle and a strong work ethic that has impressed Rabbitohs coaching staff. He continues to build on his development within the senior squad and remains a key part of the Club's future plans. Fletcher continues to develop as a strong second-rower.
Originally scouted from Queensland, Gray joined the Rabbitohs’ pathways program as part of the 2023 Black Rabbits intake. After strong performances in the junior reps and pre-season, he was signed to a development contract and made his NRL debut in round six of the 2024 season. Since then, he has quickly become a fixture in the first-grade squad. Playing mostly at fullback, Gray has brought energy and spark to the team with sharp footwork, explosive acceleration, a dynamic style of play, and an instinctive ability to inject himself into the game at critical moments. Gray's performances earned him a contract extension through 2026, and he was recognised as the John Sattler Rookie of the Year in 2024, a clear example of the Black Rabbits system translating to success at NRL level.
Talent Building Through the Pathways
While several Black Rabbits have already broken into the NRL, many more are currently being developed across junior and senior grades.
Among the standouts in the 2025 SG Ball Cup are Matthew Humphries and Yasin Kuscu. Humphries, a composed halfback, has demonstrated impressive game management and leadership. Kuscu, a dynamic fullback, has turned heads with his lightning footwork, explosive acceleration, and ability to manipulate defenders. Off the field, he has shown remarkable discipline and maturity, continuing to prioritise recovery while fasting during Ramadan.
These are just two of many players currently within the Black Rabbits system. Across multiple age groups and competitions, the Rabbitohs continue to work closely with a growing cohort of talented young athletes being nurtured for long-term success.
Backed by Club Vision
The ongoing success of the Black Rabbits system is made possible through the Rabbitohs’ long-term investment in development and the generous financial support of the Club Next Gen coterie group.
As part of the Club’s broader focus on emerging player pathways, contributions from Club Next Gen donors have played a vital role in helping this system expand and thrive. We extend our deepest gratitude to our current generous Club Next Gen donors: James Hatfield, Reg Richardson, Danny Taibel, Brian Siemsen and Denis Morrisey.
Their unwavering commitment and generous contributions are instrumental in shaping the future of our young athletes and ensuring the continued growth and strength of the Black Rabbits system. We sincerely thank all of them for their dedication to the Rabbitohs and their belief in the potential of our next generation.
In recognition of their support, our Club Next Gen donors are fortunate to experience numerous inner-sanctum opportunities with the Rabbitohs players, coaching staff, and officials. We encourage all committed Rabbitohs interested in becoming a donor and being part of the Club Next Gen coterie group to contact Dan Hampton to find out more.
Dan Hampton
Stakeholder Relations Manager
Email: dhampton@rabbitohs.com.au
Phone: 0423 700 899
