Johns: How super coach Bennett has transformed Bunnies

Matty Johns has confidence in the ability of Wayne Bennett being able to help the Rabbitohs improve after their 28-18 win against Penrith last night.

South Sydney had an interesting pre-season having lost stars Lattrell Mitchell and Cameron Murray, but that has not slowed them down one bit.

Under Bennett, they have turned a corner from being 16th last year to now having won three out of their four games.

And speaking on SEN’s Morning Glory, Johns thinks that the return of the super coach has helped change attitudes at Redfern.

“When Wayne went back there, suddenly there was a smile on their faces particularly, Cody Walker,” Johns said.

“And they were terrific last night.”

Cody Walker’s performance in particular was important to the Rabbitohs win with his kicking game being superb.

He managed 215 kicking meters overall which saw the Penrith defence under constant pressure throughout the match.

Johns and Michael Carayannis were also full of praise for Keaon Koloamatangi’s game as he scored two tries.

“Gee Keaon was good,” Johns mentioned.

“Keaon flies under the radar every time you watch the Rabbitohs play, sometimes for some reason he can get lost in the noise a bit,” Carayannis said.

“But then you look at the stats, he’s run for 200 meters… like I don’t know why people don’t appreciated how consistent he is but he has been consistent for at least two or three years.”

The Australian’s Andrew Webster was in agreement with Johns thinking that these wins would provide a significant boost to the Rabbitohs march up the ladder.

“I’m sure if you had told Bennett or anyone at Souths that they would have won three of their first four after that training session where they lost Latrell and Cameron Murray,” he said.

“Like any win is a bonus for them till Latrell comes back, I reckon they’re well ahead of where they want to be."

South Sydney will have another test next week when they play their arch nemesis, the Sydney Roosters on Friday night at 8pm at Accor Stadium.