The wheel of news keeps on turning when it comes to player movements now the 1st May has passed us by, and this time it concerns a young English player off to ply his trade Down Under.

It was announced yesterday (Sunday 5th May) that St Helens’ 22-year-old half back will be heading to Australia next season after signing a three-year deal with NRL strugglers South Sydney Rabbitohs.

The move, which was rumoured for some time, was confirmed today by both clubs, and will see the Saints lose one of their most promising players to the allure of the NRL.

The Bunnies head of football, Mark Ellison, had this to say to the club’s website: “Lewis is one of the rising stars in England and he indicated to us that he wanted to test himself in the NRL and the Rabbitohs were the Club he wanted to do that with. He is only 22 years-of-age, but he has already won a Super League Premiership and a World Club Challenge with St Helens and he has all of the attributes that it takes to make it in the NRL.”

“Our dealings with him have been first class and we’re looking forward to having him join our Club for the 2025 pre-season. We wish him the best of luck for the remainder of the season with St Helens.”

For his part, Dodd admitted to agonising over the decision to uproot and leave for Oz, telling the Saints website: “It was not a decision that was made overnight, there were a lot of sleepless nights and tough conversations with family and people close to me, it’s been a tough decision.”

“The opportunities that I have, and have already had, across my playing career are down to the staff and players at Saints, from top to bottom. St.Helens has not only made me a better player but a better person, and a person that my family is proud to be associated with. I’ll be forever thankful to St.Helens and the lessons that they have taught me both on and off the field.”

“My full focus is on Saints this season, no other thought is in my mind apart from playing for Saints, giving my all, and doing the job that’s required week in and week out. Hopefully, that will lead to trophies, I know what the fans and the Club deserve.”

Written by Nathan Major-Kershaw (Site editor & Hull KR fan)

Quote sources: https://www.rabbitohs.com.au/news/rabbitohs-sign-lewis-dodd-for-seasons-2025-2026-and-2027 & https://www.saintsrlfc.com/2024/05/05/lewis-dodd-to-leave-st-helens-at-the-end-of-2024/