JUST IN: Dean Hawkins set to negotiate deal with rival as Rabbitohs make crucial decision on starlet.
After allowing Lachlan Ilias to hold talks with other teams, the South Sydney Rabbitohs are said to have decided what to do with halfback Dean Hawkins.
Hawkins, who received his education at Pagewood’s Champagnat Catholic College, has played in 12 NRL games since making his debut against the Brisbane Broncos in Round 5 of 2021.
Hawkins, who was brought into the club earlier in the season to take Lachlan Ilias’ spot, solidified his position in the No. 7 jersey before suffering a regrettable quad injury that kept him out of action for a few months.
After leading the Rabbitohs to the 2023 NSW Cup championship and winning the 2023 NSW Cup Player of the Year award, Hawkins, who was off-contract at the end of the season, is regarded as one of the best backup playmakers.
Dean Hawkins has been informed that he won’t be handed a full-time contract with the Rabbitohs for the upcoming season due to the signing of Lewis Dodd from St Helens RLFC and the rise of Dion Teaupa and Bailey Smith in the lower grades, according to News Corp.
Lachlan Ilias was recently linked to a move to the Newcastle Knights (before the club denied interest), and he was recently given license to talk with rival clubs.
Hawkins has previously been connected to a move to the Gold Coast Titans, but he may still be on a part-time contract at the Rabbitohs.
Now that Carter Gordon has signed with the Titans for the 2025 and 2026 seasons from rugby union, this seems doubtful.
Hawkins, Michael Chee-Kam, Ben Lovett, Taane Milne, Shaquai Mitchell, Isaiah Tass, Leon Te Hau, and Isaac Thompson are the other eight players that will not be returning to the Rabbitohs at the end of the season.
