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7 months ago
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As the pressure to keep his role as coach of under siege South Sydney ramps up, Jason Demetriou has sensationally walked away from a pre-game media call on Friday.
In dramatic scenes at the club's training base in Maroubra, the man they call 'JD' answered just four questions before storming out after 27 seconds.
Demetriou's press conference was shorter than Darius Boyd's infamous 42-second effort in 2009 when at the Dragons, and Wayne Bennett's 80 seconds of answers after a loss to Penrith in 2020.
Multiple reports suggest Demetriou will be sacked following Saturday's game against Cronulla, with suggestions Kangaroos coach Mal Meninga will replace him for the rest of the season.
'Supercoach' Wayne Bennett is then tipped to return to the club in 2025.
Perhaps sensing his time at South Sydney is drawing to a close, coach Jason Demetriou sensationally walked away from a pre-game media call on Friday after just 27 seconds
In dramatic scenes at the club's training base in Maroubra, Demetriou answered just four questions before storming out (pictured, with assistant coach Ben Hornby)
The Rabbitohs are 1-4 and anchored to the foot of the NRL ladder - just a year after they led the competition after 11 rounds but then missed the finals.
A scrum of journalists were in attendance for the captain's run in Sydney's east, but they heard just 73 words before Demetriou walked back into South Sydney offices.
Four questions about his future and how he has handled the speculation was enough for Demetriou.
First question: You've had easier weeks in your life. How are you travelling given all the external talk?
'We've had a great week at training. The energy through the week has been outstanding,' Demetriou replied.
Second question: How have you been able to block it out?
'There are new blokes coming in. Jye Gray [on debut], Ty Munro and Davvy Moale's back. I'm excited by the energy they've brought.'
Demetriou's cause has not been helped by a recent three-match suspension for star fullback Latrell Mitchell (pictured middle) who has had a controversial start to the season
Third question: What about you personally?
'I'm really excited about the performance. I can't wait. The energy is through the roof. I'm looking forward to it.'
Fourth question: Do you believe you're coaching for your job on Saturday night?
'I believe I'm coaching for a great performance this week, and that's what we're going to get.'
South Sydney CEO Blake Solly claimed this week the club fully supported Demetriou - but the writing appears to be on the wall.
Demetriou's cause has not been helped by a three-match suspension for star fullback Latrell Mitchell, who himself has endured a controversial start to the season.
The coach also made the bold call this week to drop NSW State of Origin hooker Damien Cook, three weeks after axing halfback Lachlan Ilias.
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