Rabbitohs reportedly target forward from rival club

For the 2024 season, the South Sydney Rabbitohs are reportedly interested in Manly Sea Eagles forward Sean Keppie.

The Rabbitohs will be happy to have representative playmaker Jack Wighton join them for the upcoming campaign, but they will be without the quartet of Jed Cartwright, Liam Knight (who left for the Bulldogs in the middle of the current campaign), Hame Sele, and Blake Taaffe.

They have identified a 25-year-old Sea Eagles player as a potential option in their effort to strengthen their forward stocks after failing to make the top eight.

Officials from the Rabbitohs club have reportedly begun speaking with the Manly Sea Eagles about Sean Keppie, according to a report in The Sydney Morning Herald.

Currently under contract with the Rabbitohs through the end of the 2026 campaign, Keppie could be released by the Sea Eagles in order to make room in their salary cap.

This is because the team recently signed Luke Brooks, Jaxson Paulo, Tommy Talau, and Aitasi James, and they also signed lucrative extension deals with Josh Schuter and Haumole Olakau’atu.

A player swap involving Alex Twal and the Wests Tigers was said to have been discussed by Keppie and approved last month, according to reports.

Given that Keppie has spent a significant amount of time this season in either the starting front row or lock position and that he is signed for an additional three seasons—a deal he just signed less than a year ago—the Sea Eagles’ reported decision regarding him is surprising.

Since making his Sea Eagles debut in 2019, Keppie has participated in 79 games.

At the time of his extension, Sea Eagles CEO Tony Mestrov said in a club statement, “Sean has certainly worked hard and is becoming a natural leader of our pack.”.

“Since his prime years as a prop still lie ahead of him, we are delighted to have him on board for the long haul.

“Sean is also well-respected for his genuine community service, which has led to him serving as the club’s nominee for the Ken Stephen Medal for the past two years.
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