Rabbitohs' Rising Star Ashton Ward Impresses Andrew Johns

As the South Sydney Rabbitohs endure a challenging 2025 season, a glimmer of hope has emerged in the form of 21-year-old halfback Ashton Ward. Ward made his NRL debut against the Sharks in Round 21, and was then handed the starting role the following week against the powerful Broncos outfit.

While the Rabbitohs ultimately lost that match by 46 points, Ward's performance caught the eye of NRL legend Andrew Johns, who was working on commentary that night. According to Maroons coach Billy Slater, who was sitting alongside Johns, the eighth Immortal was "excited" by what he saw from the young playmaker.

"He was the shining light for the Bunnies in that 60-point loss," Slater said on a recent episode of the Billy Slater Podcast. "He's only a really small guy, he's got plenty of development left in him."

Ward has continued to impress during his stint with the Rabbitohs' New South Wales Cup side, where he has played 17 games and scored 5 tries while kicking at a 75% success rate. His strong performances have led to speculation that he could be South Sydney's long-term solution at halfback, with Slater stating that "without doubt" Ward could fill that role.

"There were a couple of moments where he straightened the attack," Slater said. "Nothing was happening outside it, but he was actually creating some opportunities through the straightness and directness of his play."

Ward will have the chance to further cement his place in the Rabbitohs' first-grade side when they take on the struggling Titans in Round 23.