After a club rebuild the Ellenbrook Rabbitohs return to the top flight in 2026. PETER ROWE discovered how new coach Dan Manning hopes the Fuel to Go and Play season will go for the Red and Green machine.
It’s been a few seasons since we last saw the Rabbitohs in first grade, but they are ready to step up again under the guidance of experienced coach Dan Manning.
The former South Perth man, who has also coached SG Ball and the State men’s team, is looking forward to a competitive season at Charlotte’s Vineyard.
In his second year at the club, after 15 years at the Lions, Manning is enjoying life in the eastern suburbs. He lives at the nearby Vines, so the short drive to training rather than a 40-minute slog to George Burnett Park three times a week is good.
“Yes, I’m enjoying it a lot,” he told NRLWA. “We’ve had a very good pre-season, kept a large chunk of last year’s players and added some as well.”
Dante Campbell from South Perth is one addition and others have come across from Alkimos and from the Eastern States.
Add in the addition of some quality juniors and the Rabbits will have a solid squad to build from as the season unfolds.
“We have always had some good juniors here coming through the system. Now we can offer them a pathway to first grade,” Manning said.
“Our 17s won the comp last year and there were some very good youngsters in that team – some will get the chance to step up.”
Add in some ‘older’ heads and the club believes it has found the right formula for success.
Halfback Chase Rye, who was Val Murphy Player of the season in 2025, will captain the team, aided by a leadership group of senior players.
And like most clubs, there has been an increase in union players moving across – maybe a by-product of the Perth Bears, but one that has been welcomed.
“We’ve had a few union boys turn up at training and they will give us more options,” Manning said.
“Stepping up is a big ask for many, but the club has gone about it the right way and we are building solid foundations. There’s a fresh outlook around the place, which is really positive.
“And expectations? I and all the boys just want to be competitive.
“We’re not here to make up the numbers, I’d love to make top four, but let’s not get too far ahead of ourselves.
“We’ve had good numbers during preseason – in the 40s – and of course we will have FIFO rosters to contend with, but most clubs do these days.”
The Bunnies had a trial workout against South Perth last week, coming away with a 20-0 loss, but Manning saw plenty in his side that will improve once the season gets underway.
“It was a trial game and a learning curve in the first quarter. It was just good to be playing footy again. A good workout.”
Manning knows that game management is key to winning games and his vast experience at this level will help to build that. He also wants to build a strong defence with structured, controlled football that completes sets and respects the ball.
“It’s important we get our game management processes working well,” he said.
“It’s a long season and there are some quality teams in the competition. Willagee have added more strength to their squad and they will be the benchmark and a test for everyone else.”
And his other ‘test’ will be when his team comes up against the Joondalup Giants, coached by good friend, but now rival, Matt Gowland.
“Matt was my assistant at the Pirates SG Ball team, so it will be great to go up against his side this year.”
That clash will come in Round Seven, but before that the Rabbitohs will be the first to take a bye in round one due to the withdrawal of Alkimos, so will open their campaign in round Two at home to Kalamunda.
“It’s great to be back,” Manning said of their elevation to the Premiership again.
Great club, quality people – it’s great to see the Red and Green machine back in the top flight.