‘I told him some personal stuff’: How Bennett helped Bud Sullivan rekindle his love for footy

Jayden "Bud" Sullivan, the 24-year-old halfback for South Sydney, played a pivotal role in his team's 22-6 victory over Canterbury on Friday night. The win, which likely extended Souths' season while ending Canterbury's, marked a turning point for Sullivan, who once felt disconnected from the sport he once loved. Speaking after the match, Sullivan credited his coach, Wayne Bennett, for helping him rekindle his passion for football. Sullivan described his journey back into form as both challenging and transformative. He admitted to losing touch with the game, citing personal struggles that led him away from rugby league. "I don't really know when I lost the love of the game," he said. "It just all happened so fast, and I was just in a shit place outside of football, just doing stupid things that I shouldn’t have been doing." After moving to Sydney and focusing solely on football, Sullivan found renewed purpose. He attributed much of his progress to Bennett, whose mentorship helped him refocus. "Once I got that out of my life ... I moved up to Sydney and just focused on football. And that's credit to Wayne. He just said, 'If you want to be a first-grader, this is what you've got to do.'" Sullivan joined South Sydney on a loan deal last year and quickly earned a contract extension until the end of 2027. His tenure with the club has not been without hurdles. Last year, he fractured his fibula during a match in the NSW Cup, describing the injury as "snapping my leg in half." Upon returning to pre-season training, he faced ongoing issues, including a staph infection in his right ankle. He spent four weeks in hospital over Christmas, enduring long walks around the hospital hallway to keep his mind occupied. "I got all the way to the last week of pre-season, and I couldn't do it anymore," he recalled. "And I said to the physios, 'There's something wrong with my leg.' Long story short, I had a staph infection in my right ankle, I spent four weeks in hospital over Christmas ... it was pretty lonely in there. Doing laps, laps of the hospital, just trying to stay sane." Despite these setbacks, Sullivan has become a vital part of South Sydney's squad. With several teammates sidelined due to injuries, he has taken on additional responsibilities, including becoming the team's primary goal kicker. Even after appearing to injure his groin during an awkward attempt, he remained largely unharmed and committed to doing whatever the team needed. "I'll do anything the team needs me to do," Sullivan said. "If that's playing front row or doing anything, I'll do it. And if that's goal kicking, I'll practice and do my best." Sullivan and Bennett share a unique rapport, often joking about the coach buying him a boat. Bennett acknowledged Sullivan's resilience, noting that the player had overcome many obstacles. "He's been through a lot," Bennett said. "The moment came, the opportunity came, and he's grabbed it. He's a quality football player. I'm really pleased for him." As South Sydney continues its push toward the finals, Sullivan's journey serves as a testament to perseverance and the impact of supportive coaching. His return to form highlights how personal growth and professional commitment can lead to success, even after periods of struggle.