Junior Tatola: 2026 Year in Review
Junior Tatola was a pillar of South Sydney’s forward pack throughout 2026, producing another consistent campaign in the Red and Green. The experienced prop featured in all 25 of the Club’s matches, starting 23 in the front row and providing a reliable presence through the middle as the Rabbitohs pushed into the Finals.
Tatola wasted little time making his mark, opening the season with 152 running metres against the Dolphins at Suncorp Stadium in round one. His ability to generate momentum through the middle remained a feature of his game, regularly taking on the tough carries and laying the platform for South Sydney’s attacking players.
That consistency continued throughout the campaign, with Tatola producing another strong performance against the Brisbane Broncos in round 15, running for 156 metres. He also played an important role in the Rabbitohs’ impressive 50-20 victory over the Sydney Roosters in round 27, contributing 151 running metres as South Sydney finished the regular season in style.
While his work through the middle was his greatest strength, Tatola also found opportunities to make an impact on the scoreboard. His first try of the season came against the Newcastle Knights in round 19, where he combined a four-pointer with a line break and 141 running metres in a strong all-round performance.
He added another try against the Parramatta Eels during Indigenous Round in round 23, providing another memorable moment in front of the Rabbitohs faithful.
Tatola’s value extended beyond his starting role, demonstrating his ability to make an impact from the interchange when called upon. Against the Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks in round 10, he came off the bench and ran for 141 metres, providing plenty of energy and go-forward through the middle.
Across the season, Tatola accumulated an impressive 2,721 running metres at an average of 108 metres per game. His defensive contribution was equally important, finishing with 609 tackles at an outstanding 94.3% efficiency. Whether taking the opening carry, absorbing pressure through the middle or making crucial tackles, Tatola continued to lead by example with his work rate and physicality.
After playing an important role in South Sydney’s strong finish to the regular season, Tatola retained his starting position at prop for the Elimination Final against the Newcastle Knights at Allianz Stadium, completing a campaign in which he featured in every Rabbitohs fixture.
With his future secured at South Sydney until at least the end of 2028, Tatola heads into 2027 as one of the experienced leaders of the Rabbitohs’ forward pack. His consistency, toughness and ability to deliver the hard work through the middle remain valuable assets as he continues to build on his career in the Cardinal and Myrtle.
