It was not planned, and club officials were surprised themselves when Demetriou vanished so quickly.

There was no chance to ask about the dropping of Damien Cook, nor the arrival of debutant Jye Gray.

“I believe I’m coaching for a great performance this week, and that’s what we’ll get.”

A comparatively effusive Jason Demetriou

When asked how he was travelling, Demetriou said: “We’ve had a great week at training, the energy through the week has been outstanding.”

Pressed on how he had been able to block out the outside noise, Demetriou said: “There are new blokes coming in, Jye Gray, Tyrone Munro, Davvy Moale is back. I’m excited by the energy they have brought.”

What about you personally?

“I’m really looking forward to the performance – I can’t wait, the energy is through the roof,” he said.

Are you coaching for your future on Saturday night?

“I believe I’m coaching for a great performance this week, and that’s what we’ll get.”

Souths players were still on the field stretching and were confused when Demetriou ditched the huge media throng.

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Club officials have repeatedly claimed they are a top-four club, and need to be better.

Gray was presented his debut jersey by his family earlier on Friday ahead of his start at fullback.

Regular custodian Latrell Mitchell is suspended for the next three weeks for elbowing New Zealand Warriors playmaker Shaun Johnson, and popped up at the neighbouring basketball centre where a huge crowd had gathered for the Eora Elders Games, a sporting contest featuring five mobs from around Sydney who will compete in a range of sporting contests in the neighbouring basketball complex.

Demetriou is one of the few NRL coaches who continues to hold his weekly press conference after training, not before training, which is a habit he picked up by his predecessor – and potential successor – Bennett.

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