ethos
BroncoKiwi
2009 Season Preview - South Sydney Rabbitohs
February 10th 2009 01:45
Category: Opinion
The South Sydney produced a Jekyll and Hyde 2008 – they scored points at will but at the same time leaked tries in an embarrassing fashion.
There is no doubt that Craig Wing’s absence through injury hurt them immensely. Yet that should be no excuse for missing tackles; the Bunnies must tighten their defence to ensure a competitive season.
However, the Bunnies did unearth a potential superstar in halfback Chris Sandow. The tiny playmaker, comparable in stature to Allan Langer, mesmerised fans with his footwork was voted by NRL Live readers as the most promising debutant in 2008. I’m looking forward to seeing how he goes in his second year.
Looking towards this season, the club has been active in the player market but there are question marks over the quality of the new imports. One feels that ex-Penrith fullback Rhys Wesser is past his prime. Young centre Chris McQueen comes down from Queensland with big wraps but is an unknown quantity at NRL level, while Kane Cleal (Bulldogs) and Garrett Crossman (Storm) are both hard working but bench props at best. However, the addition of Colin Best is a big plus for Souths. The rangy centre was lethal for Canberra last season and will give his new side some much needed punch out wide.
But the Rabbitohs strength is undoubtedly their little men – their tactics must be tailored around the running games of five-eighth Wing, Sandow and speedy hooker Isaac Luke.
The Rabbitohs of 2009 are definitely a team with potential but based on their showings in previous years, it’s hard to back them with any real confidence. If the dynamic trio of Luke, Sandow and Wing can stay on the paddock for the majority of the season, Souths could realistically be in the running for a top eight spot. Conversely, if any of the three goes missing, either through injury or lack of form, the Bunnies will again be anchored near the foot of the ladder.
Gains:
Colin Best (Raiders - 2010), Rhys Wesser (Panthers - 2010), Chris McQueen (QLD Cup - Wynnum Manly Seagulls - 2010), Kane Cleal (Bulldogs - 2010), Garrett Crossman (Storm - 2010), Matt Mundine (Dragons - 2010), Shaune Corrigan (Entrance Tigers - 2009)
Losses:
Eddie Paea (released), Manase Manuokafoa (Cowboys), Dean Widders (ESL - Castleford Tigers), Jeremy Smith (ESL - Salford Reds), Yileen Gordon (Bulldogs), Andre Itula (Storm), Joey Matapuka (Bulldogs), Sam Huihahau (Raiders), George Ndaira (Knights), Germain Paulson (Nrothern Pride), Shannon Hegarty (Cowboys)
Predicted line-up:
1. Rhys Wesser 2. Nathan Merritt 3. Colin Best 4. Beau Champion 5. Fetuli Talanoa 6. Craig Wing 7. Chris Sandow 8. Michael Greenfield 9. Isaac Luke 10. Roy Asotasi (c) 11. Luke Stuart 12. David Fa’alogo 13. John Sutton
Interchange: 14. Beau Falloon 15. David Kidwell 16. Scott Geddes 17. Garrett Crossman
Predicted Finish:
13th-16th
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Comment by Anonymous
9-13 at very worst. But I think the bunnies will finish 7th.
Comment by ethos
NRL Live
The Golden Point
Souths are in with a shot at the top eight but there's just too many other good sides out there I feel.
Time will tell, and best of luck to them.