Here we are, smack back in the middle of reflection week. That’s what grand final week is for 88 per cent of the teams and supporters of the NRL.
They are the also rans, who ponder recent shortcomings amidst past glories.
And it is why people like George Piggins – the Captain of Reflection Week – face further alienation after breaking self-imposed protocols to attend one match where the favourite bears no resemblance to the grainy snaps of Giltinan Shield lifters he verbally remasters every October.
So what if Maguire’s men reset ’43 years and counting’? George, Satts, Lurch and anyone else they’ve forgotten, what of them?
They will be placed straight to the Reflection Week cellar- replaced by modern images of mostly identical Englishmen, holding bronze replicas of the above men.
Are this year’s favourites recognisable and comparable with the 1971 champions?
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Comparisons to other clubs like Manly – whose eight grand final victories have occurred since Souths’ last – show recognisable progression between trophy hoisting line-ups. The jumpers, hair styles, colours, boots – you can tell they are an evolving club.
But for Souths, you could argue the next triumph will be a maiden premiership, such is the distance between premierships 20 and 21. Don Bradman was selecting our best cricketers during the 1971 team’s victory lap.
Even the Rabbitohs’ owner makes a living out of false identity. The same guy even banished pokies and eventually the entire club, much to the chagrin of the club’s resurrector – George’s Piggins.
Maybe the modern way isn’t for everyone, even at South Sydney, and that includes those of modern upbringing.
Indeed not the brave Issac Luke. A man of integrity, a hooker, a one-club stalwart, a Piggins-type and by actions a man who refuses to partake in the folly of the modern game. A man whose toughness often gets him in trouble. A man who wishes not to tarnish past glories.
A man who will not feature this weekend.
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