Another season begins, another mountain of pressure on the South Sydney Rabbitohs. As recent history has shown, Souths can’t handle the heat when expectations are high around the club.
And the signing of Greg Inglis means expectations are sky-high in 2011, as they were in 2010, when Souths boasted a giant forward pack and was getting ready to unveil world-class English forward Sam Burgess.
Burgess went on to have a great year, and could become one of, if not the greatest English imports to ever grace Australian rugby league. Time will tell.
But poor form, terrible defence and injuries combined so that Souths disappointed last season and missed the semis. Again they flattered to deceive. And again the signs are there that Souths may fall short again this season.
Already the club’s trial form has been poor, getting smashed by the Gold Coast Titans in Coffs Harbour and losing the Charity Shield to the Dragons. Souths owner Russell Crowe is reportedly fuming at the losses and concerned that the spotlight is getting to his team.
As Jason Taylor writes in The Sydney Morning Herald today, Souths have a shocking defensive record. They simply concede too many points. I think this will again be an issue for the club and unless they drastically improve in this area, they won’t make the eight.
Another factor is their backline. While John Sutton and Chris Sandow are undoubtedly talented and match-winners on their day, they often tend to fade out of games. They are both not consistent enough and need to make sure they perform for the full 80 minutes.
Sandow in particular can be brilliant, but has a nasty edge to his game and resorts to grubby tactics occasionally. At fullback Rhys Wesser may be getting a little too long in the tooth, while centre Farrell and winger Talanoa are largely unproven.
Greg Inglis needs no introduction but for his whole career he has played alongside the likes of Cooper Cronk, Israel Folau, Billy Slater, Jonathan Thurston, Darren Lockyer and Justin Hodges. It will be interesting how he goes without that kind of strike power around him.
Souths forward pack is without question among the best in the competition, but it must turn up every night. The club’s roster also seems a little light when it comes to game-breakers coming off the bench.
The speculation over Wayne Bennett’s future and who Souths’ next coach will be is also not helping. John Lang is a fine coach but he seems to have been originally appointed reluctantly, and the fact that he is leaving soon may weaken his hold over the team.
A lot of pundits have tipped Souths for the title, the top four or the top eight. Considering the ultra-competitiveness of the NRL, the even nature of the clubs and Souths record of self-combustion, I wouldn’t hold your breath.
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