South Sydney coach Michael Maguire says his side have come to understand the huge weight of expectation that bears down upon the club this time of year as they seek to break their five-decade long premiership drought.
After successive preliminary final fade-outs, the Rabbitohs face fellow foundation club Sydney Roosters at ANZ Stadium on Friday night for a spot in this year’s grand final.
Souths have wilted under the pressure in the past two seasons, especially in last year’s preliminary final against Manly, when they led 14-0 after 12 minuted before allowing 30 unanswered points to eventually fall 30-24.
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Maguire has consistently suggested during this finals series that his side is vastly different from the ones that failed to reach the final game of the season for the past two years.
He says part of that comes down to understanding the pressure of attempting to become the first Souths side to taste title success since 1971.
“I think we understand it, that is one thing I would say … the fact of it,” Maguire told Triple M on Sunday.
“We all accept that, it is actually quite an enjoyable part of it to see the fans.
“The way they came out, last weekend’s game (against Manly) was quite unreal.
“We are going to call on them again and we want them to get out to the game.
“Because they play a big part in what we do and it just adds to what we are building.”
Maguire said Souths co-owner Russell Crowe was likely to take a low key approach to the match.
“Russell has been pretty quite, he is a big follower of what is going on, he is enjoying what he is seeing with the boys,” Maguire said.
“It is just heads down and making sure we are doing a job.”
Souths are not focusing on part disappointments ahead of the Roosters clash, Maguire said.
“We understand what is required.
“That is the past and that is one thing that we have recognised, that is the past that is gone and done.
“The next 80 minutes is what we are focused on, that is what we can control.”
Roarsome
Guest
Sometimes teams need more whistle to stop grubbiness, curb aggression and attempting to stomp the wrestle. There was little whistle in Origin II and look how that turned out.
MAX
Guest
The referees will be auditioning for their big pay day. The less whistle the better. The return of Ben Teo and their spinnaker set augers well for Souths. Margin <6.