Early next week South Sydney coach Michael Maguire will turn his attention to what has so far proved impossible, back-to-back NRL premierships.
Since the NRL was formed in 1998, no side has won successive premierships, Brisbane were the last side to do so in a unified competition in 1992 and 1993.
Those Broncos sides boasted virtual Kangaroos-strength line-ups including the likes of Michael Hancock, Steve Renouf, Willie Carne, Kevin Walters, Allan Langer, Glenn Lazarus, Kerrod Walters and Trevor Gillmeister.
On paper, at least, the task ahead of the Rabbitohs in 2015 will be even tougher than that which the Sydney Roosters fell two wins short of this year.
The Roosters were missing only one player from their 2013 title winning side at the start of this season, retired forward Luke O’Donnell, while interchange hooker Daniel Mortimer was a mid-season transfer to the Gold Coast.
Souths will be missing two of their biggest stars next year in rugby-bound duo Sam Burgess and Ben Te’o. Back-up rake Apisai Koroisau, who replaced the suspended Issac Luke in Sunday’s 30-6 win over Canterbury at ANZ Stadium in the grand final is headed for Penrith.
Winger Lote Tuqiri, 35, is undecided on his future, but could decide to retire on a high.
Superstar fullback Greg Inglis’ 2007 and 2009 premierships with Melbourne were stripped due to salary cap breaches, but he is someone who understand the onerous task involved in chasing and achieving back-to-back grand final wins.
“Going back to back is a huge challenge, as you can see over the years,” he said.
“Brisbane were the last team to do it and it really takes its toll, this is the toughest, hardest competition in the world.
“To win back-to-back premierships is a remarkable achievement.
“To do that speaks volumes about the team.”
Queensland back-rower Chris McQueen, shapes as a key player in 2015 in the absence of Burgess and Te’o.
“What we have done this year is incredible and that is the task that awaits us,” he said.
“It is a huge challenge and it hasn’t been done for a long time but I think with the team we have and what we have built here it is something we could do.”
For now though Rabbitohs halfback Adam Reynolds is content just to live in the moment.
“Back-to-back premierships would be massive,” he said.
“But we are just going to enjoy this first.”
paul
Guest
The grind of a gf everyweek over 26 rounds is massive.the chooks were dead set gone by the time rabbits came around without a week off. I believe if easts beat penrith they would have been an even money bet to have beaten souths because 2 best teams. For rabbits to go btb they definately will need a week off in september and no injuries. They have great players but hav lost ther 2 best forwards teo and sb that is massive sb is a dead set champion you cant replace them.easts hav lost mini and sbw it will be realy Interesting to see how they both go
TahDan
Roar Guru
Bit early to be talking about back to back... this isn't English soccer where there are only 4 teams in it. There have been 10 different premiers in NRL's short 16 year history and none have ever gone back to back.
Chris morrison
Guest
As was proven by the Roosters this year, even with 14+ representative players in that side (depending on the side you field) going back to back is a near impossible feat in this modern game. Full credit to Roosters to be able to go back to back minor premiers. That is a tough enough feat. One thing is for sure though, with Maguire and our young squad led with the experience of x-factor and legends GI and John Sutton, we will be right there at the buisness end of the year, punching with the rest of them.
Statler and Waldorf
Roar Guru
they will definately miss SB and Te'o but the young backs will be even better next you due to their experience this year....as long as Maguire keeps their feet on the ground which I think he will.
The Barry
Roar Guru
Massive challenge for souths to go back to back without burgess and Te'o. Glenn Stewart is a great player but very different to Sam Burgess as a 13. SB plays in the middle while for Manly GS played wide on the right edge. Watmough played more the modern version of lock defending in the middle. Maybe they'll move George back to 13, Tom into the starting side, Grant on the bench and Stewart and Sutton in the second row.