It’s the first week of March and that means one thing, footy is back.
As usual, both experts and fans have been busy in the off-season, writing off or pumping up various club’s premiership hopes. But for me one name has been missing -the South Sydney Rabbitohs.
Yes, the proud Rabbitohs who swept all before them two years ago to claim their first title since 1971.
While Parramatta, Brisbane, North Queensland and Easts have been touted as contenders in the race for the 2016 crown, not much has been made of Souths.
To be sure, they had a horror ending to 2015 with four-straight losses including a downright embarrassing 30-0 loss at the hands of the Roosters, but the Rabbitohs should not be forgotten.
Slammin’ Sam Burgess makes his much-anticipated return to the burrow and that in itself should be a comfort to Souths fans who have lost Chris McQueen and Tim Grant.
Burgess is a genuine champion and more than covers these losses.
In essence, the Rabbitohs’ departures is why they haven’t featured in the early premiership talk. As well as the above duo, the Bunnies have lost Glenn Stewart (maybe not such a bad thing), Dylan Walker and must importantly, Issac Luke.
These losses, however, should not mean Souths are written off before a ball has been kicked. The club has recruited ex-State of Origin centre Dane Nielsen and if anything, these gaps should open the side up to more competition.
Take Luke’s position, for example, former Bulldog Damien Cook has been brought in to compete with Souths junior Cameron McInnes. This is a good thing and the competition at training will allow the best performing player to be on the field every week.
Sometimes, the loss of a big personality can have a positive effect. If big names play poorly their reputation will save them but with spots up for grabs, consistency is key.
This is not to dispel the importance of big names in order to lift the trophy come September. Captain and superstar Greg Inglis will again terrorise defences and his presence alongside the Burgess brothers will have opposition trembling.
The final piece of the puzzle, therefore, lies with the playmakers. Adam Reynolds struggled with injury last campaign but if he can re-discover his 2014 form and gel with Luke Keary, they will be dangerous.
Keary should have a little more fire in the belly after his spat with owner Russell Crowe and getting it all out will no doubt benefit Souths.
The gears are in motion for another premiership crack from the boys from Redfern, any team could make a run on the back of Inglis and Burgess. It’s time for them to prove the doubters wrong.
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