South Sydney coach Anthony Seibold wasted no time turning up the heat on the Sydney Roosters ahead of their NRL preliminary final next week.
He may be a rookie, but Anthony Seibold is no shrinking violet.
The South Sydney coach has thrown the first barb at fierce rivals the Sydney Roosters ahead of their NRL grand final qualifier, saying all the pressure will be on the preseason favourites.
The Rabbitohs advanced to their first preliminary since their breakthrough premiership in 2014 after edging St George Illawarra with a thrilling 13-12 victory on Saturday.
The semi-final win sets up a mouth-watering preliminary final against the Roosters in what is certain to be a sellout Allianz Stadium crowd next Saturday.
His side had barely finished celebrating the victory when Seibold turned the heat on counterpart Trent Robinson by quickly seizing underdog status.
“They’ve had a good rest, I imagine, this weekend. And they’ll be sitting there waiting. Hopefully we get a full stadium at Allianz. I’m really keen to put some pressure on them,” he said.
He was quick to remind the Roosters about how they’ve reached the grand final qualifier in four of the past six seasons, including their premiership triumph in 2013.
“They’re the minor premiers. They may have been on four of the last six preliminary finals. It’s a fair bit of pressure on them. We’ll go out there and give it a red-hot crack,” he said.
Seibold also played down the absence of star Roosters duo Dylan Napa and Latrell Mitchell, both of whom are suspended for separate charges.
While Mitchell Aubusson is the likely replacement for Mitchell at left centre, Seibold believes the Roosters’ recruitment drive last summer has made them worthy favourites for the title.
The Roosters picked up star pair Cooper Cronk and James Tedesco this year.
“(Napa and Mitchell are) obviously very good players, those two guys. They’re elite players, both (State of) Origin players,” Seibold said.
“But they’ve got great depth across their squad. We’ll focus on the players that run out and named during the week.
“I think before a ball was kicked this year, the Roosters were probably everyone’s tip to be in the grand final, minor premiers, with the recruits they had.
“We go over there with nothing to lose and everything to gain, so we can’t wait.”
Seibold also hailed the performance of his team against the Dragons following a day of scandal that centres around a social media account belonging to Sam Burgess.
The Rabbitohs are investigating claims two players exposed themselves to a young woman via video chat in May, while prop Zane Musgrove is facing domestic violence charges.
Seibold said Burgess’ performance was “strong”.
“Really proud of the group. It’s been a difficult last couple of days for the club. In my first year, it’s been a challenging last 48 hours,” he said.
“But really comfortable with how the club’s handled things and really proud of guys like Greg (Inglis), our leaders, and the playing group.”
steveng
Roar Rookie
I don't know about 'I dont think Souths can win the comp' as any game can come down to the wire and it depends on the sustainability of each team and how much they want it. I agree that Souths were very flat and uninspiring on Saturday, I thought that they are going to get beat after the first half effort but, I always had that 'Dragons Factor' that they also didn't look that inspiring and were missing players. This Saturday it will be a totally different thing, well on paper anyway but and don't forget, what the Dragons did to the Broncos, because that is what could happen between Souths v Roosters as the Bunnies have plenty of talent and determination to go all the way.
JVGO
Guest
At this stage it would be horrible to see the Roosters win the whole thing. They did nothing through the season to earn the MP really, had an easy draw, had plenty of luck and leg ups against the Sharks and now come up against a not exactly in form Souths. Hopefully the Bunnies can find something. They at least are a homegrown side, with lots of indigenous boys and locals who actually represent something rather than just Politis's cheque book. Does Rusty still own them?
stevesyd
Roar Rookie
Ok, count slowly from 2014 to 2018 using your fingers. That adds up to 5 chokes in a row after this year despite (you are right) 4 minor premierships with the best roster money can buy. Yes, fill your team with poached talent and will take you a long way to winning premierships but unfortunately for Mr Politis he needs to learn the one thing money cant buy when the pressure is on and thats pride and passion.
Brendan Jones
Roar Rookie
I think that is great that all four teams remaining in the finals have all won premierships in the last five years and in order Roosters in 2013 taking on the Bunnies the 2014 premiers. then the Sharks 2016 premiers taking on last years premiers the Storm with the 2018 premier to be the best of the best of the year five years, awesome. how many times in NRL has this ever happened. Zero!! it isn't that great. Bring on this week's footy. Personally a Cronk v Smith arm wrestle for the title would be the best grand final possible.
Rob
Guest
It's 4 minor premiership and they won the comp in 2013 so how have they choked it's better than what souths have done since they won the comp in 2014 since then souths have won only 0ne semifinal now that's pathetic
farqueue
Roar Rookie
I dont think Souths can win the comp....they looked really flat and nothing like the dynamic team they were a couple of months ago....at least they are still in with a chance and luckily they dont have to face mitchell next week.
steveng
Roar Rookie
Don't forget the top players that they always buy to win a MP, but not much luck with winning the GF's, never mind, 2019 and beyond, they will buy some more, the local talent never gets a look in! Been there done that in the 70's that is why I played in the Souths comp.
jim
Guest
why not kick a field goal early in the 1st half when there is not so much pressure on
stevesyd
Roar Rookie
Of course the roosters will be under pressure in a desperate bid to avoid their 5th choke in a row despite 3 minor premierships and commencing every year as favorites with the best roster money can buy.