2015 NRL Preview: South Sydney Rabbitohs
Last season placing: Premiers
After finally fulfilling their destiny of becoming NRL Premiers, South Sydney Rabbitohs will go into the 2015 season looking to do what their rivals Sydney Roosters couldn’t do last year; successfully defend the Provan-Summons Trophy. With the tag of ‘nearly men’ ripped to pieces and replaced with that of champions they will have a lot of confidence that they can achieve that goal. The fairy-tale ending to a long road back to the top saw the Bunnies win a record 21st Premiership although their last before that was way back in 1971. If they are to make that 22 they will have to beat off strong competition as sides throughout the NRL have improved in their own pursuit of the trophy however, it’s not as though they haven’t done that before now is it?
Key Players:
Souths have a plethora of talent in their squad but if they are to win back to back Premierships then they will be looking to a few of those guys to lead from the front. George Burgess will have a big part to play as the big hitting, big metre making and all round big bloke has proven he is one of the best forwards in the game. Another huge unit, Greg Inglis, will be just as crucial as he is a big game player who can change the outcome of a game with one marauding run from fullback.
Drawbacks:
A huge loss to the Rabbitohs, and arguably the sport, is that of Sam Burgess as he has returned to England in a cross-code switch to Rugby Union with Bath. His performance in the Grand Final triumph over the the Bulldogs was one that epitomised his passion to become a champion no matter what it took, which coincidentally was a fractured cheekbone. Add to that the loss of Ben Te’o, also to rugby union, and the Bunnies have lost two outstanding forwards.
Story of 2015:
The year 2015 could again be the year of a Burgess, but this time George. The front rower (did I mention he was big?) will take a step out of older brother Sam’s shadow and into the limelight this season. We have already seen what the Pommie can do and we can expect to see a lot more from him in the not so distant future. Souths have also made some astute signings that will only strengthen their already impressive squad who could help them towards glory again. It is safe to say that South Sydney will be one of the strong favourites to end this season exactly how they did the last.
