The Stats
all stats prior to round 14
Ladder Position: 5th
Played: 13
Wins: 8
Losses: 5
Points Scored: 268
Ranking: 4th
Points Conceded: 220
Ranking: equal 6th (with Penrith)
State of Play
Injuries
Kyle Turner (neck, indefinite), Glenn Stewart (thumb, round 17-19), Isaac Luke (medial ligament, round 16)
Suspensions
nil
Season to Date
South Sydney appeared to be set to defend their premiership title, a feat that hasn’t been achieved since the Brisbane Broncos went back to back in 1992 and 1993. Winning the NRL Nines, trouncing Super League champions St Helens and then a huge win against Brisbane on the opening night of the season, the Rabbitohs looked unstoppable.
As the season has progressed the Rabbitohs look less likely to defend their crown. Things started to slide when Adam Reynolds was unavailable through injury and week to week Greg Inglis has struggled with fitness as he plays through the pain barrier. They moved into fifth spot with three consecutive wins against Parramatta, Gold Coast and their most impressive win since round 1 in Perth last weekend against New Zealand Warriors.
Maybe South Sydney has underestimated the loss of Sam Burgess and what impact it would have on their team.
Finals Bound?
South Sydney still have two bye rounds up their sleeve and this should kick-start their charge to the finals. The next four or five matches are vital as they have no easy games in the final six rounds as they face Penrith (H), Eagles (A), Cowboys (A), Bulldogs (H), Broncos (H) and Roosters (A). The fitness of Reynolds and Inglis may determine the Rabbitohs fate.
