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Souths - Smells Like 1971

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2010 NRL Club Breakdown

February 21st 2010 01:03

2010 NRL Club Breakdown

Brisbane Broncos

On paper, Brisbane potentially has their weakest roster in history for 2010. The club struggled mid-season in 2009 when most of their big names went missing through Origin or injury. It surprisingly exposed a soft underbelly which has rarely existed at the Queensland powerhouse club.

This season Brisbane still have a team laced with superstars, but still have been heavily weakened with the loss of Dave Taylor and Karmichael Hunt. Their captain, Darren Lockyer, notwithstanding the champion player that he is, has lost a lot of what he once was; further reducing the Broncos attacking flare. Not to mention that he is now injury prone. Meanwhile, Ivan Henjak, only in his second year as coach, will have to rely on a lot of new blood to feel the void left by a number of retiring veterans.

The club only seems weakened when compared to previous Broncos line-ups however and still boast the likes of Thiaday, Faloau, Wallace and Hodges. Their hottest prospect this season is young winger Jharal YowYeh, who played in the AllStar game with great passion and intriguingly a maniacal edge.

Canterbury Bankstown Bulldogs

Not much is being made of the Bulldogs as the 2010 season draws near. The scary thing is though; it can be assured that the Bulldogs will be a much better team when compared to last year.

On the back of a calculated recruitment drive, the Bulldogs of 2009 were still only finding their feet as a cohesive unit, albeit it was not obvious. This year however, the Bulldogs will only be stronger and are likely to be a real Premiership threat.

The only weakness is the loss of Hasim El-masri and his magic goal-kicking. In stock though is Michael Ennis, a noted goal-kicker himself, who will be taking up the reigns.

Canberra Raiders

As always the Raiders are likely to fly under the radar this season as they still have a very young side. Their only notable signing this year is Danny Galea from the Wests Tigers.

Not likely to be a Premiership threat, the Raiders are still very dangerous and have the ability to topple any side, particularly at Canberra Stadium. Also, the club itself rarely misses the finals.

Cronulla Sutherland Sharks

Of all the sides in 2009, the Sharks had the most horrid of seasons, mostly due to off field incidents, but their form on field was woeful as well.

Towards the end of last season, the Sharks certainly tried hard, despite usually coming up with the short end of the stick. That effort might be rewarded this season however, coupled with a spike in memberships that the club has experienced, signalling brighter days ahead for the Cronulla Shire.

Gold Coast Titans

In many people’s minds, the Titans played well throughout 2009, but despite finishing third, they were never a real Premiership threat. This train of thought was proven correct when the Titans crashed out of their first finals series without winning a game.

It is because of this that the Titans would not be attracting too much attention as a Premiership hopeful this season. They are a young club, with plenty of great attacking players, but when the pressure is placed upon them, they do not have the grit or the size in the forwards to dig in and man up.

With this being said, the Titans are likely to be the dark horse of 2010. The signing of Greg Bird also puts a new spin on how the Titans will play this season. Taking the pressure off half-back Scott Prince, Bird will provide yet another option in attack, making the Titans a very formidable opponent indeed and a much better side than last year indeed.

Their win/loss record at Skilled Park last season is a main reason for the club achieving the successes that they did. No doubt this will add an extra advantage to the Titans when they play at home.

Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles

The Sea Eagles were up and down in 2009 after winning the Premiership in ’08. I do not particularly see them doing much in 2010, but as with any team in the NRL they will not be easy beats.

Expect the Sea Eagles to finish somewhere in the Top 8 as they stock a horde of talent in their ranks. Their forward pack in particular will certainly cause some damage with the hard running Anthony Watmough leading the way.

Melbourne Storm

The Melbourne Storm are all class, which is likely the reason for their success throughout the last decade. Put bluntly, the Storm will be hard to beat in 2010 as they search for back to back Premierships.

With Cameron Smith, Billy Slater, Greg Inglis, Cooper Cronk and others, the Storm with undoubtedly finish in the Top 4. With the added addition of a new multi-million dollar stadium, the Storm may even go undefeated at home this season.

New Zealand Warriors

In 2009 the New Zealand Warriors languished at the bottom of the table and ultimately finished third last. Not much can be said for the side this season either as the potential for a Top 8 finish seems dim.

As always though, the Warriors can never be underestimated, especially when teams have to make the trip to Mt. Smart Stadium to play them. They have also picked up Brett Seymour from the Sharks.

Newcastle Knights

The fortunes of Newcastle this season will be interesting. After generating so much hope amongst the Knights faithful last season, the team lost their way when coach Brian Smith left towards the end of the season.

The Knights have a solid team structure; a lineage of Smith’s coaching and will certainly be hard to beat at their home ground of Energy Australia Stadium.
However, do not be too surprised if they miss the Top 8 this season.

North Queensland Cowboys

If the Cowboys forward pack was not big enough, the addition of Willie Mason will further add size to their side. It will be interesting how the NRL outcast will perform in Townsville this season after having contracts rejected by the majority of NRL clubs.

The Cowboys will certainly be dangerous. Their forward pack is massive. They have Australian half-back Johnathan Thurston leading the way. And their win/loss record at Dairy Farmers Stadium is quite formidable.

The extent of their success will depend on their ability to win away from home.

Parramatta Eels

If the Eels manage to regain their red hot form from last season they will certainly be a Premiership threat in 2010. With the likes of Hayne, Mortimer, MoiMoi, Mateo and others, the Eels will be further bolstered by the return Timana Tahu.

Despite the hype of another red hot season for the Eels, the club needs to avoid slipping back to their underachieving ways of early 2009 and the two seasons prior. The Eels would be much better served by starting 2010 with much more grit and determination instead of instantly looking to re-capture their attacking flare of ’09.

Penrith Panthers

The Panthers have a young side guided by the formidable leadership of Petero Civoniceva.
A promising signing is that of Daine Laurie from the Wests Tigers. Picked for the Indigenous AllStars, but forced out due to injury, Laurie gained a cult-like status at the Tigers, but was never able to assert his full potential. Hopefully under the guidance of Civoniceva, Frank Pritchard and co. Daine Laurie will emerge as a valuable asset to the Panthers in the years to come.

A virtue of having a young side is the abundance of potential that the side possesses. In particular Michael Jennings, Luke Lewis and Wade Graham could have a big season.

South Sydney Rabbitohs

As the days count down to the start of the 2010 season, the buzz and hype surrounding the Rabbitohs gathers more and more pace. This is unmistakably due to the signing of hot prospect forwards, Dave Taylor and Sam Burgess.

At no stage in the past 20 years have the Rabbitohs Premiership hopes been so strong. On paper, their forward pack is certainly impressive and is an exciting mix of both size and mobility.

With captain Roy Asotasi leading the way, the Souths forward pack boasts Taylor, Burgess, Ben Ross, Eddie Pettybourne and of course workhorse Michael Crocker. All of whom will be leading the way for their young and unpredictable back-line.

If Souths do not finish in the Top 4 by the end of the season it would certainly be a disappointment for the proud club.

I have stated in a previous blog that the Rabbitohs will most likely not win the Premiership this season. However, after watching the explosive impact of Sam Burgess in the AllStars game, I have been unable to resist getting caught up in the hope and excitement. I now believe that Souths can in fact claim their first Premiership since 1971 this season. When thinking logically with emotion removed though, a Rabbitohs Premiership may be a few seasons away as this side may take time to establish some unity.

St. George Illawarra Dragons

Last years’ Minor Premiers will certainly be looking to make amends for their woeful 2009 finals campaign. It seems that nothing short of a Premiership this season will satisfy the Dragons players and their fans. However, in my opinion the side will not be as dominant this season as they were last.

With Wayne Bennett behind the helm though, the Dragons will forever be dangerous. Also expect more from five-eighth Jamie Soward who made a great impact for the Indigenous AllStars and who will be pushing for a NSW Blues jersey in this years Origin.

Sydney Roosters

The Roosters are in a rebuilding stage after a horrid 2009 season and they certainly have the best man for the job in coach Brian Smith.

The Roosters have plenty of talent in their side with Braith Anasta, Anthony Minichiello and Mitchell Pearce, but to climb back into the Top 8 after failing so miserably last season will be a tall task for the Tricolours.

As always though, you can never underestimate a team with such a successful history as the Roosters.

Wests Tigers

Like the Rabbitohs, the Wests Tigers have recruited well for 2010, something that many fans have been calling for since they won the Premiership in 2005.

In 2009 the Tigers narrowly missed the finals by one win, with many of their losses coming by two points or less.

With 2010 being the Chinese year of the Tiger however, the boys from Balmain and Campbelltown are getting set for a big year and a strong surge into the top 8.

Forever known as being the most dangerous attacking side in the NRL, the main focus of the Tigers recruitment this season has been strengthening their forward pack. They now boast the likes of Jason Cayless, Gareth Ellis and Keith Galloway among others. Hopefully with the extra go forward in their pack, Wests will be able to assert themselves more in big games.
The most high profile signing of course was that of Lote Tuqiri, who will likely join the side at fullback.

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Club Focus: the Valleys Diehards

January 23rd 2010 04:51

Club Focus

The Fortitude Valley Diehards

Before the national expansion of the NSWRL in 1988, when the Brisbane Broncos became the dominant Rugby League team in Brisbane, the Rugby League landscape was divided into a number of small districts and competitions. The two major competitions of course included the NSWRL Premiership, representing the Sydney district, and the Brisbane Rugby League which was the Brisbane equivalent.

With its inaugural season beginning in 1909, the BRL fostered some of the most illustrious teams in Australian Rugby League history, including the Norths Devils, Wynnum-Manly Seagulls and the Easts Tigers. The most dominant of all these sides though, was of course the Fortitude Valley Diehards.

Known simply as Valleys, the Diehards are by far the most successful and dominant team to play in the Brisbane Premiership. In their 86 seasons from 1909 to 1995, the Diehards won 24 Premierships and were Runners-Up on 10 occasions. They also boasted a number of talented players throughout the years that included Vic Armbruster, Chris Close, Duncan Hall and Wally Lewis.

Playing out of Neumann Oval in Albion, now known as Allan Border Field, Valleys typified the traditional Queensland spirit of never giving up and coming back from the death. This led to them being nicknamed the Diehards due to the ‘diehard spirit’ in tight games.

Their spirit and grit complimented their no frills attitude as well. Visually the Diehards were very basic and had the most simplistic playing strip of any club. Their colours were royal blue with a white collar and a white butcher strip vertically on each side of their shorts. On their jerseys a simple VFC monogram was displayed in white, which became a famous symbol of Valleys.

It was through this VFC monogram, that Valleys identified themselves, and it was not until the late 1980’s when the Queensland Rugby League’s re-branding process forced the club into adopting a logo surrounded by the QRL ‘Q’. The monogram did continue to appear however and was displayed on the shield of the newly adopted Gladiator moniker.

It was this simplistic nature of the club that finally led to its downfall though. Much like Sydney clubs such as Balmain, Wests and South Sydney, the Diehards were never able to adapt to the new era of professionalism. It is not as though they did not try however. In 1988 Valleys formed a joint venture with the Tweed Heads Seagulls and became known as the Seagulls-Diehards. Although despite winning that year’s premiership, the joint-venture broke up at the end of the season and Valleys reverted to their original name.

Financial difficulties continued to plague the club all throughout their existence in the 1990s which led to another merger, this time with the Caboolture Snakes in 1995. Now known as Caboolture Valleys, the merger was not successful and the team finished the season with the wooden spoon. This failure forced the proud club to fold and Valleys were prevented from playing in the inaugural Queensland Cup competition in 1996.

A resurrection of sorts occurred in 2002 when the ruminants of Valleys entered into a partnership with another former BRL team, Brothers. Known as the Brothers-Valleys Two-Blues, the side was accepted into the Queensland Cup season of 2004, but their only premiership points came from a first round draw. Subsequently, the club did not gain acceptance into the 2005 season based on poor finance.

It is a sad reality that Valleys do not compete in today’s Queensland Cup as they really are Brisbane’s equivalent to South Sydney. However, the impact and the legacy that they had in Brisbane will never be forgotten. They truly were one of Australia’s great Rugby League Clubs.

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Souths - Smells Like 1971

January 12th 2010 09:36

South Sydney 2010

Smells Like 1971

September 18, 1971. The South Sydney Rabbitohs march victoriously around the Sydney Cricket Ground after defeating arch rivals, the St. George Dragons, 16-10 to claim that year’s premiership. It was another moment of glory for the team dubbed as ‘the Pride of the League’, but one that would signal the end of the club’s third golden era.

Led by inspirational captain John Sattler and coached by the ‘Little Master’ Clive Churchill, the mighty Rabbitohs were a band of superstars. Their innovative and talented line up included the likes of Eric Simms, George Piggins, Bob McCarthy, Ron Coote and John O’Neill, with the latter three having the prestige of being named in the Top 100 Players of the Century.

Despite coming out of a 4 Premiership winning golden era, South Sydney faced financial difficulties at the end of 1971. It was these same difficulties that would go on to demonstrate the fortunes that lay ahead for the club in the decades to come. Their team of greats were separated as cashed-up clubs, in particularly Manly-Warringah, pouched their talent from them. It saw the beginning of an era in which the once mighty Rabbitohs found it hard to compete in the modern era of Rugby League.

With the exception of 1989, where the Rabbits finished the season as minor premiers, Souths often languished at the bottom of the table. It was clear that the club were unable to find any way of asserting themselves against the likes of new corporate clubs like Brisbane.

Fast forward to 2007. Russell Crowe and Peter Holmes a Court take ownership of the club and attempt to restore the once proud name of the Rabbitohs. Season ’07 did provide a glimmer of hope as the newly signed squad reached the final series for the first time in decades. In the past two seasons that have followed however, Souths have fallen away slightly, but it now seems that Russell Crowe has his finger pressed firmly on the trigger more than ever.

For the first time in a long time, the squad that the Rabbitohs have assembled for season 2010 can seriously be considered as a real premiership threat. Without even thoroughly assessing the number of talented players now on their roster, the most prevalent point that will rule Souths’ season is simple: If the Rabbitohs do not finish in the top 4 then it will be a huge disappointment for the club.

The most exciting aspect about this years’ squad is their forward pack. In many ways the Rabbitohs pack of 2010 is an uncanny replication of sorts when compared to the golden era pack of 1971.

The addition of Dave Taylor into any squad would be a massive boost, but to have him packing the same scrum as English recruit Sam Burgess is the core factor to Souths’ aspirations of success this season. The uncanny aspect of their combination is that their styles of play can be related to the dynamic duo of McCarthy and Coote. It is clear that Russell Crowe has certainly got a firm fix on his Rabbitohs history.

Much like the revolutionary strategy of McCarthy, Dave Taylor found a multitude of success in his debut season by targeting the flanks. It was this style, which was first criticised by many, that shot McCarthy to fame and bought him much of his success. It is without doubt that if Taylor continues to play in this style, he will be an explosive force. Especially when playing outside five-eighth John Sutton, who has the natural knack of putting players through holes.

Sam Burgess & Dave Taylor

In the case of Burgess, he is a potential Ron Coote in the making. He is a classy forward with an evasive step, sound ball skills and solid defence. It is not surprising that Russell Crowe has gone far and beyond to make his new English recruit as happy as he can be.

It is without question that a majority of Souths hopes this season will be resting on the young shoulders of Taylor and Burgess. But waiting in the shadows is a player who will be the true backbone of their pack and the team in general. Michael Crocker.

If this year’s pack can be compared to ‘71’s, then Crocker is John O’Neill. He is rugged, tough and uncompromising and will undoubtedly balance Taylor and Burgess’ youth and flare with malice and determination.

If that is not enough, up front Souths will also have Captain Roy Asotasi and former Queensland prop Ben Ross leading the way. Throw in New Zealand international Issac Luke at hooker and the Rabbitohs have the best forward pack in the NRL.

If the strength of their forwards is not imposing enough though, their backline also boasts a number of talented players.

For many seasons now, Nathan Merritt has been a perpetual try-scorer for Souths and has arguably been their most consistent player. At half-back, Chris Sandow provided plenty of spark in his debut season of 2008 and certainly has an abundance of potential despite a lean 2009. At five-eighth, John Sutton is the Rabbit’s go-to man when it comes to creating something out of nothing in attack. With the forward pack providing a strong foundation by gaining plenty of metres, then the talents of Merritt, Sandow and Sutton will naturally come to the forefront.

Undoubtedly though, a vast majority of Souths success this season rests upon the coaching of John Lang. Taking over the reigns this season after Jason Taylor was sacked over an off-field incident at an end-of-year function, Lang certainly has the experience to guide Souths to a premiership. Unequivocally, his primary focus will solely be to mesh the many individual talents of his side into a formidable and cohesive unit. To win, Souths will have to play as a team.

Whether Souths can make it all the way in 2010 is in all fairness a remote possibility. But in saying that, they certainly should make the top 4 and be a serious contender in the finals. How ever which way their season pans out though, one thing is clear; the expectations upon the Rabbitohs have never been so high since the glory days of 1971.

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