South Sydney Rabbitohs season 2009 preview
February 9th 2009 02:02
The lowdown
After a fairytale return to finals football in 2007, the South Sydney Rabbitohs finally had the necessary success to perhaps see the club make a regular return to the top half of the NRL ladder.
Although they lost several experienced players headed by David Peachey, Paul Mellor and Peter Cusack, the acquisition of former Roosters hooker Craig Wing had the Rabbitohs feeling optimistic of a top eight birth in 2008.
But if the start of 2007 was a dream, South Sydney’s beginning to 2008 was a pure nightmare with Wing succumbing to injury in the opening round of the NRL season against the Roosters.
That injury clearly took the wind out of the sails for the Rabbitohs, who then lost their next seven games to effectively signal a premature end to their 2008 finals campaign.
2009 Prospects
Despite finishing third last on the NRL ladder last season, the Rabbitohs did find form late on to revive hopes of a possible finals birth.
Thanks largely to the emergence of rookie Chris Sandow, the Rabbitohs found the flair and belief to go on a five match winning streak which started with three massive come from behind victories against the Warriors, Cowboys and Bulldogs.
Although they left their run too late, South Sydney re-emerged with the spirit of its champion predecessors to perhaps give hope for a solid showing in season 2009.
For that to occur however, the Rabbitohs must fix their attack which was the second worst in the NRL last season with only 80 tries scored all year.
In the absence of Wing and Sandow, the Rabbitohs were at times bereft of attacking spark which cost them dearly against the top sides.
But with new recruits Rhys Wesser and Colin Best now at Redfern, South Sydney now possess a backline that has the potential to breath points.
The inclusion of Best in particular is a big one for Souths. If the former Raiders centre can replicate last season’s form, it will go a long way to fixing up the Rabbitohs poor offensive showing last year.
As is the case with most teams finishing near the root of the ladder, the Rabbitohs defence last season was awful, conceding an average of 27 points a game in 2008.
Considering they were one of the best sides in defence in 2007, South Sydney took a massive leap backwards in that regard, mainly due to their poor attitude after Wing’s injury.
One feels that if the Rabbitohs can start 2009 well, the side will have enough belief to perhaps replicate their 2007 defensive performance, which led them to their first finals appearance since being re-accepted to the NRL.
Prediction
The Rabbitohs experienced a learning curve in season 2008 with injuries and off field dramas plaguing their campaign. After starting the year badly, South Sydney eventually learnt to cope with their misfortunes, and finally started to focus on their football.
Indeed the Rabbitohs finished 2008 on a somewhat upward spiral, and no doubt will be looking to build on the momentum gained late last year.
With a fit Craig Wing, Chris Sandow and Issac Luke, the Rabbitohs have enough in their line-up to perhaps give the top eight a shake.
Finish - 10th
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