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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