Harrington Grove residents helps South Sydney Rabbitohs to top defence

SOUTH Sydney Rabbitohs boast the third-best defence in the NRL, thanks to Harrington Grove resident Wayne Collins

Souths forward Chris McQueen stops the Warriors' Konrad Hurrell in his tracks. Photo by Michael Dodge/Getty Images.

SOUTH Sydney Rabbitohs boast the third-best defence in the NRL, thanks to Harrington Grove resident Wayne Collins.

The Rabbitohs have protected their 430 points - the most in the competition - with only 230 points scored against, under the defensive guidance of assistant coach Collins.

Only the Sydney Roosters (197) and Manly Sea Eagles (220) conceded less before round 19.

Collins attributed the team's success to an enormous work ethic.

"The players work so incredibly hard on their game, I've never met a more dedicated bunch of guys," he said.

"From training sessions and technique to their diets, they tick every box and results have come off the back of that."

Collins said the Rabbitohs' tackling philosophy focused on support.

"When a player goes in for a tackle he's always got a couple of the guys to wrap the ball-and-all and slow the attack down."

A forward pack consisting of Sam and George Burgess, Chris McQueen and Ben Teo doesn't hurt, either.

"The Burgess boys are talented and hardworking and thoroughly deserve to represent England in the World Cup this year," Collins said.

"The same goes for Chris and Ben with the Queensland side."

Collins played hooker for the Canberra Raiders before signing with St George Dragons, where he played in both the 1992 and 1993 grand finals.

"I grew up on the south coast of NSW as a St George fan so it was a childhood dream to play for them," he said.

The dummy-half then played for the South Queensland Crushers before finishing his career with the Leeds Rhinos in 1997.

Collins said he took valuable playing lessons into his coaching career.

"Every player is different. There's no rule of thumb, and to get their best footy out of them you have to treat them as individuals," he said.

He said he enjoyed the peace and quiet of the Macarthur region.

"Redfern is a fantastic place to work but my family enjoys living out here."