How it all went wrong for the Rabbitohs in season 2017
SEASON REVIEW: Souths struggled with big injuries to their biggest players, most notably skipper Greg Inglis, and always seemed to be behind the Eight ball.
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THERE was no Glory, Glory to South Sydney for a second straight season.
Souths struggled with big injuries to their biggest players, most notably skipper Greg Inglis in the opening round, and always seemed to be behind the Eight ball.
At least they had the chance to blood some young talent, which will benefit Anthony Seibold, who takes over from coach Michael Maguire in 2018.
WHERE THEY FINISHED?
12th
WHAT WENT WRONG?
The sight of Greg Inglis breaking down with an ACL injury in the opening round, then Sam Burgess and Angus Crichton suffering from a virus in the final round summed up their luck.
Alex Johnston did not settle straight into the No. 1 jersey, which then forced Cody Walker to the back and denied him the chance to build on his halves combination with Adam Reynolds.
Reynolds also battled niggling injuries.
The Burgess twins, Tom and George, took more than half the season to hit their straps _ they were the standouts the final six weeks _ while hooker Robbie Farah struggled to have the impact he would have wanted after arriving from the Wests Tigers.
WHAT WENT RIGHT?
Four words — Angus Crichton. Cameron Murray.
These two blokes were a breath of fresh air for the Bunnies and often outshone their higher-profile teammates.
Crichton is an Origin player in the making and a smart dude the club can build their brand around.
Local junior Murray will also push for higher honours in the coming years.
The chance to blood the likes of Braidon Burns and Campbell Graham will add competition to the outside backs, while Tyrell Fuimaono will push for a backrow berth.
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IT’S A SHAMBLES!
The Rabbits will need to improve right across the board, which they can do if they avoid another horror injury toll, and the youngsters improve again with their experience.
It might sound repetitive, but a bulging casualty ward never helped any team.
The halves will also need to improve. The first job for Seibold’s replacement will be to work out what to do with who partners Adam Reynolds.
HIGHLIGHT OF THE SEASON?
The 42-14 carve-up of Penrith was an afternoon when Souths threw the ball around and everything came off. That same game in round 17 also featured Alex Johnston scoring an amazing five tries, and was unlucky not to have six.
LOWLIGHT OF THE SEASON?
The 64-6 hammering against Melbourne, which first triggered talk of Michael Maguire’s future.
The Storm were red hot, but it was also a concern Souths had no answers.
The sight of GI trying to play on with a serious knee injury was also horrible.
The sudden axing of Michael Maguire, without any consultation with the players, was also sad.
BIG-NAME RECRUITS
Dane Gagai (Newcastle)
BIG-NAME LOSSES
Bryson Goodwin, Dave Tyrell.
WHAT WILL HAPPEN NEXT YEAR?
Best-case scenario — The new coach, Anthony Seibold, will get the best out of South Sydney and return them to be a competition force.
Should their stars remain fit, including Greg Inglis, Dane Gagai, Sam Burgess, Adam Reynolds and Angus Crichton, there will be a real buzz in the air at Redfern.
Not only do they have the big names to return to the finals, but go all the way.
John Sutton passes 300 games.
And Inglis revels playing in the centres or five-eighth.
Worst-case scenario — Injuries again cruel Souths, and Inglis fails to rediscover his best form.
The new coach will also be keen to make an immediate impression with one of the hottest rosters in the NRL.
John Sutton breaks down and doesn’t reach 300 games for the club.
COACH SAFETY RATING
New coach Anthony Seibold, has signed on for two years and is as safe as he can possibly be, for now anyway.
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