South Sydney coach Michael Maguire says five-eighth John Sutton deserves more respect

SOUTH Sydney coach Michael Maguire and star fullback Greg Inglis have called for maligned five-eighth John Sutton to be shown the respect he deserves.

SOUTH Sydney coach Michael Maguire and star fullback Greg Inglis have called for maligned five-eighth John Sutton to be shown the respect he deserves.

Sutton played a starring role in the Rabbitohs' comprehensive 36-14 round 20 victory over St George Illawarra at ANZ Stadium, scoring a try and setting up four, to fire the Rabbitohs into equal second spot on the NRL ladder.

It was the 27-year-old's finest performance of the season and prompted the two senior Rabbitohs figures to demand Sutton be granted more credit for his efforts this year.

"He never does get the accolades that he's supposed to," Inglis said.

"He's been coming along really well. He's pretty much our go-to man in attack.

"The little things he does around the club are quite remarkable and only his fellow peers recognise it. I can't credit him enough for it."

Maguire, who promoted Sutton into a co-captaincy role in the off-season, couldn't hide his pride at the growth the oft-criticised playmaker had made in 2012.

"I actually think Sutto's been doing it week in, week out for us to be honest," Maguire said.

"Sutto probably doesn't get the credit he deserves sometimes.

"He's been putting on those plays every week for us. It was great to see him get across the line.

"He's been great for myself and the team. He's really taken this leadership on and he's really shown himself really well."

Sutton said he was pleased with his effort against the Dragons, where he ran for 117 metres while producing two line-breaks and five tackle-breaks.

"I felt good," Sutton said.

"When the boys go forward for me it really gives me a chance to run the ball, and I felt I was running the ball well."

Sutton's growing combination with rookie of the year certainty Adam Reynolds has been a feature of South Sydney's attack this year, and Inglis said the City representative had played a larger role in the young halfback's development than most recognised.

"Johnny definitely is playing a big part in helping (Reynolds)," he added.

"He's his five-eighth, he's the man outside of him. He's coaching him the right way."

Their current four-game winning streak has surged the Rabbitohs into contention for this year's title, but Sutton is confident they have the ability to shift gears when the intensity of finals football arrives.

"If we just keep playing the way we are and keep improving, who knows what can happen?" he said.