2010 NRL Season Preview - South Sydney Rabbitohs

Defence? Great
Hooker? Good
Halves? Better than most
Fullback? Solid

This usually means a recipe for success. But not for Souths.

The Bunnies' 2010 season starts and finishes with the potential of John Sutton. He is 6' 3", weighs 100kg and has all the skills. However, there seems to be something missing. Sutton waits for the football in stead of chasing it.... He only looks interested every once in a while instead of 80 minutes every week.

Souths will make the semi finals if three things happen 1) John Sutton realises his potential 2) they play without the pressure of 100 years of great tradition and 3) they finish 8th or higher.

Tradition = success?

Tradition is probably the hardest thing about playing for Souths. It's certainly also the hardest thing about being friends with a Souths fan. I hear plenty about the most successful and famous club in history and owners of probably the most inspirational resurrection story since the New Testament. Unfortunately this doesn't help your 5th tackle options.

Crawl out from under the boulder of history, release the squirrel grip of tradition, loosen the noose of pressure, and put some cream on the haemorrhoid of expectation. You will see Sutton and other types who have struggled to find form every week, suddenly play with the freedom that can carry Souths to the top 8.

The Rabbitohs faithful might need some cream...

 

and here's my recommendation.

So, moving on from the bunnies rectal issues - the questions still remain:

Will Sam Burgess be able to handle the target painted on his forehead after announcing himself as a star in the Indigenous match? 26 rounds in the NRL will be hard for him.
Will Souths' outside backs see the ball at all this year? Jury is still out
Will there be a fight in next week's Charity Shield? I certainly hope so
Will Chris Sandow and Mick Ennis renew acquaintances in round 4 this year? If I'm lucky, they will. Check out this link to some good fun from last year’s encounter.

Tip - John Lang squeezes them into 7th or 8th.
X Factor – J. Sutton.
Premiership odds - $11.00 - Ridiculous. Someone in the betting agencies around Australia must think Souths are a chance. However, if you’ve ever read previous posts on this blog you'll know I'm not one to argue with bookies.
Breakout season - Malcolm Webster. None were more entertaining in the 2009 NYC. I hope he gets a run.