South Sydney Rabbitohs 2015 Preview

Glory, glory to South Sydney. The boys in the green and red defeated the clubs biggest demon when they slayed the Bulldogs to win the 2014 NRL premiership 30-6. The night was full of raw, passionate emotion as the keepers bell tolled before the match, wounds of being kicked out of the competition resurfaced and reflection of the past 43 years swept through every single fans mind. Throughout the season they overcame form slumps, unwanted tags such as chokers but then they found a way to win when it counted most. 2014 was over and swarms of fans did just that, swarmed the streets of Sydney as pain turned to jubilation.

Fast forward to 2015 and this side has another tag, this year they will go by as ‘favourites'. This might turn out to be a curse in disguise because the job isn't over, it never really is. Their first goal has been accomplished but they need to sharpen their focus if they want to go on another glory lap. They are in real danger of being swept up in the emotion of last season and letting this season slip away into mediocrity. Coach Michael Maguire has made Greg Inglis captain for the new era, they have lost huge forwards who been instrumental to their success and they will have to start again with a target on their heads.

WHY THEY'LL WIN IT
Again, their forwards were their biggest allies in 2014 and if they can re-establish that this season, there is no reason why they cannot win. Although they have lost Ben Te'o and Sam Burgess, two of their workhorses, they have signed Glenn Stewart from Manly and Tim Grant from Penrith. These forwards are all class and if they can fire, I am sure another ring is within reach. Their halves, halfback Adam Reynolds and Five Eighth Luke Keary, do some of their greatest work off their big platform. They both bring something that the other lacks. Reynolds has the composure of a champion, a very accurate place kick and an aura on the field that brings his game together. Keary on the other hand, utilises flashy play to get his way through a line and has a solid passing game. In the backs, they are still very strong. They have Greg Inglis at fullback, try scoring whiz Alex Johnston on the wing and underrated centre Dylan Walker. This side is capable of beating anyone still but they just need to adjust to the loss of Sam Burgess and Ben Te'o through the middle.

WHY THEY WON'T
Thinking the job is already done. Again, it has been said over and over. They need to focus on the task at hand, not the task they accomplished. Season 2015 is going to be a heavy mental battle and they will need to face it one on one. Of course, injury has the potential to ravage any side, but, the Rabbitohs forwards stocks are a little weaker this year. Aforementioned losses will always hurt but if a few of the big boppers go down from the current pack, they could be in big trouble. 

PLAYER TO WATCH
Tim Grant
This may seem left field but keep an eye on big Tim Grant. The 26 year old prop is dangerous in his top flight and, although he fell out of favour at Penrith, once he gets going he can run over anybody. He has played 118 first grade games, played 4 City-Country matches for City and represented New South Wales twice. That is no light feat, he is a quality player when he is happy and he will slide into the pack ever so nicely should he find form.

ROOKIE TO WATCH
Aaron Gray
The 20 year old Aaron Gray is an outstanding centre who is a product of the South Sydney Rabbitohs development program. He has been a revelation in the Holden Cup, making 41 appearances and scoring 27 tries for the Rabbitohs. If injuries play a part to the centres of the Rabbitohs, Gray could get a run this year and prove his worth. He has been touted as a future star and is credited with some mean defence on the fringes. And he also kicks goals, what isn't to like about this kid? He is still eligible for Holden Cup this season and is likely to continue playing for the young Bunnies.

PLAYER MOVEMENTS
GAINS - Glenn Stewart (Sea Eagles), Tim Grant (Panthers), Cody Walker (Storm), Angus Crichton (Schoolboy Rugby)
LOSSES - Sam Burgess, Ben Te'o (Rugby Union), Beau Champion (Eels), Apisai Koroisau (Panthers), Luke Burgess (Sea Eagles), Nathan Merritt (retired)

BEST LINE-UP
1. Greg Inglis (C)
2. Alex Johnston 
3. Dylan Walker
4. Krisome Auva'a
5. Joel Reddy
6. Luke Keary
7. Adam Reynolds 
8. George Burgess 
9. Issac Luke 
10. Tim Grant
11. John Sutton
12. Kyle Turner
13. Glenn Stewart
Interchange: 14. Tom Burgess 15. Jason Clark 16. Dave Tyrell 17. Jason Clark