I went out to Matraville to check on Souths’ preparation and I was impressed. I saw a lot more enthusiasm, players look fitter and faster. They look organised.
Latrell Mitchell looks fit and strong.
Coach Bennett was sitting up the back, keeping a good eye on the action. Ben Hornby was there, along with Steve Antonelli. John Sutton is development coach this year.
These are good signs for season 2025. Trials take place this month. The Charity Shield game against the Dragons is on February 22 in Mudgee.
Meanwhile, training is in full swing out at Erskineville. SG Ball and Harold Matthews teams are looking strong, too. There’s a lot of young talent coming through.
I watched an SG Ball game between Souths and Manly in late January. Manly didn’t score a point!
My predictions for the NRL finals may surprise some people. The top four will be Penrith, Melbourne, Souths and Newcastle. Wooden Spoon contenders: St George and Parramatta.
