Top four finishes two years in a row would appear to be a good result but failing to make the great leap forward to a grand final has overshadowed much of Souths’ advances in recent years.
In particular, Souths’ capitulation to a Manly team, who appeared to all to be hobbling their way through the semis, left many wondering whether Souths really have the killer instinct to make a grand final let alone win one. That loss cut deep for the many Souths fans who shuffled sadly out of the stadium and pubs in Redfern and surrounds. Their reactions were understandable given the hope and hype of the season.
Many of these fans deleted their game tapes straight away and have been unable to say more than one or two words about the loss since. But for coach Michael Maguire a review of the game tape was unavoidable. As successful as his approach has been in terms of wins and losses, his team’s predictability and lack of conviction against the well-coached final four has made him think long and hard in the off-season.
On the recruitment front there has been little to get excited about. The wallet for a gun centre was put away when both potential options, Will Hopoate and the errant Blake Ferguson, became unviable for different reasons. The recruitment of journeyman centre-winger Joel Reddy and an ageing Lote Tuqiri has hardly had pundits jumping up and down with excitement.
Nonetheless, Maguire has bitten the bullet and made some significant changes. The world’s biggest five-eighth John Sutton has finally been relocated to his true home amongst the company of other big men within Souths’ forward pack.
Maguire has hatched a significantly revised plan elevating the smart, talkative and quick Luke Keary to take on the pivot role. Keary’s injury in the Auckland Nines, which will keep him off the field for at least the first half of the season, was no doubt a huge disappointment. Thankfully, Maguire will still be able to keep his transformation plans in place by using the talented Dylan Walker as an option. Although Walker has been impressive at centre in first grade, all his junior football was at five-eighth where he displayed silky passing skills and an ability to set up the plays.
The other notable matter in the off-season focussed on the progression from rumour to reality of Sam Burgess’ exodus to English rugby union in 2015. Disappointing though it will be to lose the talented forward, having this settled before the season starts is a good thing, and fans are hoping Sam now stays out of the media and away from disciplinary hearings and puts in a huge effort in his final year at Souths.
In an impressive display in the Charity Shield, Burgess and indeed the rest of the team looked sharp and polished as they took apart a wilting Dragons team to win 38-20.
So can Souths take a leap forward in 2014? SSH’s response is a resounding “Yes!”
Our brave prediction – two great leaps in 2014. Souths in the grand final … and winning it!
