As things turned out, there was a bit more to the replacement of John Sutton as captain than coach Maguire’s early exhortations. Sutton and Luke Burgess’ alcohol-fuelled transit from an Arizona bar to a police cell didn’t help. But putting that aside, the ascension of Souths and possibly the world’s best player Greg Inglis to captain, makes sense. Although a loyal servant and astute footballer, Sutton always appeared awkward and reluctant both with the media and in approaching referees. Although Inglis can himself be somewhat reserved, he commands enormous respect from referees and his presence in those vital captain’s right “discussions” will only benefit Souths.
The departure of CEO Shane Richardson is a lot less colourful and controversial. His 11-year quest to deliver a premiership now over, the ambitious Richardson has moved to a role at the NRL. His replacement John Lee, with solid experience in senior management roles in the public and non-profit sectors, has big shoes to fill, and oddly hinted at getting support from the heavens in his inaugural press meeting. “Jesus is really a coach, his apostles are the players and I will almost be working as the Holy Spirit with them behind the scenes.”
If the early signs are any indication, Lee and Souths may not need divine intervention in defending their title in 2015.
Guided by Adam Reynolds’ astute kicking, Souths took a serious and methodical approach to the Auckland Nines, and despite getting a late shock from Cronulla, added another trophy. A relatively understrength Isaac Luke-led team rallied to draw level and retain the Charity Shield. To cap things off, Souths voyaged to a cold and wet northern England and quickly and efficiently routed St Helens 39-0 to win the World Cup Challenge.
Trophies aside, the real test will begin this month. Much will be written about how it is hard to win back-to-back NRL premierships. Much will be written about whether a Souths without Sam Burgess (or Ben T’eo for that matter) can reach the same heights as 2014. There’s only one Sammy Burgess, and the replacements, the canny yet injury-prone Glen Stewart and out of favour Penrith prop Tim Grant, will have big shoes to fill. And Souths will have a target on its forehead. Everyone loves to beat the premiers.
But there is something in the way coach Maguire has prepared the team for 2015 that says that it is not infeasible that we will see Greg Inglis lifting the trophy in October. There is something about Adam Reynolds’ authoritative approach and Luke Keary’s cheeky plays that says Souths might well possess the best halves combination in the competition. There is something in Dylan Walker’s swagger and Alex Johnston’s shimmies that says they will continue to take on and beat defences with speed and guile. And while Souths may be a couple of Burgesses shorter, the twin boppers George and Tom will no doubt continue to disturb teams all year with their earth-shaking runs and defence.
So how will Souths fair in 2015? Without Sammy, T’eo and Richo? Without divine intervention? South Sydney Herald’s bold prediction: 1st … South Sydney marches on!
