Souths supporters are now experiencing what it feels like when your team is winning and respected, when your team performs consistently well. Supporters are now picking Souths to win each week in the tipping competitions not because they hope Souths will win but because they know they will. And for Souths supporters it’s a feeling that is so new and so mysterious, they are still pinching themselves to see if they are awake – not that any of the rain-drenched Souths spectators attending games in recent weeks are complaining.
Watching Souths’ clinical brick-by-brick demolition of the Raiders on a very wet Friday night, supporters had the rare luxury of being able to relax early, safe in the knowledge that their well-coached team had the game under control. It was a balanced performance in a constant downpour, underscored by John Sutton’s judicious wet-weather kicking game and a willing defence.
Against the Eels the previous week Souths quickly stifled a mild comeback in a game that highlighted the reserve depth of the squad with strong performances from willing and talented fringe players like Justin Hunt, Josh Starling and, of course, the fourth member of the powerful Burgess clan, Thomas.
The week before that was more of a contest, with Souths holding off a rally from the very enthusiastic Titans. This see-sawing game saw Sam Burgess drop the ball twice in attempting to score, perhaps trying a little too hard to ensure he beats baby brother George’s try-scoring tally.
The game against the Knights with Souths depleted of their State of Origin players saw a determined Souths recover after being 12-0 down in the first half, then prevail in an arm wrestle on the back of the untiring John Sutton and a barnstorming try from George Burgess.
With 10 rounds left to play, Souths are poised at the top of the league ladder and are premiership favourites. In July and August, led by the voices of the Burrow Supporters Group and their rousing adaptation of the John Denver classic, “Take Me Home, Botany Road”, Souths supporters will no doubt enjoy the continued discovery of all that goes with supporting a “good team”.
