That Winning Mentality – Rabbitohs v Sharks NRL Round 1
2022 Finals Demolition
The Rabbitohs destroyed the Sharks the last time they met, eliminating them for the 2022 NRL final series. I was at Allianz Stadium that night and it was a real demolition job. The Sharks were never in the contest and limped into their mad Monday.
That finals win was highlighted by a team full of excellent performances none better than Cam Murray. It was a scintillating 10 out of 10 try scoring performance from our superstar number 13. Cam carried that form into his World Cup campaign, terrorising every nation that got in his way in the UK.
Seeing Cam carve up the Dragons in last weeks Charity Shield would have surprised no one and you can bet that he will feature heavily on the Sharks coach Craig Fitzgibbons tip sheet for our round 1 clash.
Souths v Sharks Season Opener
There’s high expectations for the Bunnies this year, a real air of anticipated success and for good reason.
At the Rabbitohs season launch on Friday night I had a chat to coach Jason Demetriou and we discussed the form of Cam Murray. JD reminded me that Cam has had a few injuries leading into previous seasons. This year no such problem exists, Murray is as fit as he’s ever been and his coach reckons big things lay ahead in 2023 for the captain.
Sam Is The Man
At Tuesdays media day we heard some encouraging feedback on assistant coach Sam Burgess.
Keaon Koloamatangi told us on camera that Sam has been trying to elicit more aggression in his game. Keaon admitted that this was somewhat different to his usual style. Personally I think that a forceful change of mindset could elevate Keaons game to another level. Imagine the big fella charging into opponents (think Sam v Sony Bill Williams) and putting heavy shots on just like Sam did. Dominate the man in front of you, I like it.
When asked about the Sam Burgess influence, Hame Sele said he “just brings that winning mentalty to the team”. It’s clear that the Englishman club legend commands the utmost respect from the squad and he means business.
Trell Mit
A fit and healthy 2023 Rabbitohs squad will be extremely hard to beat. A winning start against the Sharks will put us on the front foot from the outset.
US guru Bill Knowles influence on Latrell Mitchell continues to this day. ‘Trell Mit’ looks trim, taut and terrific. If he can stay on the field all year plenty of tries, assists, goals etc will follow. Trells form in the World Cup was impressive to watch. I expect to see a big game from our fullback on Saturday.
Players To Watch
Another key factor at Shark Park will be the form of Damien Cook. Cookie turned back the clock in the Charity Shield with his damaging darts from dummy half. Yes the Dragons were awful but I do love seeing our beach sprinting hooker run and run.
Cody Walker and Lachlan Ilias hold the keys to success on Saturday and for the season. Cody has looked great in the pre-season so another try assist frenzied season from him is entirely possible.
Lachy told us on Tuesday that his confidence continues to grow. We can look forward to seeing his increased influence and leadership on the field.
Big winger Isaac Thompson aka ITOM knows his way to the tryline, he scored a heap of tries in the NSW Cup before making a try scoring debut for Souths last year. It was exciting to see him give the team a big mobile body on the right side outside star centre Campbell ‘Stretch’ Graham.
Injury doused ITOMs 2022 flames but 2023 could be his time too shine. He left the field in the Charity Shield around half time but was out there running with the team on Tuesday. Stay fit please ITOM and the meat pies will follow.
Bench Candidates
The departure of Mark Nicholls and the injury to Liva Havili opens up bench spots that a number of candidates have put their hand up for.
The try Davvy Moale scored from a nice set play against the Dragons reminded me of a move that we used to run with Les Davidson. Turning a flying big man on the inside, close to the line catching slow to react markers can work wonders. Davvy has the frame and ability to trouble middle defences so he has to be high on JDs radar for more game time this year.
The Shaquai Mitchell story is one of a bloke who has turned his life around. Big Shaq has to be commended for seizing control of his mental health. Losing 50kg shows that he’s taken control of his waistline too. Shaq has tonnes of untapped ability that just might find its way onto the field in the top grade this year. He might not be there in round 1 but don’t be surprised if he becomes a mainstay of our 17 this year.
Shark Watch
The Sharks under Craig Fitzgibbon were one of the better and most consistent teams in the competition last year. The fact that we hammered them when it mattered most will no doubt be a motivating factor when they take the field at PointsBet Stadium on Saturday night.
I predict a tough battle but our big guns hold too much firepower and will blow the Sharks out of the water.
Souths by 8
That Winning Mentality from A View From The Stands.
By Steve Mavin for The Warren and Bunnies TV.
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