Best 17s of the NRL era: South Sydney Rabbitohs

Here is the best 17 of Rabbitohs from the NRL era!

1. Greg Inglis 2011-19, 146 games, 71 tries

In 2010 Greg Inglis was 23,  scarily not at the peak of his powers yet, and he joined Souths in 2011 who were on the rise and in need of a big game to take them that extra yard. Inglis was an unbelievable servant for Souths for 9 years before his early retirement this year, being a heavy influence on the side as captain in his latter seasons, and leaving his mark with his famous goanna celebration which got its best use at the conclusion of the 2014 Grand Final victory with his try.

2. Nathan Merritt 2002-03, 2006-14, 218 games, 146 tries

The speedy winger was electrifying on the flank for Souths for a decade, breaking the record for most tries for the club, while possessing an incredible strike rate of 0.67 in over 200 games. Merritt also ranks 9^th in all-time try-scorers in the NRL.  Merritt managed to reach double digits in nine of his eleven seasons with the club; the only seasons he didn’t were his first and last.

3. Dylan Walker 2013-15, 62 games, 33 tries

18 year-old Dylan Walker came into the Souths team out of nowhere in 2013, scoring six tries in his first eight games on the way to the Rabbitohs making the prelims. While unsuccessful in ’13, Walker was in the centres again in 2014 and integral, scoring 12 tries in 24 games as Souths broke their 43-year wait for a premiership. Test duties beckoned for the youngster after his excellent season.

4. Bryson Goodwin 2013-17, 99 games, 37 tries

Goodwin spent five years with Souths and like most of his career, flew under the radar despite consistently performing. Goodwin could always do a job for his team in the centres or on the wing, with excellent try-scoring ability and also solid defence. Returning for a second shot at the club in 2020, following a stint in England, with his first game next season set to be his 100^th for Souths.

5. Alex Johnston 2014-current, 122 games, 83 tries

The heir to Nathan Merritt, Johnston arrived on the scene in 2014, 21 tries in 18 games including the first of the 2014 Grand Final win. Johnston notched up another 50 four-pointers across his next three seasons. The tries have somewhat dried up since his move to fullback and injury troubles in 2019, but back to full fitness and almost 25, Alex Johnston hasn’t even hit his prime yet.

6. Cody Walker 2016-current, 96 games, 42 tries

Cody Walker finally got his first grade call-up in 2016 at the age of 26, alternating between five-eighth and fullback before becoming the permanent replacement for Luke Keary. Flashy when he needs to be with lethal footwork at the line, Walker is also a very classy half who’s dynamic running game has allowed Adam Reynolds to focus more on his kicking.

7. Adam Reynolds 2012-current, 183 games, 27 tries

Reynolds was initially behind Chris Sandow in the pecking order before his move to Parramatta which opened a door for Reynolds. In his first season, the little halfback guided the Rabbitohs to their first prelim final since 1989 and won the rookie of the year, and two years later; helped them to their first GF victory since 1971. He’s maintained the reputation of being one of the premier halves of the comp for almost a decade.

8. Roy Asotasi 2007-13, 133 games, 12 tries

After a number of trying years after being reinstated into the competition, Souths needed leadership, quality, aggression and ambition. Bulldogs prop Roy Asotasi ticked all boxes and was named co-captain from the get-go. Asotasi led Souths into finals for the first time in almost 20 years in 2007 and was still influential as the Rabbitohs became a genuine force in the comp in 2012.

9. Issac Luke 2007-15, 188 games, 36 tries

The crafty Kiwi rake is the greatest hooker the Rabbitohs have seen in the NRL era, with his skilfulness and awareness always spotting weaknesses in the defensive line. Luke was a brilliant no. 9 and didn’t waste much time on the bench before earning a permanent starting role. He was one of the most deserving of a premiership for his service to the club however he missed the GF in 2014 through suspension.

10. George Burgess 2012-19, 149 games, 13 tries

The third Burgess to make his bow for Souths, George Burgess has just concluded eight seasons with the Rabbitohs, returning to the UK next season, however he leaves behind a great legacy at the club. Burgess’ rampaging, hit-ups fuelled by a strong leg drive were hard to stop on his day, and he showed it best with his individual effort which spun momentum the way of Souths in the 2014 Final.

11. Michael Crocker 2009-13, 68 games, 5 tries

With South Sydney aspiring for success, Michael Crocker was the ideal signing in 2009 having been an important part in the Roosters and Storm’s dynasties in the 2000s, featuring in five grand finals himself. Crocker brought strong leadership and hunger to the Rabbitohs and helped shift their fortunes at the turn of the decade, turning them into genuine contenders.

12. John Sutton 2004-19, 336 games, 61 tries

Sutton has just ended a highly successful 16 year career with the Rabbitohs, entering retirement, aged 34 and the inspirational back rower has endured it all at the club. Sutton began by playing centre and five-eighth before making the switch into the forwards permanently in 2014 and staying there for their premiership triumph. He sits with the record for Souths appearances comfortably now with 336.

13. Sam Burgess 2010-14, 2016-current, 182 games, 44 tries

One of the key men for turning South Sydney into a juggernaut of the competition and back to the dizzying heights they were used to is Sam Burgess. Lured to the club by Russell Crowe, Burgess has been the most influential player in the Rabbitohs pack for the last decade with his ability to make a mark on a match. His 2014 season remains his best however, winning Dally M Lock of the year and Clive Churchill Medal after soldiering on with a fractured cheekbone for 80 minutes.

14. Damien Cook 2016-current, 91 games, 9 tries

Given the unenviable task of replacing Issac Luke as Rabbitohs no.9 was something Damien Cook had to fend off Cameron McInnes and Robbie Farah for – no slouches whatsoever. Cook had only played 9 NRL games before joining Souths, but with a genuine chance to play week in, week out, Cook showcased his flair and frightening pace around the ruck, turning him into one of the most devastating hookers in the game and making him the NSW and Australia number 9.

15. Jason Clark 2009-18, 169 games, 9 tries

If anyone embodied the heart and soul of the South Sydney Rabbitohs in the past 20 years, it’s Jason Clark. Clark was always a Rabbitoh at heart, and relished the chance to play for his boyhood club. Of his 169 appearances for the club, only 15 of them were in the starting side with Clark always playing a valuable role off the bench.

16. Cameron Murray 2017-current, 60 games, 15 tries

Just 60 games in his short career and Cam Murray has already made a big enough impact to crack this side. He didn’t bide his time on the bench for too long, with his impact proving too crucial to keep out of the starting 17. Strong and damaging ball-runner and quick with the play-the-ball to get the set rolling, Murray already made his Origin debut this season and is touted as a future Test captain by Andrew Johns.

17. Chris McQueen 2009-15, 116 games, 24 tries

Starting out as a winger or centre, McQueen became a bigger body and moved into the forwards for Souths, slotting into the back row seamlessly. McQueen had the ability to run a good line off his playmakers. He became an integral part of the premiership-winning Rabbitohs squad, making hard-working contributions to the side from the bench, earning him a Queensland call-up.