Yesterday’s horrendous performance against the Raiders further confirmed what we all already knew, that something is very wrong with the South Sydney Rabbitohs.
A 50-point loss to the travelling Canberra side saw Souths slump to their eighth straight loss, although it was the manner of the defeat that has fans searching for answers.
Although Souths officials were quick to shoot down suggestions, plenty took to social media to accuse Souths players of giving up.
There were tries scored yesterday that should never be seen in first grade football, and ‘efforts’ made in defence that would embarrass weekend footballing coaches.
To think that this side were premiers and world champions under two years ago is beyond belief. Although the likes of Inglis, Burgess and Reynolds remain, this side looks a world apart from the all-conquering Bunnies of 2014.
For months there have been rumours of unrest within the ranks at Redfern, with premiership winning five-eighth Luke Keary set to leave the club at the end of the season following a well publicized falling out with club owner Russell Crowe.
Glenn Stewart, Dylan Walker and Chris McQueen were shown the door to accommodate the return to the club of Sam Burgess, while Issac Luke was allowed to return to New Zealand to play for the Warriors.
Plenty of questions were asked about the huge number of players being released to bring Burgess back, although given the performance of Burgess in 2014, there were few who disagreed he was worth the risk.
Unfortunately we have all been proven wrong, as although Burgess has been amongst the Bunnies best, he has failed to reproduce the form that saw him dominate the 2014 season.
Meanwhile Chris McQueen has enjoyed a career resurgence on the Gold Coast, while the Bunnies have struggled out wide after hand delivering Dylan Walker to the Sea Eagles.
Reports have emerged that there is a degree of discontent between the players and coaching staff, and although I have no idea of the validity of such claims, you’d have to think that if McGuire didn’t deliver a drought-breaking title win just two years ago, that his job would be under serious threat.
Souths fans could have been forgiven for expecting their side show more in the second half after being beaten from pillar to post across the first 40 minutes, however they simply failed to deliver.
Even Newcastle, who are at ridiculously short odds to ‘win’ this year’s wooden spoon, showed far more in their second half efforts yesterday.
Both teams trailed by 26 to nil yesterday, but whereas the Knights came out and won the second half 16-10, the Rabbits, at times, looked as though they didn’t want to be there.
They looked a beaten team even before running onto the field yesterday, instead of a team hell bent on turning their season around in front of their own fans.
Although the Raiders were at times irresistible, surely even fans of the Green Machine couldn’t believe their luck at some of the errors and missed tackles.
Looking at the Souths roster, there is no quick fix available here, unless they are to ship Greg Inglis to Brisbane and throw the house at Jarryd Hayne, although I can’t see Hayne going back on his word to rejoin the Eels to become a Rabbitoh in the current environment.
So far they have failed to make any significant signings, while they’ve said goodbye to a premiership winning half, and reliable forward in Chris Grevsmuhl. They were also forced to terminate the contracts of Kirisome Auva'a and Paul Carter due to disciplinary reasons.
The decisions to cut both talented outside backs is a step in the right direction for a club that has some tough decisions ahead.
Greg Inglis is commanding a massive salary yet seems to play less and less each season. Souths may need to insist that Inglis sits out Origin going forward, or look to lessen his work load. Even Inglis looked out of sorts earlier in the season, and was even forced out of his favoured fullback role.
With plenty of talent still on the open market, Souths look as though they’re going to need to tap a high profile player on the shoulder, or take a big punt elsewhere.
Like most other clubs, the Bunnies have had a tough run with injuries, although their squad looks considerably thinner now than it did a few seasons ago, and they have struggled as a result.
If there are genuine concerns with team morale, perhaps McGuire, despite recent success, is best to move on. For that to even be suggested following his 2014 heroics shows just where this club is right now.
I certainly don’t know what the answer is. For the fans of Souths sake, I really hope those cashing those red and green funded cheques come up with a plan, and soon, before the rut really sinks in.
Being that they’re staring down the barrel of an away trip to face the Storm next week, it’s highly unlikely they’ll be singing Glory Glory anytime soon.
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