2017 Preview | South Sydney Rabbitohs

Having suffered the lows that follow the highs of premiership success, the Rabbitohs will be looking to ride the momentum wave again after a disappointing season.

Missing the finals for the first time during Michael Maguire's tenure, an injection of new faces should reinvigorate a South Sydney outfit that had become over-reliant on forward driven power game. Pulling off the biggest signing coup of the off-season in Robbie Farah, look for a new attacking direction from the Red and Green to remind supporters of the not-to-distant past.

After starting 2016 with consecutive emphatic victories, a run of inconsistent showings leading into the representative period saw the Rabbitohs sit on the edge of the top eight. While the return of fan favourite Sam Burgess was expected to recommence 2014 service, the following three months brought back traumatic memories reminiscent of the Souths' sides following their readmission in the early 2000s. A run of nine consecutive losses including a humiliating 50-point disaster against the Raiders saw the pre-season contenders sit behind only cellar dwellars Sydney and Newcastle with a month remaining, however a change in attitude brought with it on-field success. Rounding out the year with a series of impressive performances saw the side recover some dignity, but with the damage done the Rabbitohs were forced to watch eight other sides do battle throughout September.

Receiving a fairly favourable draw with a glut of free-to-air coverage once again, the Rabbitohs face a seemingly soft opening month against some fellow 2016 also-rans, while trips to Perth and Cairns should ensure the side racks up plenty of frequent flyer points. Drawn to play without their Origin representatives on all three travel occasions, coach Michael Maguire will be looking to blood a number of prominent junior recruits, including highly-rated Penrith duo Braidon Burns and Robert Jennings. Playing all but one of their final seven matches in Sydney, a final round showdown against Parramatta at ANZ Stadium may prove decisive in securing a finals berth.

Why They'll Win It

Having promised the world early on, the Rabbitohs 2016 campaign was ultimately a disappointing one. Suffering a horror nine game losing run mid-year, the team that only two years earlier hoisted the premiership trophy on grand final night appeared to be a distant memory. However with a strong finish to the season culminating in a month of strong performances, South Sydney supporters should have plenty of optimism for the upcoming season. Unearthing a new playmaker in Cody Walker capable of providing spark from within and behind the line, along with completing the transition of turning the Burgess twins into regular starters, the short-term pain of last year will instill plenty of confidence in coach Michael Maguire's hopes of returning the Bunnies to finals football.

Why They Won't

Finally resolving a bitter civil war with Jason Taylor at the Tigers, new signing Robbie Farah looms as a key figure in the Rabbitohs title aspirations. Among the most experienced players in the league, the 33-year-old hooker faces another positional battle with Damien Cook also vying for the #9 jersey. With Souths producing their best form of 2016 with Cook directing play from dummy half, the internal battle to secure a starting position could prove to be another eventful saga for Farah. Having been denied a release late last year to link with premiers Cronulla, Cook has shown himself to be all class, but with the former Tigers skipper arriving it's hard to imagine either player being satisfied playing off the bench.

Key Players

Having bounced around in the lower grades for a number of years, Cody Walker proved that even as a mature-aged rookie he was capable of making an impact. Turning 27 back in January, Walker faces a make-or-break year in 2017 as he looks to overcome the dreaded second year syndrome and propel the Rabbitohs back into finals contention. While he may not boast the same credentials as some of his teammates, the dynamic playmaker has shown that whether it be in the halves or at fullback he can change a game. Penciled in to partner Adam Reynolds in the halves, Walker will be out to make the pivot position his own after securing his future with an upgraded deal at the Rabbitohs until the end of 2019.

Rookies To Watch

Rated among the best players yet to break into the top grade, off-season recruit Tyrell Fuimaono will be eager to make an impact after starring in the lower grades at Parramatta. An Australian and New South Wales junior representative, the 20-year-old possesses the size to match it with the forwards as well as the speed and skill to cause havoc in the backline. With positions in the backline up for grabs, look for Fuimaono to be a dark horse for a first grade debut in the opening weeks of 2017.

Player Movements

Gains | Braidon Burns, Robert Jennings (Panthers), Anthony Cherington (Redcliffe), Robbie Farah (Wests Tigers), Tyrell Fuimaono, Luke Kelly (Eels), Robbie Rochow (Knights).

Losses | Nathan Brown (Eels), Joe Burgess (Wigan), Luke Keary (Roosters), Cameron McInnes (Dragons), Michael Oldfield (Panthers).

Best 17

1. Greg Inglis (C)
2. Alex Johnston
3. Hymel Hunt
4. Aaron Gray
5. Robert Jennings
6. Cody Walker
7. Adam Reynolds
8. George Burgess
9. Robbie Farah
10. Tom Burgess
11. Robbie Rochow
12. John Sutton
13. Sam Burgess

14. Damien Cook
15. Jason Clark
16. Kyle Turner
17. Zane Musgrove

2017 Draw

Click below for a full size downloadable version of the Rabbitohs' 2017 schedule for your desktop.