South Sydney Rabbitohs Half Yearly Report

The long term plans of new high profile owners are starting to take effect within the club and see the South Sydney Rabbitohs sitting in 10th position within reach of the top 8 and a hop away from the bottom of the table in a very tight 2007 NRL season.

The start of the season saw the Souths fans in full voice with 3 wins on the trot and past seasons all but forgotten. Then the competition tightened up and with back to back losses followed by a win in Townsville seen the Rabbitohs hold on to a spot in the top 8.

Strong defensive efforts in rounds 7-12 were not enough to secure a win, with Souths suffering heartbreaking losses and slipping out of the top 8. Another great effort in defence helped the Rabbitohs register a 14-4 win over Penrith in round 13 on a very wet and windy night at Telstra stadium.

Coach Jason Taylor has the team working well defensively and if the Rabbitohs can get the attack in order they will provide the fans with some entertaining match winning football for the second half of the season.

Standout player - Roy Asotasi. With stinging defence and making plenty of metres up the middle he is showing why he is rated one of the best in the business.

Most disappointing player - Joe Williams. Good start to the year but form dropped dramatically and is now in premier league.

Best signing - Roy Asotasi. He is earning every cent leading a dominant Souths forward pack.

Most improved player - Luke Stuart. He has been tenacious in a beaten pack over the past few years and is now shining through in a strong Rabbitohs forward pack.

Best Rookie - Fetuli Talanoa. A big, strong and quick centre - he has worked his way into the first grade side and has the potential to make the centre position his own for years to come.

Best win - Round 3 vs. The Sharks at a packed Toyota park. A great team effort in an entertaining game where Souths 26 defeated the Sharks 16.

Most disappointing loss - Round 7 vs. The Warriors at Telstra stadium. A strong effort and looked to have sealed the game with an 8 point lead with 9 minutes to go but poor execution let the Warriors steal the game in the final minute. Warriors 18 defeated Souths 16.

Coach to see out season? Yes Jason Taylor will see out the season and looks to have put a stop to the coaching merry-go round that has been going on at the Rabbitohs since re-instatement.

Final position prediction - 9th-12th. The Rabbitohs will find some form and chalk up a few more wins this season but the narrow losses in the earlier rounds may come back to haunt them in the scramble for finals contention.

The loyal Souths fans have been waiting since 1989 to see the cardinal red and myrtle green play finals football again. In an unpredictable season there is always a chance this year for the Souths faithful.