GI fit, firing, ready to lead Rabbitohs

After being plagued by a knee injury for years, Greg Inglis is feeling unshackled and holds the key to South Sydney’s NRL revival.

After a meek 2016 showing, the Rabbitohs are eyeing a return to the top eight.

But after finishing 12th, missing the finals for the first time under Michael Maguire, hope springs anew.

George Burgess, who was one of the game’s best props during their 2014 premiership season, has been cleared of hip and groin problems.

NSW Origin hooker Robbie Farah feels revitalised by his off-season switch after being forced out of the Wests Tigers.

However most important to the side’s fate is skipper Inglis.

Shuffled around the backline last season, playing 14 games at fullback, four at five-eighth and two at centre, did little to aid him.

Maguire eyed a less-demanding role than fullback for Inglis, hoping that it would extend his career.

At 30, there were fears his knee issues would accelerate his decline.

After a restorative off-season, he is eyeing playing exclusively with the No.1 on his back.

The sight of Inglis training without knee strapping and looking sharp during the NRL All Stars match gives reason to believe he’s ready to play unhindered for the first time in a long time.

“I feel great. I punched out 73 minutes in the All-Stars. It’s just a really good hit out for the first game of the year,” Inglis said.

“The thing is it’s now 26 rounds. It’s about keeping it upbeat and feeling good throughout the season. That’s the key to any team’s success.”

Besides the addition of Farah, the biggest change to their 2017 roster comes with the departure of Luke Keary to neighbours the Sydney Roosters.

Cody Walker will partner Adam Reynolds in the halves while Damien Cook will likely slot into the utility role.

Nathan Brown’s loss to Parramatta is a blow for their engine room however they have picked up the highly respected Robbie Rochow from Newcastle.

The Rabbitohs hit a low ebb last season in their 54-4 flogging by Canberra before restoring some pride with wins over the Warriors, Cronulla, Newcastle and Canterbury in a 4-1 run in final five weeks.

“Some things just happen, it turns around,” Inglis said.

“For us last year it just happened too late.

“We’re just coming in looking at this year. Last year is last year. We want to continue that form and better ourselves as a squad.”

That final flourish provided Maguire’s men with the self belief they badly needed after a forgettable year.

Whether they can bottle that and find consistency remains to be seen.

RABBITOHS

Premierships: 21 (1908, 1909, 1914, 1918, 1925, 1926, 1927, 1928, 1929, 1931, 1932, 1950, 1951, 1953, 1954, 1955, 1967, 1968, 1970, 1971, 2014)

Finishes over the past three seasons: 2016 – 12th, 2015 – 7th, 2014 – 3rd

Coach: Michael Maguire

Captain: Greg Inglis

Gains: Braidon Burns (Penrith), Anthony Cherrington (Redcliffe), Robbie Farah (Wests Tigers), Tyrell Fuimaono (Parramatta), Robert Jennings (Penrith), Luke Kelly (Parramatta), Robbie Rochow (Newcastle)

Losses: Kirisome Auva’a (Parramatta), Nathan Brown (Parramatta), Joe Burgess (Wigan), Paul Carter (Sydney Roosters), Luke Keary (Sydney Roosters), Cameron McInnes (St George Illawarra)

Strengths: Robbie Farah’s exit from Wests Tigers was a messy affair but he shapes as one of the buys of the year. Too often the Rabbitohs found themselves on the back foot last year and he can get their big men moving over the advantage line again.

Weaknesses: While Sam Burgess and his fit-again brother George will provide great go-forward, they lack the quality of other packs.

Best team: 1. Greg Inglis, 2. Alex Johnston, 3. Hymel Hunt, 4. Aaron Gray, 5. Bryson Goodwin, 6. Cody Walker, 7. Adam Reynolds, 8. George Burgess, 9. Robbie Farah, 10. Dave Tyrrell, 11. John Sutton, 12. Kyle Turner, 13. Sam Burgess. Interchange: 14. Damien Cook, 15. Jason Clark, 16. Thomas Burgess, 17. Robbie Rochow.

Predicted finish: 12th

Betting: $15

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