Cameron Murray has been anointed a South Sydney skipper-in-waiting by Greg Inglis as he prepares for what’s expected to be a breakout NRL season for the boom back-rower.
The Rabbitohs local junior will play an important role in their 2019 charge in what will be Wayne Bennett’s first year at the helm of the foundation club.
After NSW back-rower Angus Crichton’s move across Anzac Parade to the Sydney Roosters, the 21-year-old Murray will step up into the starting side as part of a forward pack shuffle.
With Sam Burgess moving to the second row, Murray will pack down at lock.
After 34 first-grade games, he’s been earmarked by Brad Fittler as a future Blues Origin representative and was earlier in the year inducted into the fold during a NSW training camp.
And Souths skipper Inglis, who will hang up his boots in 2020, predicts that Murray will one day lead out the cardinal and myrtle.
“Cam Murray I think he’s a future captain of the club to be quite honest,” Inglis told AAP.
“He’s quite a remarkable young kid and he’s willing to learn and just does what he’s told. He doesn’t whinge, he doesn’t fuss, he gets in and whatever you ask of him, he does.
“I think his next step is to be vocal on the field because he’ll be starting in the middle.”
Despite the loss of Crichton, the Bunnies remain largely unchanged heading into this year.
Bennett’s arrival from Brisbane – after an ugly swap with Anthony Seibold – is the biggest shake-up at Redfern.
When asked what the club’s faithful can expect from their side under Bennett, Inglis flashes a wide grin and said: “I think you’ll see a different brand of Rabbitohs play this year.”
Asked to elaborate he just said: “Nope. You’ll have to come watch us play.”
After finishing fourth last year, and falling one game short a grand final appearance, the Bunnies’ premiership window appears to be open.
They have one of the most dynamic players in the game in Inglis at fullback, a creative and dependable halves pairing in Cody Walker and Adam Reynolds, a forward pack spearheaded by Sam Burgess and the most dynamic hooker in the game in Damien Cook.
And that’s not to mention seven-time premiership winner Bennett – widely regarded as the second-greatest coach behind Jack Gibson – who has a point to prove after being shunted from the Broncos.
It will mark the first time Inglis and Bennett have worked together.
Bennett was sacked as Australian coach in 2003, one year before Inglis made his Test debut.
Bennett also stepped away from the Queensland Origin job in 2003 with Inglis making his first Maroons appearance in 2006.
“That’s one of the things he said – he wanted to come here and coach me,” Inglis said.
“And that’s one of the things I wanted – to be coached by him before my time is up.
“He’s been terrific for me, he’s been terrific for the group and the boys love having him around.
“The first day I had a chat with him, it was quite intimidating.. I didn’t say much which is very unusual for me. The boys were saying for the first two weeks ‘gee you’re quiet’.
“That’s the presence of Wayne.”
RABBITOHS
Finishes over the past three seasons: 2018 – 3rd, 2017 – 12th, 2016 – 12th.
Coach: Wayne Bennett
Captain: Greg Inglis
Key gains: Corey Allan (Broncos), Kurt Dillon (Sharks), Bayley Sironen (Tigers).
Key losses: Angus Crichton (Roosters), Jason Clark (Warrington), Zane Musgrove (Tigers).
Best team: 1. Greg Inglis, 2. Alex Johnston, 3. Braidon Burns, 4. Dane Gagai, 5.Campbell Graham, 6. Cody Walker, 7. Adam Reynolds, 8. Tom Burgess, 9. Damien Cook, 10. George Burgess, 11. John Sutton, 12. Sam Burgess, 13. Cam Murray. Bench: 14. Adam Doueihi, 15. Liam Knight, 16. Tevita Tatola, 17. Mark Nicholls.
Predicted finish: 4th
