SOUTH SYDNEY RABBITOHS PENPIX FOR 2014 GRAND FINAL AGAINST CANTERBURY BULLDOGS AT ANZ STADIUM ON SUNDAY:
GREG INGLIS – fullback
Age: 27
NRL games: 200
Left Melbourne’s big three to join South Sydney and has only enhanced his reputation as an out and out superstar. Almost impossible to stop and could make history by becoming the first man to win a Clive Churchill Medal for two different clubs.
ALEX JOHNSTON – wing
Age: 19
NRL games: 17
One of the most dazzling rookie seasons by a winger in recent memory. Twenty tries in just 17 games is an incredible strike rate. Starred in a television ad where he portrayed a young Greg Inglis. He’s now poised to lift a premiership trophy alongside his hero.
DYLAN WALKER – centre
Age: 20
NRL games: 39
An injury crisis for Tim Sheens’ Kangaroos has opened the door for Walker to make his international debut during the Four Nations. A State of Origin star of the future, with speed to burn and plenty of niggle. Has been given a licence to roam by coach Michael Maguire.
KIRISOME AUVA’A – centre
Age: 22
NRL games: 20
Has had his off-field problems but Auva’a has blossomed on the field this season, nominated as one of the Dally M rookies of the year. Strong and elusive, Auva’a has formed a damaging combination with youngster Johnston on the left side.
LOTE TUQIRI – wing
Age: 35
NRL games: 166
Old man Lote has wound the clock back five years with his outstanding form over the past couple of months. Is yet to make a decision on his future but at 35, this could well be the career swansong for one of the great dual internationals. Won a premiership with Brisbane in 2000.
LUKE KEARY – five-eighth
Age: 22
NRL games: 21
If you’re looking for a reason why Souths have made this year’s grand final, as opposed to falling at the final hurdle, it’s hard to go past Keary. The young five-eighth has added a new dimension to the Rabbitohs’ attack, with his willingness to try things outside the square.
ADAM REYNOLDS – halfback
Age: 24
NRL games: 78
A first South Sydney premiership in 43 years would be career-defining for Reynolds. Criticised in the past for his performances in big games, the little No.7 has turned a corner in this year’s finals series and State of Origin honours could follow a grand final triumph.
GEORGE BURGESS – prop
Age: 22
NRL games: 49
Many pondered whether G Burgess was too big and slow to make it in the NRL. But South Sydney have seen him emerge into one of the top front rowers in the game – and at just 22 years of age. Power, toughness and skill.
APISAI KOROISAU – hooker
Age: 21
NRL games: 13
Issac Luke’s misfortune is Koroisau’s blessing. The Fijian dummy-half has been plucked from relative obscurity to return to the Rabbitohs side on the biggest day of the year. Luke – suspended for a dangerous throw – leaves a major hole, but Koroisau has shown he’s up to it.
DAVID TYRRELL – prop
Age: 25
NRL games: 110
The most anonymous starting forward in this grand final but there’s a reason why Maguire has continued to show faith in the 25-year-old. Tyrrell is no-nonsense, knows what his job is and sticks to the task.
BEN TE’O – second row
Age: 27
NRL games: 151
Te’o was arguably best on ground last week against the Sydney Roosters – with a barnstorming performance. And that was in his return from a lengthy suspension. Te’o is farewelling the NRL for European rugby after this match and has been elevated to start.
JOHN SUTTON (capt) – second row
Age: 29
NRL games: 230
The heart and soul of this South Sydney team. Sutton was a kid when the Rabbitohs were reinstated to the NRL and spent years battling away in the doldrums. But he’s also been a significant force behind their rejuvenation. Tough to handle close to the line with size and skill.
SAM BURGESS – lock
Age: 25
NRL games: 97
One of the greatest British players to arrive on Australian soil and the NRL can only hope big Sam returns one day after agreeing to join English rugby. Burgess is the man who has taken Souths to another level and his departure shapes as the end of an era.
Interchange:
JASON CLARK – forward
Age: 25
NRL games: 93
Whole-hearted battler who is on the verge of 100 games for South Sydney. Not the biggest, not the strongest, but Clark is the ultimate team man.
KYLE TURNER – second row
Age: 22
NRL games: 23
Exciting young prospect but has been dropped back to the bench after missing a crucial tackle at the start of the preliminary final last week which led to Mitchell Pearce scoring for the Roosters.
CHRIS McQUEEN – second row
Age: 27
NRL games: 92
Started his NRL career as a back-up winger. But McQueen has evolved into a tough and able back rower – who has been a regular for Queensland State of Origin teams over the past two years. Capable of the big plays.
THOMAS BURGESS – prop
Age: 22
NRL games: 25
The twin of George hasn’t come along as quickly as his brother but promises a big future. He’s done well to cement a place on the bench ahead of Ben Lowe and another Burgess brother, Luke.
