In NRL seasons past, South Sydney would not have been able to cope with losing three stars to State of Origin, Roy Asotasi admits.
But the former captain says this year’s Bunnies are capable of greater things.
The Rabbitohs will face Newcastle on Saturday night without a trio of Queenslanders – the most dynamic player of 2013, star fullback Greg Inglis, as well as forwards Ben Te’o and Chris McQueen.
Their best forward Sam Burgess will also be missing against the Knights after being handed a one-week suspension for a crusher tackle in Monday night’s surprise loss to Cronulla.
While losing players of that calibre would’ve derailed any Rabbitohs revival in years gone by, Asotasi insists the ladder leaders are better prepared than ever to pass this latest test with flying colours.
“Two, three years ago you’d probably say we would struggle (with players missing),” Asotasi said.
“But probably the last two years, under (coach Michael) Maguire, we’ve developed as a squad and we’ve felt like we’ve got the depth to pretty much cover all positions – regardless of who’s out with injuries or on rep duties.
“…GI’s going to be a big loss and Sam Burgess is definitely going to be a big loss.
“We are losing some players to State of Origin this week, but that’s reward for the good work those boys have done for us.
“It also gives us an opportunity to blood a lot of the young guys that are in our squad and give them that experience.
“Maguire’s got the tough task of naming that 17, but at the same time we’re pretty confident with who we field (against Newcastle).”
The Rabbitohs will line up at ANZ Stadium with in-form John Sutton after he lost out to Canterbury No.6 Josh Reynolds for the final Blues bench spot this week.
That will ease the playmaking burden on young half Adam Reynolds, but both will need to take on greater responsibilities in attack without Inglis.
The NRL’s Dally M leader after 11 rounds, Inglis is the game’s equal-leading tryscorer alongside teammate Nathan Merritt with 11 tries.
“It’s no secret, he’s a big loss to any football team,” veteran Rabbitoh Ben Lowe said of Inglis.
“Especially us, in the sense that … there’s a bit of an aura around GI.
“I know he’s got that factor that everyone sort of stands off him a little bit.”
But Lowe backed the Rabbitohs’ young halfback to flourish with the added responsibility.
“I’m sure there will (more pressure on Adam Reynolds). But he’ll handle it,” Lowe said.
“…He’s come a long way with his maturity in the game I think and his kicking game is second to none.”