A smile comes across Ben Matulino’s face when he contemplates the job that lies ahead for the Warriors’ forwards in Sunday’s NRL clash with South Sydney.
It’s not a sign of contentment, but an ironic reaction to the prospect of tangling with a pack the Kiwi prop rates as among the top three in the league, along with Canterbury and Melbourne.
“I’m actually quite nervous,” Matulino said.
“They’re a massive pack. I think they’re the biggest pack in the comp and their game plan suits them.
“Their forwards just drive up the middle and they have the flashy backs finish it off, so we have a massive task to slow them down.”
The Rabbitohs’ starting forwards include former New Zealand captain Roy Asotasi and Auckland-born Queensland State of Origin rep Ben Te’o.
There is further big-time experience on the bench in the likes of Michael Crocker and Jeff Lima.
But it’s Englishman Sam Burgess, named in the back-row, that Matulino has most respect for.
Burgess has again been in excellent touch this season and is backing up from a game-high 185 metres gained in the 17-12 win over the Bulldogs.
“I think over the past two years, he’s been the best forward going around,” Matulino said.
“He can play 80 minutes, he can hit hard, run hard, off-load, ball-play. He’s pretty much a half in a prop’s body.”
The Rabbitohs head to Mt Smart Stadium with a 100 per cent record after four rounds.
The Warriors will go in with a weight lifted off their shoulders after finally ending a lengthy drought.
Last Sunday’s 20-18 win over North Queensland was their first since last July and snapped a club-record run of 11 losses.
“It’s good to get the monkey off our back,” Matulino said.
“I think there was a sigh of relief we finally got a win, but that’s done now.
“It’s not going to help us win every other game. We have to show up every week with that same attitude.”
However, the Warriors remain burdened by a significant injury list.
One result is that the propping rotation of Matulino, fellow Kiwis Sam Rapira and Russell Packer, and Queensland rep Jacob Lillyman has remained on hold.
Rapira has spent time on the sidelines during the past month, Packer has yet to appear in the NRL this year because of a bicep problem, while an ankle issue has Lillyman in doubt to face the Rabbitohs.
