SOUTH SYDNEY RABBITOHS
Season Preview - Forwards

A new coach and the return of key forwards from long-term injuries means the Rabbitohs’ forward pack is set to look vastly different from the one which took to the field late last season. Sam Burgess, Roy Asotasi, Ben Lowe and Scott Geddes all return to the field after injury hampered their 2011 campaigns, but how exactly will coach Michael Maguire utilise his big name inclusions?

How do South Sydney’s forwards stack up entering 2012?

FRONT ROW:
One of the biggest question marks will be around South’s front row. Asotasi should return to the starting side, but it’s still open as to who will join him. Scott Geddes is a strong candidate, as is Luke Burgess, off the back of his first NRL pre-season. Sam Burgess might spend some time in closer during the game, as could South Sydney juniorEddy Pettybourne. The third Burgess brother at the club, George, is likely to spend further time developing in the NSW Cup, along with Neccrom Areaiiti and new signingJosh Starling. There have been plenty of injuries to the Rabbitohs props in previous years, so there’s every chance these players could feature in first grade during the season.
Top Metre Eater: Roy Asotasi averaged 12.1 Runs and 109.9 Metres Gained and averaged 37.63 Dream Team Points Per Game during a season cut short through injury.

HOOKER:
Without question Issac Luke will be the man to start in the no. 9 jersey in 2012. Nathan Peats could spend some time at hooker during matches, but is more likely to feature in the second row. Specialist hooker Brendan McKinnoncould get a chance in the first grade side, but looks set to spend further time with the North Sydney Bears. Ryan Carr is also a potential option, but his value as a halfback may prove more important to the squad.
Tackling Machine: Issac Luke averaged 28.4 Tackles in 2011 and averaged 49.29 Dream Team Points Per Game.

SECOND ROW:
Michael Crocker endeared himself to the Rabbitohs faithful in 2011, with a set of strong performances which almost culminated in a finals appearance. While he and David Taylor are a safe option of being somewhere in the match-day side, the rest of the back row are less predictable. IfBen Lowe is fit, he would enter into calculations. Pettybourne could play here if not at prop, while Jason Clark, Nathan Peats and Dave Tyrrell will all push for selection. Another option is potentially John Sutton, who can play at lock. He has spent the past few seasons at five-eighth, but Maguire might have other plans for the recently appointed co-captain.
Workhorse: David Taylor averaged 25.1 Tackles, 12.2 Runs and 108.4 Metres Gained in 2011 and averaged 42.05 Dream Team Points Per Game.

The Bottom Line:
With plenty of returning stars, there are sure to be headaches surrounding the forwards at the selection table for the Rabbitohs. A lot will depend on the fitness of their players – they can’t afford another year of missing their main big men through injury.