It's not yet a case of Chris Who but South Sydney co-captain Michael Crocker is starting to believe rookie half-back Adam Reynolds is up to the job of steering the Rabbitohs' 2012 fortunes.

Reynolds will get first crack at filling the vacancy left by Chris Sandow's defection to Parramatta after impressing during the pre-season.

While Souths have an abundance of talent in the forwards and class out wide, it's Reynolds in the all-important role of the No.7 who will ultimate decide the side's fate this year.

"I really like his attitude. He is a proper angry little halfback," Crocker said.

"He's a good talker and the more he plays, the more he's going to build up his combination with Sutts (five-eighth John Sutton) and that will be better for us."

"He was excellent at the weekend against the Dragons."

"His defence is really good, his kicking game's excellent and he's a really good organiser."

"Half-back is the key for any side. It's a very important position and as long as he's directing us around the park and getting us into the field positions we need then that's all we can ask for."

Crocker is also buoyed by the successful return of England international Sam Burgess.

The wide-running forward missed the majority of last season through injury but was in devastating form in the Bunnies' narrow Charity Shield loss to St George Illawarra, scoring two tries and proving a handful with every touch.

"This has been the first ever full pre-season he's done," Crocker said of Burgess.

"His body has matured now. He's very strong and he's very excited to be back."

"He knows he's done the hard work and now just wants to stay out on the park."

Crocker has played with some of the best forwards of the past decade and believes Burgess can be the equal of the likes of Sam Thaiday and Petero Civoniceva.

"I think Sam can be good as any of them," Crocker said.

"He needs to be smart and keep learning his game and playing patient football but the more he's out there the more he is going to do that."

Souths meet neighbours the Roosters in the opening round of the premiership on Friday week.