There is absolutely no reason why the Rabbitohs can't finish in the Top Four this year.
It is a commonly shared view of most rugby league fans, with some of the myrtle and cardinal faithful even claiming this squad will deliver the club's 21st premiership.
Their optimism is well justified with the Michael Maguire-coached team coming off a 2011 that exceeded all expectations.
In fact, if it wasn't for a hamstring injury to Rookie of the Year Adam Reynoldsin the preliminary final, Souths may have snuck into the grand final. His form will be a major a telling point in terms of their chances for this season. His halves partner John Sutton will be looking for another solid year, while rooke half Luke Keary will add cover - something they didn't have last year.
Souths' engine room is one of the biggest in the competition. Roy Asotasi, Josh Starling and the returning Jeff Lima form a three way front-row combination that will is ably supported - and lead - by the four Burgess brothers, Luke, Sam, George and Thomas. All four of the Burgess boys are front-rowers, with Sam able to slot into the back-row if needed. Their back-row is also crowded, with Ben Te'o joining Michael Crocker, Dave Tyrell, Chris McQueen and Jason Clark in competition for spots in the first grade squad.
The hooking combination of Isaac Luke and Nathan Peats has flourished over the last 12 months, with Peats emerging as a more than capable replacement.
The Rabbitohs' backline could be seen by some as somewhat of a weakness, but they collectively have more attacking try-scoring ability than a lot of the other teams in the competition.
Nathan Merritt and Andrew Everingham will make their homes on the wings (albeit with pressure from Justin Hunt and Bryson Goodwin), with Matt King, Dylan Farrell and the returning Beau Champion to fight over the centre spots. McQueen can also slot anywhere in the back.
The biggest weapon at their disposal is fullback Greg Inglis. One of the best players to have laced his boots, Inglis took his game to a new level last year with his move to the custodian role. Twelve months experience in the role can only mean he has improved his game and could be lethal this year. Merritt and Hunt provide the cover.
With so much competition for first grade jerseys, Souths could become a much more dangerous side this year.
Rabbitohs: 1. Greg Inglis 2. Andrew Everingham 3. Matt King 4. Beau Champion 5. Nathan Merritt 6. John Sutton 7. Adam Reynolds 8. Roy Asotasi 9. Isaac Luke 10. Luke Burgess 11. Sam Burgess 12. Ben Te'o 13. Michael Crocker Interchange 14. Jeff Lima 15. Chris McQueen 16. Dave Tyrell 17. Nathan Peats
On the fringe: Ben Lowe, George Burgess, Thomas Burgess, Dylan Farrell, Bryson Goodwin, Justin Hunt, Jason Clark, Shane Corrigan, Mitchell Buckett, Luke Keary, Josh Starling
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