Rabbitohs assistant coach Dave Furner believes the Rabbitohs will bounce back after their Round nine loss to the Manly Warringah Sea Eagles, saying the team need to buy in to Souths’ ‘never-say-die’ culture.
Speaking in Perth prior to our Round 11 clash with the Melbourne Storm at nib Stadium, Furner is confident there isn't too much separating the Rabbitohs from a climb up the NRL ladder.
“There’s not much in this competition. If you look at the points, if you can string two-three games together you can get yourself back into the top eight,” said Furner.
“We probably didn’t expect it to affect the players that much, those two losses (Round 7 Bulldogs and Round 8 Broncos) – in particular the Brisbane one was hard to swallow.
“What we have seen is what Souths have built their reputation on and that’s about bouncing back. We need to do that and we need to do that as soon as possible.”
Furner has praise for the Rabbitohs forward back, excusing the Manly result as their first real slip, and says Souths in 2017 have been very competitive in the middle of the field.
“To be honest, our forwards have been terrific – the Manly game was the first time I, as a coach’s point of view, thought we got beaten,” said Furner.
“Our next assignment will be in two weeks’ time against the Tigers. We need to focus on that and I have no doubt the players will be up for that.