Rabbitohs utility, Kirisome Auva’a, says that there is significant belief among the playing group leading into the team’s clash with the Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles at Brookvale Oval on Thursday night.
Auva’a told the Rugby League media this week that morale is high at Redfern this week as his side prepare to venture north for a clash with the Sea Eagles.
“The confidence is still there – there’s still excitement in the group,” said Auva’a.
“We’re just looking forward to training hard and getting ready for them (Manly) on Thursday night.”
After playing a number of different roles for the Rabbitohs in the opening stages of the 2016 season, Auva’a will this week line up on the wing in place of the injured Alex Johnston – a far cry from his recent foray into the back-row, but a position he is far more familiar with having played the majority of his first grade career in the Rabbitohs centres.
Although the Sea Eagles are likely to field a team depleted by injuries, with Daly Cherry-Evans, Jamie Buhrer and Steve Matai all facing stints on the sideline, Auva’a knows that his side can only afford to focus on the elements of the game that they can control.
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“We’ve just got to focus on ourselves and get ready for another big match,” said Auva’a.
“We’re just looking forward to putting up a big performance on Thursday night.”
The Rabbitohs meanwhile received a welcomed boost yesterday, with both Sam and Thomas Burgess being named to return for this week’s clash.
But despite the boost, Auva’a emphasised that each player must play their part this week and every week.
“He’s one piece in the big puzzle,” said Auva’a of Sam Burgess.
“He is a valuable player and we all know what he can bring to the team, but we have full confidence in all 17 players.
“As long as we are doing the job, we’ll get the win.”
Auva’a made 88 metres with ball in hand and 15 tackles in 44 minutes against the Bulldogs in Round 4.
To watch the full interview, please press play on the video player.
