Former Rabbitohs player and Souths Cares ambassador Beau Champion shared his thoughts on the up and coming young guns and the Club’s aspirations for the 2018 season, as well as giving an update on Greg Inglis as well as his life post football.
Speaking at Gardeners Road Public School after another successful day with Souths Cares and the Kari Program, former Rabbitoh and Souths Cares ambassador Beau Champion gave his insights on the 2018 season.
Having played his junior football for the La Perouse Panthers, while representing the Red and Green on 80 occasions at NRL level, Champion spoke of the anticipation he has around the Club’s aspirations for next season, and while he acknowledged recent results, he said that there are exciting times ahead.
“We’ve had to go through a transitional phase over the last couple of years but with the squad we’ve got there now, especially after blooding some young guys last year there are some exciting times for the club,” he said.
“Of course superstar Greg Inglis is back next year, and if a couple players can continue their development and step up their game from last year so I think the boys are in for a good season.”
Champion shares family ties with Rabbitohs captain Greg Inglis, with the two having grown up in Northern New South Wales, and ‘Champs’ reaffirmed that his cousin is looking to rip in after a long stint on the sidelines.
“I’ve had quite a bit of a talk with him and I’ve been really close with Greg, especially over the last 12 months. He’s excited to get back out there and do his best for the club, obviously we know how important he is and not having there last year was a major setback but he’s focused and ready to go,” he said.
“He’s having a full preseason for the first time in a while, he’s a superstar and a freak and I’m looking forward to seeing him again, much like I am looking forward to see the rest of the boys.”
With a plethora of young guns hitting the ground running over the past twelve months, Champion highlighted the importance of having a good mix of youth and experience in the first grade squad, which he believes will lead to some positive results in the next few seasons.
“They’ve all done really well, we all know how hard it is to make it the NRL, guys like Angus (Crichton), Braidon (Burns) and Tyrell (Fuimaono) all had great seasons and they are only going to grow from there, and Cam Murray also had a great debut season as well,” he said.
“I think we can look towards those guys and with the senior boys leading the way again, we’ve got good mix of youth and experience in the team so I think we can be optimistic about season 2018.”
Since retiring in 2015, Champion has kept himself busy and involved with the Club, particularly with Souths Cares and Kari, and after some work in the health and exercise industry, he has found his calling in a new expertise.
“I’ve been pretty busy, I’ve owned a few gyms recently and I have been involved with Souths Cares and the Kari Wellbeing program, but now I’m a fulltime real-estate agent so if anyone out there is looking to sell or needs a bit of advice with that, feel free to give me a call or email me, and I’ll be happy to take care of you, especially if you’re a Souths supporter.
Champion had one final message for all the Members and fans out there regarding next season.
“It’s a matter that everyone sticks together and supports the Club no matter what happens. I’m confident we are going to do well, we’ve went through some really good times and it’s all part of the ride. Now we’re going through a transition but if we stick together I have no doubt we will get back to where we belong.”
