Rabbitohs: Team Preview

The addition of boom England prop Sam Burgess, Broncos man-mountain Dave Taylor and veteran Ben Ross to a side that already boasts Roy Asotasi and Michael Crocker, leaves the Bunnies with arguably the best pack in the comp on paper. Craig Wing, David Fa'alogo and David Kidwell have all departed along with coach Jason Taylor. The appointment of veteran mentor John Lang will provide some much-needed stability but if this roster doesn't at least make the eight, heads will roll.

What has to go right: Five-eighth John Sutton must stay fit and enigmatic No.7 Chris Sandow must find some consistency behind what should be a dominant forward pack. If these two can fire, it will be a wonderful year for Bunnies fans.

What could go wrong: A lot has changed since Lang's last season as a head coach in 2006, so his ability to move with the times will be crucial. Asotasi might struggle to recapture his best form following reconstructive knee surgery, and if Sutton gets injured for any extended period of time the Bunnies could lose their way.

Nightmare headline: Russell Crowe and band to perform at all Souths home games.

Sportal prediction: 7th