Tigers have given me hope

[yobbo84]

Firstly, congratulations to the Wests Tigers for being the 2005 Champions. I must say that the first thought that popped into my head at the ground as I watched the supporters around me celebrate was "god I'm jealous". But you Tigers have given me, a long suffering Souths supporter, hope.

The Tigers and Rabbitohs have some similarities. Both with long histories, having to start from scratch thanks to Rupert Murdoch and his "vision". The Tigers and Magpies took the easy option and merged (sorry that's my one and only pot-shot), and Souths stood alone and got kicked out. The Tigers had to start from scratch in 2000, and Souths had to start from scratch in 2002.

Both wasted their first few years of the new era, with the common theme of Paul Langmack and inept management. The Tigers however noticed the errors in their ways much earlier than Souths did and you could see their improvement last year.

Come the end of Round 26 every year I think "will I ever get to see a succesful Souths side?". Each year I think not. But this year is different.. Tim Sheens has shown what a smart coaching staff can do with a bunch of talented, enthusiastic kids. 24 months ago no-one but diehard supporters knew who Bryce Gibbs, Chris Heighington, Robbie Farah or Anthony Laffranchi were. Now they are champions.

I hope that Souths use the Tigers for motivation and that kids like John Sutton, Beau Champion, Buddy Gordon and Manase Manukafoa can see that anything is possible if you believe in yourself.

Once again congratulations, and I look (optimistically) forward to future Tigers vs Rabbitohs grand finals!!

 

[Once Dead]

Mate, great post!

I never envisioned my team ever playing in a grand final, let alone winning it...trust me mate, hang in there and believe in your team, because the impossible isn't what it seems.

Hope the Bunnies have a good '06

 

[Darth Bobo]

Cheers for the wraps on the Tigers mate.

Also got say well done to the Cowboys organisation for turning themselves from a team entrenched at the bottom of the ladder to consecutive finals appearences with some smart buying and investment in local juniors. Even 2 years ago the thought the Tigers beating the Cowboys in the Grand Final this year was ridiculous. Start putting $100 on your boys from next year on, even if it takes 10 years you should be able to get a decent price and be in the black by the time a premieship comes around, I'm kicking myself that I didn't show the faith.

I reckon your onto a winner with a couple of those kids, from what I have seen of Sutton he has got that pure footballer's aura about him.

Got no problems with beating Souths in the finals coming from the Balmain side of the merger, I love the rivalry. And enjoy Elford next year, it was good to see him get some wraps in the finals as he has given us some great service during his stay, a premiership winning centre joining us was a success with Fats.

 

[Slappy]

Sutton is a star in the making!

I reckon it wont be long at all before Souths are a force to be reckoned with.
They had a good run at the end of this season, hopefully next year Souths can pick up where they left off.

Good luck!

 

[yobbo84]

Cheers guys.

An interesting point is that Souths only lost twice in the last 9 weeks of the competition - to the Tigers and Cowboys!

Guys from the Wests 2002 SG Ball winning side, and from Souths guys like Champion, Gordon, etc come from winning junior sides - they have the 'winning mentality'. The Souths kids actually have only lost one or two matches of first grade.. how many Souths players can say that?

Another interesting point is that during Sheens reign at the Raiders, who was his assistant and trainer? Shaun McRae!

Here's to future success and some AUS 6 Sutton v NZL 6 Marshall future contests

 

[Tigerpete]

Yeah Souths can defenetly take a lot of hope outta the Tigers win. Like us, Souths have some young juniors slowly emerging. They've gotta back those guys, find a mix of youth and experience in the team.

 

[Nightstalker]

I think Souths will push for a top 8 berth next season. Despite losing some experience 1st graders... they have recruited pretty well and I think they may be stronger next year.

My question is... is Shaun McRae the coach to lead them to the finals? I honestly dont know, not saying he is not a good enough coach I am just interested in other peoples thoughts on this?

 

[innsaneink]

.

My question is... is Shaun McRae the coach to lead them to the finals? I honestly dont know, not saying he is not a good enough coach I am just interested in other peoples thoughts on this?

I dont see why not.

I dunno a lot about him, but hes learnt under one of the best, hes taken the Rabbitohs in the right direction in his first year, almost improved them by 100%, hes begun, albeit on a small scale, instilling a winning culture, their last 2 months were quite good.....give him time, and be patient...something Souths havent done previously.
Instant success is impossible.