From tha tele today
http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sport/nrl/its-monsters-inc-at-redfern/story-e6frexnr-1225794797993
THEY were one of toughest and most intimidating packs of the modern era.
The fearsome 1989 Souths pack - under coach George Piggins - contained some of rugby league's hardest men, such as Les Davidson, Mario Fenech, Ian Roberts, Michael Andrews, David Boyle and Tony Rampling.
But when it comes to size and muscle, that pack has nothing on the one the Rabbitohs will trot out in 2010 led by new buys David Taylor and Englishman Sam Burgess.
John Lang's new model pack is 10kg per man heavier than their 1989 rivals. Only Ian Roberts weighed more than 100kg, while all the forwards next year - barring hooker Issac Luke - will top the century mark.
Roy Asotasi, Sam Burgess, Dave Taylor, Eddy Pettybourne, Michael Crocker and Ben Ross will form a formidable pack that will try to terrorise opposition sides.
Start of sidebar. Skip to end of sidebar.
Vote: Is the Rabbitohs 2010 forward pack stronger than their 1989 equivalent?
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Related CoverageSouths: Ben Ross' amazing comeback
Souths: Our new recruit is like Sonny
Rabbitohs: The monster who destroyed Fuifui
Crowe helps: Souths confirm Burgess signed up
.End of sidebar. Return to start of sidebar.
Hard-working veterans Luke Stuart and Scott Geddes complete the line-up.
"It will be a fearsome pack,'' said Taylor, the Brisbane Broncos recruit who weighs a staggering 120kg. "There aren't many small blokes in there.''
Fenech was one of the most intense footballers to represent the club, a bloke who hated the opposition - and hated losing. He can't wait until next season.
"I'm really excited about our pack next year,'' Fenech said. "It's a big pack and they have to have a pack mentality.
"It will all come down to them delivering the goods. I know the game has changed since I played, but when the pack rumbles forward the outside backs have a chance. Our pack in 1989 wasn't as big as this one, but the '89 pack fought to the death. I reckon this pack will do the same.
"South Sydney is a great club and we are on the rise. It will come down to attitude, style and our approach to the game.''
Mark Ellison was lock in 1989 and is now an assistant coach at Redfern.
"Potentially it is a very strong forward pack,'' Ellison said. "There is plenty of size there, certainly more size than what we have had in the past.''
Taylor has arrived at Souths after hammering opponents with Brisbane this year.
Despite being a prop, Taylor revealed he wanted to play second row for Souths.
"I feel fit. I've been spoken about as a State of Origin player and was in the Australian train-on squad,'' Taylor said.
"I have aspirations, so I want to come out next year all guns blazing. I just want to fit into the team as best I can and prepare for the battles of next year.''
Taylor wants to start next season at 118kg.
"I would love to play in the second row. But I want to wait and get to know everybody before I talk about that,'' he said.
"You don't just walk into a side and choose your own position.
"I will have to work hard to earn a spot. But I want to prove that I can.
"I was excited about how I finished last season and want to continue that in 2010. I am looking to perform for the Rabbitohs as I did for Brisbane.''
http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sport/nrl/its-monsters-inc-at-redfern/story-e6frexnr-1225794797993
THEY were one of toughest and most intimidating packs of the modern era.
The fearsome 1989 Souths pack - under coach George Piggins - contained some of rugby league's hardest men, such as Les Davidson, Mario Fenech, Ian Roberts, Michael Andrews, David Boyle and Tony Rampling.
But when it comes to size and muscle, that pack has nothing on the one the Rabbitohs will trot out in 2010 led by new buys David Taylor and Englishman Sam Burgess.
John Lang's new model pack is 10kg per man heavier than their 1989 rivals. Only Ian Roberts weighed more than 100kg, while all the forwards next year - barring hooker Issac Luke - will top the century mark.
Roy Asotasi, Sam Burgess, Dave Taylor, Eddy Pettybourne, Michael Crocker and Ben Ross will form a formidable pack that will try to terrorise opposition sides.
Start of sidebar. Skip to end of sidebar.
Vote: Is the Rabbitohs 2010 forward pack stronger than their 1989 equivalent?
Yes No Vote now
Related CoverageSouths: Ben Ross' amazing comeback
Souths: Our new recruit is like Sonny
Rabbitohs: The monster who destroyed Fuifui
Crowe helps: Souths confirm Burgess signed up
.End of sidebar. Return to start of sidebar.
Hard-working veterans Luke Stuart and Scott Geddes complete the line-up.
"It will be a fearsome pack,'' said Taylor, the Brisbane Broncos recruit who weighs a staggering 120kg. "There aren't many small blokes in there.''
Fenech was one of the most intense footballers to represent the club, a bloke who hated the opposition - and hated losing. He can't wait until next season.
"I'm really excited about our pack next year,'' Fenech said. "It's a big pack and they have to have a pack mentality.
"It will all come down to them delivering the goods. I know the game has changed since I played, but when the pack rumbles forward the outside backs have a chance. Our pack in 1989 wasn't as big as this one, but the '89 pack fought to the death. I reckon this pack will do the same.
"South Sydney is a great club and we are on the rise. It will come down to attitude, style and our approach to the game.''
Mark Ellison was lock in 1989 and is now an assistant coach at Redfern.
"Potentially it is a very strong forward pack,'' Ellison said. "There is plenty of size there, certainly more size than what we have had in the past.''
Taylor has arrived at Souths after hammering opponents with Brisbane this year.
Despite being a prop, Taylor revealed he wanted to play second row for Souths.
"I feel fit. I've been spoken about as a State of Origin player and was in the Australian train-on squad,'' Taylor said.
"I have aspirations, so I want to come out next year all guns blazing. I just want to fit into the team as best I can and prepare for the battles of next year.''
Taylor wants to start next season at 118kg.
"I would love to play in the second row. But I want to wait and get to know everybody before I talk about that,'' he said.
"You don't just walk into a side and choose your own position.
"I will have to work hard to earn a spot. But I want to prove that I can.
"I was excited about how I finished last season and want to continue that in 2010. I am looking to perform for the Rabbitohs as I did for Brisbane.''
