SOUTH Sydney coach Michael Maguire has confirmed star fullback Greg Inglis is expected to play next Thursday night’s blockbuster against the Broncos at ANZ Stadium.
The Bunnies’ legion of fans initially feared the worst when Inglis was forced to hobble off with a knee complaint, but scans have cleared the Rabbitohs’ captain of serious damage.
The challenge for the premiers is now how badly they want to become the first team in 17 seasons to claim back-to-back premierships.
Inconsistency has been the club’s Achilles heel this year, with the Rabbitohs unable to back up a powerful round-23 victory — against North Queensland in Townsville — against a rampant Bulldogs forward pack last Friday.
With Inglis guaranteed to start against the Broncos and playmakers Issac Luke and Luke Keary to return from suspension, the Bunnies can still push for a top-four finish if the playing group decide they want it bad enough.
“Clearly, every team wants their top-quality players at this stage of the season and fortunately for us there is nothing serious about Greg’s injury,” Maguire said.
“He’s had the scans and they’ve basically just come back and shown some jarring around the knee.
“It’s a big relief for everyone at the club, because Greg is such an important leader at our club.”
Maguire unleashed a fearful spray at the Rabbitohs after the Bulldogs out-enthused them from the first whistle.
Back-rower John Sutton confirmed the club had a variety of areas to sharpen up leading into the match against the Broncos, who will be intent on avenging the round one 36-6 smash-up in Brisbane.
“It wasn’t up to our standard and we’re very disappointed,” Sutton said.
“(Maguire) said a lot of things. He’s a passionate man and we’re not playing up to our standards.”
There have been rumblings about South Sydney’s younger players being a touch off in the desire department this year after smashing a 43-season premiership drought last year.
The Rabbitohs’ performance against the Cowboys showed are still capable of mixing it with the best sides. But the road to the semis is as tough as it gets, against the Broncos and then the Sydney Roosters.
http://www.foxsports.com.au/nrl/gre...pite-knee-injury/story-e6frf3ou-1227494581199
