Embracing the Anzac spirit, South Sydney coach Jason Demetriou has demanded a ‘trenches’ mentality from his players in their crucial Anzac Day showdown against Melbourne Storm on Monday. Despite a gritty last-start loss to Cronulla, the Rabbitohs remain second last on the National Rugby League (NRL) ladder with just one victory from seven games, putting Demetriou under immense pressure to keep his job.
However, Demetriou insisted that ‘external noise’ is being blocked out, and the team is determined to represent the jersey with pride. “For us, it’s in the trenches sort of attitude we took into our last game against Cronulla and Anzac Day represents an opportunity to do that again,” Demetriou said.
“To get down there, answer that call and represent the jersey the way we can and more importantly improve from our last game.”
“It’s special when you play these games. You are putting that jersey on, there is a different feel. Playing on Anzac Day is really special.”
Demetriou has recalled hooker Damien Cook after an ‘honest’ conversation when he was dropped back to the NSW Cup for just a single game, hopeful that stint provided a spark for the veteran.
The coach made the point no one was safe when the team was struggling. “There was just some things we needed to work on. Conversations will stay between Damien and myself,” Demetriou said.
“He was really honest in how he handled going back to NSW Cup. We’ve got an opportunity now to have a two-hooker system … using that as an asset for us.”
“Seventeen blokes get picked every week, there are 36 players in a squad … you should be hurt if you are not getting picked.”
“Cooky is an experienced player, we need him at his best.”
Demetriou said forward Jai Arrow, back from a shoulder injury, was ready to go although he conceded the former representative star would need a an operation at the end of the season.
“He’s been full on in to contact since last week. He’s itching to go,” he said.
“It’s one of those things he will get fixed at the end of the season, but hopefully he gets through the season.”
South Sydney has never won in Melbourne and has only beaten Storm seven times since it entered the competition in 1998. Despite the daunting task ahead, Demetriou is confident his players will rise to the occasion.
“We’ve got a really good footy side. We haven’t put it together for long enough periods,” Demetriou said.
“We are putting in the work. Melbourne are the benchmark. It is a great opportunity to see where we are at.”
“It’s a massive occasion. Anzac Day is a beautiful occasion to reflect on what is really important in life. It’s a privilege to be a part of it.”
