South Sydney Rabbitohs Announce 2008 Squad
1st November 2007
The South Sydney Rabbitohs are pleased to announce their 34-man full-time squad for their 2008 Centenary Season. To watch a video of Director of Football Operations Shane Richardson speaking about the 2008 Rabbitohs squad, click here. The full squad is: Roy Asotasi, Nathanael Barnes, Luke Capewell, Beau Champion, Peter Cusack, David Fa’alogo, Beau Falloon, Scott Geddes, Yileen Gordon, Michael Greenfield, Shannon Hegarty, Sam Huihahau, Jamie Ingram, Daniel Irvine, David Kidwell, Ben Lowe, Jaiman Lowe, Issac Luke, Manase Manuokafoa, Shannon McPherson, Nathan Merritt, Eddie Paea, Germaine Paulson, Eddy Pettybourne, Ben Rogers, Jeremy Smith, Jamie Simpson, Luke Stuart, John Sutton, Fetuli Talanoa, John Tamanika, Nigel Vagana, Dean Widders, Craig Wing. The training squad for the Rabbitohs side in the new National Youth Competition is: Luke Capewell, Jason Clarke, Michael Cummins, Abby El-Zbaidieh, Chris Farrell, Aaron Hammett, Brock Harmer, Jamie Ingram, John Joseph, John Kaifoto, Hala Laula, Jake Leary, Luke Leary, Brad Lupi, Joseph Matapuku, Anga Moli, BJ Nathan, Haydon O’Donnell, Nic Read, Adam Reynolds, James Segeyaro, Malaki Seumanutafa, Andrew Smith, Matt Smith, Ray Tafokitau, Robert Talai, Trent Trotter, David Tyrell, Taioala Vaivai, Dominic Walsh, Malcolm Webster. The following bios on each player from the full-time squad are arranged according to their likely playing positions:
Fullbacks
Jamie Ingram DOB: 1/6/89 Height: 185cm Weight: 82kg NRL games: Yet to debut
An addition to our under 20s team but likely to push for a top grade berth during the season. A Rabbitohs junior whose progress has been watched closely. Solid at the back and exciting with the ball in hand especially in broken play.
Nathan Merritt DOB: 26/5/83 Height: 183cm Weight: 88kg NRL games: 88 Rep honours: Prime Minister’s XIII 2006
Again showed his versatility and talent with a seamless transition from wing to fullback in 2007. A genuine speedster Merritt has always been a noted tryscorer and his defence has moved on in leaps and bounds. The NRL’s leading tryscorer in 2006 is a reliable goal kicker too. Suffered a season ending knee injury in round 24 against the Tigers which shattered his dreams of playing finals football with the Rabbitohs in 2007. A fate sure to spur him on in 2008
Wingers
Nathanael Barnes DOB: 11/10/82 Height: 179cm Weight: 88kg NRL games: Yet to debut Rep honours: Qld Country Residents 2006-07
Try scoring winger recruited to the Rabbitohs from Queensland Cup champions Tweed Heads Seagulls. Pacey and elusive, Barnes will push for selection in the NRL side this year.
Shannon Hegarty
DOB: 14/6/79
Height: 181cm
Weight: 94kg
NRL games: 159
Rep honours: Three State of Origins for Qld 2003
Three Tests for Australia 2003
The former Kangaroo still knows his way to the tryline. One of the hardest players to stop out of dummy half in the NRL. Will be relied upon to impart his nine years of first grade experience onto youngsters coming through.
Sam Huihahau DOB: 21/6/88 Height: 180cm Weight: 90kg NRL games: Yet to debut Rep honours: NSW under 18s
A very exciting prospect and will be one of the players to watch in the National Youth Competition. Also likely to push for a first grade spot on the flank. Huihahau is very quick and very hard to stop. A knee injury cut short his 2007 season. He is the youngest of 11 children in his family.
Fetuli Talanoa
DOB: 23/11/87
Height: 188cm
Weight: 91kg
NRL games: 12
Rep honours: Tongan qualifiers for the 2008 World Cup
Tonga 2006-07
One of the players of the future in the Rabbitohs squad. The Tongan international nicknamed ‘Tulz’ held down a regular first grade spot towards the end of 2007 with some composed and powerful performances that belied his youth. A Rabbitohs junior with the Mascot Jets.
John Tamanika DOB: 15/11/85 Height: 183cm Weight: 98kg NRL games: Yet to debut Rep honours: New Zealand under 17s, under 18s
Moved down to the Rabbitohs from Brisbane Easts. There is already a buzz about Tamanika, a big, hard running outside back who has proved in the Queensland Cup he can find his way to the tryline. Was equal leading tryscorer in the Queensland Cup competition in 2007.
Centres
Yileen Gordon DOB: 3/4/87 Height: 188cm Weight: 100kg NRL games: 30 Rep honours: Two matches for the Junior Kangaroos in 2005
Very strong for his age and has made the transition from the lower grades to NRL relatively smoothly. Is a handful for opposition defences and knows how to score a try. Big and strong in defence. Played two games for the Junior Kangaroos in 2005 and spent his younger playing days with Rabbitohs’ junior side Alexandria Rovers.
Germaine Paulson
DOB: 15/2/85
Height:178cm
Weight: 86kg
NRL games: 9
Rep honours: Qld under 15s, 17s, 18s, 19s
Australian under 15s
Paulson’s composure, ability to sum up an attacking situation and silky smooth hands make him every winger’s dream. Fleet of foot and strong in defence he was instrumental in the Bears rise to the grand final last season. Will definitely be in the mix for a centre spot in the top grade for season 2008.
Jamie Simpson
DOB: 6/9/86
Height: 181cm
Weight: 89kg
NRL games: Yet to debut
Rep honours: Qld Schoolboys
Qld Cup City Origin 2007
From the Brisbane Broncos stable, Jamie Simpson has moved to Sydney looking for a first grade opportunity. One of the stand-out players with the Broncos’ Queensland Cup feeder club the Toowoomba Clydesdales and Aspley Broncos, Simpson will push for NRL selection early in the season.
Nigel Vagana
DOB: 7/2/75
Height: 180cm
Weight: 87kg
NRL games: 232
Rep honours: 37 Tests for New Zealand 1998-2006
New Zealand All Golds 2007
One of Rugby League’s most experienced players after 12 seasons playing in the NRL. An important senior player at the Rabbitohs and a member of ‘The Core’ leadership group. Vagana’s calming influence on the younger players in his debut season at Souths was an essential ingredient in the Rabbitohs success. A qualified architect, his plaited goatee is his trademark.
Five-eighths
Luke Capewell
DOB: 6/2/89
Height: 173cm
Weight: 80kg
NRL games: Yet to debut
Rep honours: Qld under 17s 2006, under 19s 2007
Australian Schoolboys 2006
A playmaker with plenty of potential who has come down from the Rabbitohs affiliate Brisbane Easts. Showed he is a big game player with a strong performance for the Queensland under 19s side last season and will want to build on that. Made an immediate impact in his first grade debut in the Queensland Cup, scoring a try in the curtain raiser to the Rabbitohs vs Titans match at Carrara Stadium in 2007.
Beau Champion DOB: 23/12/86 Height: 186cm Weight: 86kg NRL games: 17 Rep honours: One match for the Junior Kangaroos in 2005
One of the key figures in the Bears charge to the grand final and defeat there should motivate Champion to nail down a first grade spot. Already had a taste of NRL football and is keen for more - his utility value will be an asset here. A burgeoning media personality thanks to his work with SSFC-TV.
Ben Rogers DOB: 26/4/85 Height: 184cm Weight: 91kg NRL games: 42
Really developed as a genuine first grader under coach Jason Taylor in his first year. Played a leading role in some of the Rabbitohs biggest wins in 2007, and who can forget his flick pass for a try against the Storm in Gosford. Competition will be tough in the halves for the Rabbitohs in 2008 but Rogers is not out of his depth
Halfbacks
Eddie Paea
DOB: 8/2/88
Height: 178cm
Weight: 84kg
NRL games: Four
Rep honours: One match for NSW under 19s
One match for Junior Kiwis 2007
A very clever playmaker that has all the skills to make it in the top grade. Very quick off the mark Paea can take on the defence himself or set up outside supports. Possesses a very strong kicking game also. Has already shown he is a big game player with match-winning performances for NSW under 19 and the Junior Kiwis in 2007. After making his NRL debut in 2006, he played three games in 2007, a tally he is sure to add to in 2008.
Jeremy Smith
DOB: 18/7/81
Height: 182cm
Weight: 90kg
NRL games: 33
Rep honours: Junior Kiwis 1998-2000
New Zealand Maori World Cup 2000
New Zealand A 2005
One Test for New Zealand 2007
The New Zealand playmaker played 20 NRL games in 2007 in his most successful year yet. Under the tutelage of Jason Taylor, Smith developed into an ultra consistent pivot being rewarded with selection in the Kiwi squad for their tour of Great Britain and making his international debut for the Kiwis against Australia in Christchurch at the end of the 2007 season. Faces a lot of competition for the no.6 and no.7 jerseys but that has brought out the best in him so far.
Craig Wing
DOB: 26/12/79
Height: 180cm
Weight: 91kg
NRL games: 228
Rep honours: 10 State of Origins for NSW 2003-2006
16 Tests for Australia 2002-2005
City Origin 2001, 2003, 2006, 2007
The prodigal son returns home to Redfern after eight years with the Roosters bringing a wealth of experience with him including four grand final appearances, 10 State of Origins for NSW and 16 Tests for Australia. Made a name for himself prior to the Rabbitohs being excluded from the competition in 1999 and will be looking to reignite the form he showed in the halves at South Sydney back then. A wonderfully unpredictable attacking player and very strong in defence.
Props
Roy Asotasi DOB: 6/1/82 Height: 184cm Weight: 103kg NRL games: 108 Rep honours: 18 Tests for New Zealand 2004-2007
The New Zealand captain continued his stunning rise to one of the NRL’s premier players with an inspirational effort throughout 2007, resulting in him winning the George Piggins Medal for the Rabbitohs’ Players’ Player. One of the leading prop-forwards in the game, Asotasi regularly carries three or four defenders with him on his trademark charges. Surprisingly quick for a big man with footwork to match. A super determined athlete 2008 is sure to be an even bigger year for Roy.
Peter Cusack DOB: 27/1/77 Height: 193cm Weight: 105kg NRL games: 167 Rep honours: Country Origin 2004, 2007
One of the toughest players in the game and never shirks the hard work in defence or in attack. The Country Origin representative provided the Rabbitohs front-row with tremendous balance and strength alongside Asotasi. Getting better and better with age, Cusack loves leading from the front.
Scott Geddes DOB: 18/10/80 Height: 188cm Weight: 108kg NRL games: 71
One of the biggest and strongest players in the game who looks to have finally put injuries and bad luck behind him. Geddes is equally adept carting the ball up in the middle of the ruck or running at speed on the fringes.
Michael Greenfield DOB: 13/9/85 Height: 191cm Weight: 112 NRL games: 15
Finally found a home at Redfern in 2007 after some nomadic seasons. Big and strong, one of his key assets is his ability to offload in traffic. Hits the line hard and can eat up the metres. Made a bench spot his own as the Rabbitohs charged to the finals and will be looking to build on that this season.
Jaiman Lowe DOB: 22/1/83 Height: 192 Weight: 110 NRL games: 81
Injury and suspension played havoc with his 2007 season but he still managed a number of strong performances. Hard runner who is a great metre eater and difficult to stop on the fringe of the ruck. Will be looking for a more consistent 2008. Older brother of fellow Rabbitohs forward Ben Lowe.
Hookers
Beau Falloon DOB: 21/5/87 Height: 178cm Weight: 94kg NRL games: Yet to debut
A South Sydney junior who has progressed through the grades alongside fellow Rabbitohs Eddie Paea and Eddy Pettybourne. Great defender and strong runner of the ball, Falloon has the ability to make it in the top grade. A strong pre-season and impressive early performances could see him earn a top grade call up.
Daniel Irvine DOB: 13/2/82 Height: 172cm Weight:87kg NRL games: 53
A very consistent 2007 in which he played 11 NRL games and captained the Rabbitohs premier league side the North Sydney Bears to the grand final. A clever dummy half with good hands, the former Eel will be competing strongly with Luke for the red and green no.9 jersey.
Issac Luke
DOB: 29/5/87
Height: 174cm
Weight: 80kg
NRL games: 13
Rep honours: New Zealand under 16s 2002
Junior Kiwis 2004-2005
One of the finds of the 2007 NRL season Luke took out the John Sattler Rookie of the Year award and earned a spot as a shadow player in the Kiwi side for the end of season Test against the Kangaroos. Lightning quick out of dummy half and fights well about his weight in defence. With a big off-season under his belt Luke should move on to bigger and better things in 2008. A very keen musician away from football.
Back-rowers
David Fa’alogo DOB: 9/9/80 Height: 180cm Weight: 104kg NRL games: 98 Rep honours: Five Tests for New Zealand 2006-07
One of the hardest running and hardest hitting players in the NRL. The Kiwi international has emerged as a real crowd favourite at the Rabbitohs. Loves pulling off a big hit and making an offload. Combines well with his fellow forwards in attack.
David Kidwell
DOB: 23/4/77
Height: 188cm
Weight: 104kg
NRL games: 175
Rep honours: 24 Tests for New Zealand 1999-2006
New Zealand All Golds 2007
Knee ligament damage cruelled his debut 2007 season with the Rabbitohs. The Kiwi international managed only five games including a courageous comeback for the qualifying final against Manly. A fearful sight when in full flight and an inspirational leader. Look for a big season from the man they call ‘Kid’ in South Sydney’s Centenary year.
Manase Manuokafoa DOB: 24/3/85 Height: 190cm Weight: 115kg NRL games: 47 Rep honours: Three games for Tonga 2005-2006
Quietly spoken off the field but loves making a noise on it. Noted for his aggressive defence Manuokafoa can also make his mark in attack. The no-nonsense Manuokafoa is an unsung member of the Rabbitohs pack but it may not be that way for long.
Eddy Pettybourne
DOB: 13/2/88
Height: 182cm
Weight: 98kg
NRL games: One
Rep honours: Australian Schoolboys 2005
NSW under 19s 2007
A former Mascot Jet who has come up through the grades as a Rabbitohs Junior alongside Fetuli Talanoa and Eddie Paea. Made his NRL debut in Round 19, 2007 against the Cowboys. A strong, hard running, mobile back-rower. A genuine emerging first grader. Selected in the Junior Kiwis squad in 2007.
Luke Stuart DOB: 24/2/77 Height: 188cm Weight: 100kg NRL games: 171
An ultra consistent mistake-free footballer who always puts in 100 per cent. Equally adept playing as a prop or in the backrow, Stuart provided invaluable backup to Asotasi and co. in 2007. Well respected by fans and players alike Stuart has been a part of Redfern since reinstatement in 2002. He took out the Bob McCarthy Clubman of the Year award for the Rabbitohs in 2007.
Locks
Ben Lowe
DOB: 13/3/85
Height: 188cm
Weight: 98kg
NRL games: Yet to debut
Rep honours: Qld under 15s, 16s, 17s
Australian under 15s
Qld Country
Qld Cup rep team.
Joined big brother Jaiman Lowe at Redfern midway through the 2007 season and was on the fringe of first grade selection from then on but is yet to make his NRL debut for the Rabbitohs. A mobile player with a high workrate, one of the Bears’ best in their finals charge.
Shannan McPherson DOB: 12/11/85 Height: 185cm Weight: 95kg NRL games: 16
Another South Sydney junior from the South Eastern Seagulls McPherson had been a regular part of the first grade squad for three years now but injury has curtailed his development somewhat. A strong free running backrower who is also punishing in defence.
John Sutton DOB: 5/11/84 Height: 190cm Weight: 102kg NRL games: 65 Rep honours: Prime Minister’s XIII 2005
One of the Rabbitohs’ favourite sons, Sutton played his junior football in the South Sydney District with the Coogee Wombats and Kensington United and to many represents the heart of the Rabbitohs Club. A keen surfer ‘Sutto’ started his career in the backs but has evolved into a quality ball playing backrower. A dislocated shoulder resigned him to the sidelines for a large chunk of 2007 but he still managed to play a big part in the Rabbitohs charge to their first final series in 18 years. Won 10 grand finals in a row with Kensington in this junior days.
Dean Widders DOB: 25/10/79 Height: 180cm Weight: 93kg NRL games: 150 Rep honours: Country Origin 2006
One of the funniest blokes ever to play first grade, football is no joke to Dean Widders. An icon of the Indigenous community Widders is one of the most creative attacking backrowers in the game. He fulfilled a variety of roles and positions for the Rabbitohs in 2007, and his big right-foot-step still manages to confound defences throughout the NRL. A leading figure within the Club on and off the field ‘Deano’ is looking at a career in politics or the media post-football.