Indy
22-04-08, 09:23 AM
By Dean Ritchie
April 22, 2008 12:00am
SOUTH Sydney champions Mario Fenech and Craig Coleman last night made a plea from the heart for unity, loyalty and resolve after the Rabbitohs' disastrous season-opening six-game losing streak.
Their comments come as Souths co-owner Peter Holmes a Court sent a message to suffering fans: "My heart goes out to you".
Fenech and Coleman, two of the club's greatest players, called on fans and former players to show some passion in supporting Souths.
After Sunday's 30-10 loss to Wests Tigers at the SCG, Souths legend John Sattler expressed fears his former club may not win a match this season.
But Fenech said everyone associated with the great club - the winner of 20 premierships - must stand by the Rabbitohs in this gut-wrenching time.
"I love South Sydney. They're my team through rain, hail or shine," Fenech told The Daily Telegraph.
"Now is the time you find out who your friends are. The important word at the moment is 'loyalty'.
"We've got to unite and support the team. Imagine how the boys would be feeling at the moment?
"I hated losing with a passion so I'm disappointed about the results too. But I also think there are traces of the tall poppy syndrome here. South Sydney has climbed off the canvas through (owners) Russell Crowe and Peter Holmes a Court. Some people might be laughing at us now but, hey, we have won more premierships than other club."
Former club half Coleman said no one should be playing the "blame game" and urged everyone to "stick together".
"In the Souths of old, we never turned on each other," Coleman said. "I played more games than anyone for Souths and I know what the fans can be like. They can throw you to the wolves when things go bad.
"But everyone has to stick together through this and don't go blaming anyone.
"We did well last year (to make the finals) and we were all proud of South Sydney. No one can leave now we've hit a rough spot. Souths are copping it from all angles but Jason Taylor is an outstanding coach. He'll get the club through this."
Souths face Brisbane and North Queensland over the next fortnight, tough teams to turn the tide against.
"It's been a tough start to the season. I'm disappointed," Holmes a Court said. But he also dispelled any theory he was becoming restless with the club. "No one has to worry about me," he said.
April 22, 2008 12:00am
SOUTH Sydney champions Mario Fenech and Craig Coleman last night made a plea from the heart for unity, loyalty and resolve after the Rabbitohs' disastrous season-opening six-game losing streak.
Their comments come as Souths co-owner Peter Holmes a Court sent a message to suffering fans: "My heart goes out to you".
Fenech and Coleman, two of the club's greatest players, called on fans and former players to show some passion in supporting Souths.
After Sunday's 30-10 loss to Wests Tigers at the SCG, Souths legend John Sattler expressed fears his former club may not win a match this season.
But Fenech said everyone associated with the great club - the winner of 20 premierships - must stand by the Rabbitohs in this gut-wrenching time.
"I love South Sydney. They're my team through rain, hail or shine," Fenech told The Daily Telegraph.
"Now is the time you find out who your friends are. The important word at the moment is 'loyalty'.
"We've got to unite and support the team. Imagine how the boys would be feeling at the moment?
"I hated losing with a passion so I'm disappointed about the results too. But I also think there are traces of the tall poppy syndrome here. South Sydney has climbed off the canvas through (owners) Russell Crowe and Peter Holmes a Court. Some people might be laughing at us now but, hey, we have won more premierships than other club."
Former club half Coleman said no one should be playing the "blame game" and urged everyone to "stick together".
"In the Souths of old, we never turned on each other," Coleman said. "I played more games than anyone for Souths and I know what the fans can be like. They can throw you to the wolves when things go bad.
"But everyone has to stick together through this and don't go blaming anyone.
"We did well last year (to make the finals) and we were all proud of South Sydney. No one can leave now we've hit a rough spot. Souths are copping it from all angles but Jason Taylor is an outstanding coach. He'll get the club through this."
Souths face Brisbane and North Queensland over the next fortnight, tough teams to turn the tide against.
"It's been a tough start to the season. I'm disappointed," Holmes a Court said. But he also dispelled any theory he was becoming restless with the club. "No one has to worry about me," he said.