News Articles
2 Nov 2000
From News.com.au 2 Nov 2000
Caruana: Souths can win 15 games
By DEAN RITCHIE
02nov00
CENTRE Chris Caruana predicted last night that South Sydney would win 15 matches next season if returned to the NRL competition.
A list of quality players including John Simon, Billy Moore, Joe Vagana and Ivan Cleary are understood to be interested in switching to Souths if circumstances permit.
After perusing a possible new-look Rabbitohs side made up of those players currently available, Caruana said: "If we put a few sides off their game, I think we could make the semi-finals."
And former Souths player Craig Wing added: "There is a lot of support out there for Souths."
Justice Paul Finn will rule on Souths' appeal for readmission at 10.15am tomorrow.
The Rabbitohs, a foundation club, were cut from the NRL at the end of last season when the competition was reduced from 16 to 14 clubs.
"I've got a gut feeling we'll be back in, and I think that would be good for rugby league," said Caruana, who played with Souths in 1998 and 1999 but was uncontracted last season.
"It would be a good side, certainly competitive. "I think we would win 15 of our matches. Craig Coleman [Souths coach-in-waiting] would back that up.
"Hopefully, we will have a bit of luck this Friday."
Asked was there any chance of Souths securing the wooden spoon, Caruana said: "No way in the world.
"I know we would have to get a bit of depth throughout the club.
"But there are so many players out there that need a club.
"One of those players is me. I feel I have two good seasons in me and then I'd like to spend more time with my family."
Caruana, 28, played eight seasons for the North Sydney Bears before shifting to the Redfern-based club.
"It was perceived that Norths were pretty boys but at Souths it was all guts, all glory," Caruana said.
"Rugby league needs to get the passion back."
Coleman said yesterday his side would be "very, very competitive".
"There are an abundance of players out there without a club," he said.
"And those players would be desperate because they would be playing for their livelihood.
"We wouldn't win the comp but as I said we'd be competitive.
"And I also think we'd be playing before some very big crowds."
Wing would not elaborate on suggestions he may return to Souths, a club he represented before switching to the Roosters last season.
Wing previously stated he would consider moving back to Souths if the club was returned to the NRL.
"I'm trying not to think about it," Wing said yesterday.
"It's been going on a while now so we'll see what happens on Friday.
"I'll let it [the Souths case] take its course.
"I'm already in training with the Roosters and am focusing on that.
"But naturally I hope they get back in.
"I think the game would do itself some good if Souths were to come back."
Asked would he go back to Souths, Wing said: "I'll cross that bridge if it happens."
Former North Sydney and Parramatta frontrower Gary Larson yesterday ruled out playing for Souths.
"I'm happy in retirement," Larson said.
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