Every club has an internal end of season review once they finish their campaign – and just how honest South Sydney was with itself behind closed doors will decide how it goes in 2024.
The fact that the Rabbitohs led the league after 11 rounds yet somehow missed the finals is a massive concern for coach Jason Demetriou.
The Bunnies had the firepower to match any team in the NRL on their day, but crumbled under pressure in the run to the finals.
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Worse still, there were clearly internal problems with assistant coaches Sam Burgess and John Morris both deciding to move on while the club was still in the finals race.
Allegations that marquee men Latrell Mitchell and Cody Walker received preferential treatment and had to train less than teammates need to be examined and Demetriou needs to ensure that sort of talk is consigned to history.
With Jack Wighton added to an already potent backline, Souths have the talent to go a long way in 2024 – but they need to bury the demons of last season's demise if they are to be a force again.
PRESSURE ON YOUNG PLAYMAKER
Lachlan Ilias is an emerging talent at No.7 for the Rabbitohs – but whether he can lead Souths to a premiership remains to be seen.
Ilias hasn't quite got the class or experience of the NRL's marquee halves – but he does have the backing of Demetriou and the harsh lessons of 2023 that should make him a better player.
Dean Hawkins is another decent halfback in the Rabbitohs' ranks and he will keep Ilias honest.
Few players will start 2024 under more scrutiny than Ilias and his ability to handle the pressure could make or break the Bunnies' campaign.
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