Superstar fullback Greg Inglis has claimed the proud history of the South Sydney club will be put aside as the Rabbitohs continue their quest for premiership glory against the Sea Eagles on Friday night.
With fans practically begging for a Bunnies premiership win – which would be the first since 1971 – Inglis claims the current team is only focused on what they can control: their third showdown with the Sea Eagles this season.
"It is such a great, rich history this club but in saying that as a team and as a squad we can only control what our destiny is and that is... concentrating on this finals campaign," Inglis said.
"We will put history aside because that's just noise that is being created around us. We know what we can control, what we can't control is... the numbers and all that jazz."
While their focus is purely on last year's runners up, Inglis understood Rabbitohs fans qualms and passion by claiming "it makes you want to deliver more". However he stood by his earlier statement, explaining the team has put themselves in the best position possible to make amends for their 43 premiership-less years.
"I love running out and hearing the fans scream,” Inglis said.
“It’s a terrific thing, there is no doubt about it.
"You walk around Redfern or you're walking wherever... and you can hear the passion in a fan’s voice when they pull you up on the street and I'm so glad to hear it.
"I can understand why [they may be upset] but in saying that we have put ourselves in the best possible position to [win the competition] so it's just a week-to-week matter now – that's how it has been all season."
With the Rabbitohs entering the finals off the back of a demoralising loss to the Roosters, Inglis believes there is no point looking back on their massive 23-4 win over the Sea Eagles in Round 22, instead labelling the finals a whole new ballgame.
"Between the [Manly] game and the way we have finished last weekend, it has been a bit of a rollercoaster – a bit up and down – so every team starts on equal points now," Inglis said.
"Manly are a high quality side no matter who they put out there. They know their own game plan very well and they stick to it. They have x-factors all over the field. We have to prepare well this week to get our heads right for Friday night's game."
