By Liam Cook

Buoyed by an undefeated first fortnight, Souths aren’t putting any limitations on what they can achieve this season.

New coach and Souths’ Old Boy, Garrick Morgan, has instilled a long-abated sense of belief at the club in his first months on the job.

While the Magpies acknowledge the 2023 season is only two weeks old, their performances to date have been compelling.

Following a tightly contested round two victory over perennial grand finalist’s UQ, the environment at Chipsy Wood Oval is nothing but positive, according to Morgan.

“I thought it was really good, they went out and performed yesterday,” Morgan told Rugby News.

“Still a lot of improvement left, but they’ve come a long way in short time which is great.”

The ex-Wallaby turned coach is determined to build a cohesive, all of club culture.

Since his return, Morgan has sought to embolden his players and strengthen their commitment to improve as players and men.

“We’ve got talent at our club that we just need to nurture properly,” he said.

“Standards first, particularly being the best you can be as a person first and foremost. Those behavioural qualities are important to me.”

Having languished in the lower portion of the ladder in recent times, the premier grade side’s current improvement has stemmed from acknowledging and moving past these bleaker seasons.

As a former Magpie himself, Morgan recognises that while Souths may still smell the same as it always has to him, the club must strive to move forward and grow.

“One thing I heard before I came back to the club is that we ‘have two good reserve grade teams’. I want to have two good first grade teams, that’s what I want at the end of the season,” he said.

“With A grade there’s some demons that the players have to get over from the last three or four years. We’ve got through that and it looks like we might have a good year.”

Souths’ opening round wins have been full of contributors across the park.

The new coach has noticed distinct improvements from multiple individuals, as well as a young brigade of talent leading the way.

“The first two guys who have led the way are John Bryant and Kohan Herbert, they’re two outstanding, consistent performers,” he said.

“Regan Leslie’s stepped up this year as our big second rower, he had a really good game on Saturday. Tye James and Lachie Stewart have improved mentally from what I saw last year.

“Harry Mclaughlin-Phillips, you’ve got confidence in that kid and he’s only 19.”

An early air of optimism is permeating Souths this season, and they want don’t want to let that momentum slip.

“Our club has rested for a little while and I think we’re about to show we’re back on the page.”