By Jon Geddes

A REENERGIZED Southern Districts have set their sights on a finals berth following the appointment of a   new coach with a proven track record and a boost from Super players returning for the second half of the Shute Shield.

The man tasked with lifting the club’s fortunes, Matt Barr, firmly believes a top eight finish is a realistic goal.

“We are just a couple of wins out of that,” Barr told Rugby News.

“It’s a close competition, there are a number of upsets each weekend.

“It’s been a really disruptive season for all clubs with COVID, ground availability and a lot of players out with flu and a fair share of injuries.

“So if we can get some stability within the playing group and build a bit of momentum, we are really confident we can get into that finals series. And as we know it is a whole new ballgame then.”

Barr, who replaced Todd Louden two days before the last game against Newcastle, knows all about achieving success in the Shire after guiding Souths to grand finals in 2012 and 2014 and into the play-offs in 2015-16.

And he got off to the best possible start when the team defeated the Wildfires 31-24 away from home.

While the Rebels currently sit in 11^th spot on 17 points, they are only five points behind the eighth-placed Western Sydney Two Blues.

Souths will have some higher ranked rivals looking nervously over their shoulders.

LOOKING AFTER THE ENVIRONMENT

STEPPING into the coaching role in such circumstances is a tough gig, but Barr’s positive and calm demeanor will only boost the confidence of the Souths players as they look to kickstart their season after three wins and seven losses.

“I’m really excited and am looking forward to the challenge and opportunity,” Barr said. “It was something that I probably thought was not going to come around.”

The teacher at the strong rugby nursery of Waverley College has identified a key focus area as he takes the reins.

“Support the boys, create a really positive environment and culture so everyone’s working towards positive outcomes and everyone’s wanting to turn up to training and game days,” he said.

“Have a real crack and play for one another.”

Despite their current position on the ladder, Barr has seen a lot of positives since his return to the club where he also played.

“There has obviously been a lot of hard work, a lot of structures and systems put in place and a very professional environment,” he said. “So it is a matter of me building on those, maintaining high standards and continuing to work together.”

He has given full credit to the playing group following the announcement on Thursday night they had a new coach ahead of their Saturday game against Newcastle

“They just got around myself and the club and one another,” Barr said.

“We had to get through the preparation and they obviously had a lot of responsibility and ownership coming up with how we were going to play.

“They showed a lot of spirit and a lot of character and executed what we talked about.”

A SUPER BOOST

WHILE it is highly unlikely Souths will see revitalised Waratahs forward Jed Holloway this season, Souths are set to get some other very handy reinforcements from Super Rugby which will make them even more of a threat in the run home.

Hooker Sama Mamalo, who was in New Zealand with the Waratahs’ squad for their quarter-final against the Chiefs, will bolster the pack. The same goes for his NSW backrower teammate Rahboni Warren-Vosayaca who will have benefitted from his Super Rugby appearances this season.

And imagine if they get the warhorse Waratahs prop Tetera Faulkner back in to strengthen their tight five.

Rebels frontrower Matt Gibbon is keen to turn out for Souths at some stage and Barr will also reach out to the club’s Western Force inside back Bayley Kuenzle.

Barr will be looking to the likes of lock and skipper Phil Potgieter to drive the team’s 2022 revival.

“I’m really impressed with his leadership in difficult circumstances,” he said.

The coach will also be relying on the input of other senior players including lock Jake Douglas, prop Conor Young and winger Christian Kagiassis.

Souths next challenge comes on Saturday when they tackle the Warringah Rats at Forshaw Park.