By Liam Cook

Souths are hoping to salvage some joy from a tough year by winning for their departing coach in the final game of the season against Wests at Scifleet Stadium on Saturday.

“Todd Dammers, our head coach, is stepping away so I think we really want to send him out on a good note because he’s been there with all of us since 2018,” Fourie told Rugby News.

Magpies’ captain Theo Fourie says his side’s contest against Wests is a great opportunity not only to play for Dammers but also for pride.

“At the end of the season when you’re out of finals it’s always harder to find a reason to play.”

“Wests are quite a good side and they’ve got a lot of Super Rugby players.

“It’s a really good opportunity to test ourselves against a top four side and show that we can do it.”

Souths currently sit eighth on the ladder with two victories and one draw for the season.

Despite their position, the Magpies hooker and leader remains glass half full about the year.

“Looking back on a lot of the games there’s a lot of wasted opportunities that we have and if some things go our way and we fix a few things than a lot of the games are in our favour.”

“Heading into next year as a first-grade side, if we can keep the core of our squad together and work on fixing those little detail issues and those periods in games where we shut off than I think we can really contend for a top four spot.”

Fourie has been a rare constant for a Souths’ outfit that has battled with form and injury throughout 2022.

After arriving at Chipsy Wood Oval in 2018 for the colts’ side, Fourie says this season has been his most impactful at premier grade level.

“As a front rower I’ve been pretty happy with my own performance.”

“I’ve felt a lot more physical and impactful around the field after putting on a bit of size in the off-season.

“Having that Super Rugby pre-season under my belt really helped me progress this year.”

A train and trial deal two season ago has led to greater opportunity with the Melbourne Rebels, with Fourie having signed on until the end of 2023.

The Rockhampton junior is fully embracing his chance to a forge a Super Rugby career.

“After this weekend I think my focus is shifting toward getting back down to Melbourne and training.”

“We’ve got a few off-season games ahead so I want to try and have a really big impact in those games and have a good pre-season.

“I really want to push and compete for a Super Rugby spot next year and if that comes true it would be a dream come true.”

Before Fourie plies his trade with the Rebels, he has to lead his side one last time alongside coach Dammers.

The hooker can’t speak highly enough of the departing coach’s impact on him personally and Souths as a whole.

“He’s been amazing for me, he’s the reason I’m down here… I probably wouldn’t be where I am now without him.”

“He recruited me out of school to Souths when I didn’t really have anywhere else to go and he’s let me stay with him for a few years at his house… he’s helped me progress so much.

“It’s sad to see him go but he’s done so much for the club and the boys and I think he’s excited for the next phase of where his career takes him.”

There’s no doubt that Souths, led for the final time by Fourie and Dammers, will put in one mighty showing against competition leader’s Wests.