South Sydney centre Campbell Graham has given a rare insight into how coach Wayne Bennett gets his side ready for big games.
Bennett, who has been praised in recent days for his side’s 16-10 upset win over Penrith in Saturday’s Qualifying Final, is widely renowned as one of rugby league’s greatest ever coaches.
Having won multiple NRL premierships and Origin series, Bennett has done it all, and Graham explained how he gets his troops up and firing for big games.
He told Andrew Voss on SEN 1170 Breakfast that it’s a process that starts in the thick of the home and away season.
“He simplifies it even more so in the finals series,” Graham said.
“He emphasises all year the team we want to be when we’re in the finals, so when we’re there, we don’t need to tweak anything.
“It’s getting back to the nuts and bolts of what our game’s around.
“He really simplifies it, doesn’t complicate it and really tries to get you in the mindset of playing individually your best footy, and as a group the results should take care of itself.
“It really relieves the pressure off yourself and gives you a clear mindset heading into these games.”
With Bennett often giving off a mellow and understated demeanour, Graham was asked if he ever tries to fire his team up behind closed doors.
“He definitely gets fired up when he needs to,” Graham replied.
“He’s really good at motivating the boys with his pre-game speeches, and he can ge the boys fired up.
“He really makes you want it, all of the boys want to play for him, and I think that’s pretty evident.
“I think that’s why he’s had so much success for so long, that passion’s still there for Wayne, you know how much that means for him and in return you really don’t want to let him down.
“He wants it as much as anyone else in that locker room, so I’d definitely say that fire is in the belly there.
“He knows what’s at the end of the journey if we are willing to buy in and if we get away the results we need in the next two weeks.
“I think that’s what motivates him.”
South Sydney face the winner of the Roosters and Sea Eagles’ semi-final clash in next Friday’s Preliminary Final.
A win in that game would see the Rabbitohs reach their first Grand Final since 2014.
Listen to the full chat here.