The South Sydney Rabbitohs were only a conversion away from forcing the 2021 Grand Final to extra time and potentially securing the 22nd premiership for the historic club.
Unfortunately, Souths fell two points short as Penrith held on to secure a famous victory and their first in 18 years.
Rabbitohs CEO Blake Solly says that whilst the loss still hurts, the entire club is primed for a tilt at the NRL premiership in season 2022.
“After you lose a grand final, everyone is disappointed for a period of time,” Solly said on SEN 1170 Breakfast.
“It’s also added a huge amount of motivation for us next year to go one better and win the premiership.
“Everyone is in a great state of mind.”
The Rabbitohs have lost a number of key personnel during the off season.
Halfback Adam Reynolds - who became the leading points scorer for the Bunnies in 2021 - left to join the Brisbane Broncos, veteran centre Dane Gagai has returned to Newcastle and Benji Marshall decided to call time on his illustrious career after the Grand Final loss.
The most notable loss for the Rabbitohs is that of super coach Wayne Bennett, who became the inaugural coach for the Dolphins.
Former assistant coach Jason Demetriou has been elevated to the senior position and Solly says he has shown a lot of positive signs.
“Obviously Wayne (Bennett) leaves huge shoes to fill,” Solly said.
“Jason (Demetriou) has said often enough that he’s not trying to be like Wayne.
“We’ve got a great club … and a great group of players.
“Jason’s job is just to build on them.
“Everyone wants to focus on going that one better and win an NRL premiership in 2022.”
South Sydney will begin their 2022 campaign against the Broncos in Round 1.