NRL legend Cameron Smith has criticised South Sydney Rabbitohs players for their poor early-season performances, saying the team aren’t playing for their coach.
The Rabbitohs have been under enormous criticism this season, with doubt mounting over the security of coach Jason Demetriou’s position.
However, Smith says the players need to buy into the coach’s gameplan if they want to reverse their fortunes.
“You need all 17 players on board with what your coach is wanting to do … if you have a couple of players not wanting to be a part of that then it’s a struggle and it does not matter who you play against,” Smith said on Breakfast with Vossy & Brandy.
“When I’m watching the Rabbitohs, they’ve got so many… elite players in our game but they just look like they’re lacking energy. They look like they’re going through the motions at times when they’ve got the football.”
The Rabbitohs have begun the season with four losses and one win and have tough matchups in the coming weeks against the Sharks, Storm, and Panthers. However, Smith says the problems extend back to last season, with Souths having won three of their past 15 games.
“There’s clearly things happening at that footy club that’s got everyone unsettled, there’s clearly a lack of focus,” Smith said.
“If you line up their team list with any other team in the comp, it’s as good as any other team in the comp but they're not playing anywhere near their capabilities.”
“I’ve got no faith in backing them at the moment against everyone.”
South Sydney play the Cronulla Sharks at home on Saturday before having a much-needed bye the following week.