Pressure is mounting on Souths who find themselves on the bottom of the ladder,despite having a roster many in the game believe is worthy of a premiership.

Hawkins is expected to retain his spot for at least another week,with teammates hopeful he was given the chance to string some games together and gain some confidence in the top grade.

One player who will be out to continue the Rabbitohs’ torrid run is Bulldogs fullback Blake Taaffe,who left Souths for the chance to play regular first grade and would be doing his best to heckle a few of his former teammates.

“He’s a little energiser bunny,we know what he will bring this week,and I wonder if he will try and chirp and give it to Cody Walker,” Johnston said.

“Those two were like the old bull and young bull when he was here. They’ve very close,and that will be fun to watch.

Host added about the Walker-Taaffe clash:“Those two were like father and son when Taaffe was here at the club. It will be a good clash between those two.

“Cody is definitely the better sledger,he’s the king,but Taaffe learned a lot from him. At least Cody knows all the tricks from training against him.”

The spotlight has been shone on Rabbitohs coach Jason Demetriou,who has the next three games at home to turn things around. Cameron Smith declared on SEN “there will be a lot of pressure on him” if Souths lose to the Dogs.

“I feel for him because I’ve known him for so many years and have a great relationship with him,” Host said.

“He’s the kind of guy who will stand up and take the brunt of the criticism. He’s always got the players’ backs. Now we have to show we have his back with our performances on the field. We have the crew to turn it around.”

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