South Sydney’s goal-kicking halfback Dean Hawkins says he’s tried to model his game on NRL star Adam Reynolds, which might be the key to the Rabbitohs winning their first premiership in The Knock-On Effect NSW Cup for 40 years.
The Rabbitohs take on the North Sydney Bears at CommBank Stadium on Sunday (24 September) aiming for the club’s 21st NSW Cup title, but their first since they beat Manly-Warringah in 1983 (12-6).
Hawkins, who has scored 140 points including 58 goals this year, admits his first Rugby League role model was from cross-town rivals, the Roosters.
“It started with Brad Fittler, even though he was a Chook, but he’s in my earliest memories as someone I looked up to,” Hawkins told nswrl.com.au.
“But then as I came through the grades I definitely looked up to Adam Reynolds.
“I was lucky enough to train with him for a few seasons while he was with Souths.
“He is definitely someone I’ve modelled my game off.”
Hawkins’ game has been the backbone of the Rabbitohs success in 2023 and led to him being named the NSWRL Player of the Year in The Knock-On Effect NSW Cup.
In the regular season he scored six tries but had 17 try assists and 15 line-break assists.
After playing two NRL games this year, Hawkins hopes the NSWRL award could lead to more.
“I think this is a stepping stone in my career,” Hawkins said. “It’s a great achievement and I hope it leads to more consistent chances in the NRL, hopefully with South Sydney.”
But first, this weekend’s Grand Final, which will be live streamed on NSWRL TV and shown on 9Now.
The Rabbitohs lost five of their first six games but then went on a run to pick up seven victories from their next eight games.
“We had a shaky start to the season but we’ve come good before the end,” Hawkins said.
“We won six on the trot and then won two semis so we’re 80 minutes away now.
“I’m pretty confident we can go all the way because our team has come together so well. We’ve just got to keep doing what we’ve been doing and the rest takes care of itself.”
Tickets to CommBank Stadium must be pre-booked.
Click here for tickets to the NSWRL Grand Final Day.
