Souths coach Andrew Ryan can see the impact co-captains Ryan Glanville and Scott Matthews have had at the club this year.
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Without them, during a campaign severely impacted by the COVID-19 crisis, Ryan reckons it could have been a much different outcome.
Instead, the Lions have qualified for the 2020 Newcastle Rugby League grand final and will meet Cessnock at Maitland Sportsground on Sunday.
"We've had to do things a bit differently [this year], but overall we've had no negatives," Ryan said.
"They keep turning up with a great attitude and I'm really proud of this playing group.
"Ryan Glanville and Scott Matthews as co-captains have really driven that. From the first minute they we're all in, whatever it is. That really set the tone for the whole club. They haven't missed a training session and them bouncing around keeps everyone else enthusiastic."
Ryan, himself an NRL premiership winner with Canterbury in 2004, said there was a stark difference between life in the coaching box and being out in the middle.
"You've just got no control on the sideline," he said.
"At least when you're out there you feel like you can try and do something.
"As a coach it's been been about trying to create an environment at the club where players enjoy their footy. So hopefully we've done that and experiencing big games is a bonus."
Souths, crowned champions in 2016 and 2018, have only dropped one game since August 1, scored the most points (252) this season and knocked over minor premiers Wyong in Sunday's semi-final courtesy of a late try to winger Jarrod Flanagan.
Ryan said the Lions "should be 1-to-17" from last weekend.
The Lions beat upcoming opponents Cessnock 12-8 in round two.
SOUTHS: Lachlan Walmsley, Harry Van Dartel, Tom Cronan, Dylan Lucas, Jarrod Flanagan, Ryan Glanville, Jason Keelan, Jack Cameron, Connor Browne, Scott Matthews, Harry Croker, Blake Campbell, Carlin Pettet, Daniel Hoogerwerf, Rhys Bray, Jack Welsh, Steve Leask, Campbell Scott, Kaine Parkinson, Lachlan Fuller, Tyler Bray, Tori Freeman.
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Josh Callinan
My name is Josh Callinan and I'm a sports journalist at the Newcastle Herald. I started with the newspaper in 2016 after a decade at the Maitland Mercury.
My name is Josh Callinan and I'm a sports journalist at the Newcastle Herald. I started with the newspaper in 2016 after a decade at the Maitland Mercury.
