Stat Attack: The glaring chink in Rabbitohs' defensive armour

Few sides chopped and changed their back three as much as South Sydney last year, and the trend may well continue in 2018 given the four genuine fullback options the club boasts and the competition for wing spots.

But based on their efforts when opposing kickers put boot to ball, the Rabbitohs need more variations at the back like a hole in the head.

The Bunnies ranked 15th for both tries conceded from kicks (21) and their ability to defuse kicks (63.9 per cent) last year.

No doubt Greg Inglis's season-ending ACL rupture in round one played its part as Alex Johnston got his bearings at fullback.

But with Johnston and Cody Walker playing 12 and 10 games respectively in the No.1 jumper, continuity on the flanks was also effected as Bryson Goodwin's 14 matches was the most of the eight different wingers the Rabbitohs used last year.

Kick pressure from a team's middle men also plays a key role when defending attacking raids.

Based on the numbers, Souths could use a brush up on both facets, not to mention time to hone those all-important back three combinations, as they hunt a return to finals footy under Anthony Seibold.