Former Origin representative Michael Ennis can’t see South Sydney contending for the premiership after their 50-point loss to Melbourne on Thursday night.
The 2016 premiership dummy-half believes that the gap between the Rabbitohs and the league’s top two sides in the Storm and Panthers is too significant for them to catch.
“No, I don’t think they can (win the premiership),” Ennis said on Fox’s Big League Wrap.
“At the moment, what I’m seeing is that the gap between Penrith and Melbourne is so significant.
“Yes, they (South Sydney) were missing some players, but it’s like my argument with Parramatta is that I’m waiting to see them in September.”
Ennis says he can’t trust South Sydney or Parramatta until they prove they are not just regular season teams.
“We can keep gushing over them every regular season, they’ve got a great roster but until they prove themselves in September I can’t say they’re genuine contenders yet,” he added.
“Melbourne and Penrith are miles ahead.”
While they were missing Cameron Murray, Ennis was most disappointed with the forward pack's poor performance.
“South Sydney’s starting forward pack had a chance to stand up to Melbourne,” Ennis said.
“Tom Burgess, (Tevita) Tatola, Damien Cook and Jaydn Su’A were in there, they were only missing Cameron Murray and they got blown apart through the middle.
“They’ll be there (in finals), there’s no doubt about it, I’m just not sure they can win it.”
South Sydney will be looking for a response when they face Cronulla in Magic Round on Saturday afternoon at Suncorp Stadium.