 Richardson had previously led the Penrith Panthers football club to their second ever Premiership in 2003 against the Sydney Roosters.At the time Richardson said words to the effect of "bringing this club back to its previous success will be the challenge of my life.It will be tough, but I expect this club to be competing in the NRL finals in 2008"

The Rabbitohs announced a series of big-name player signings for season 2007 including Roy Asotasi and Daniel Irvine (prop and hooker from the Bulldogs), David Kidwell (back row forward from Melbourne), Nigel Vagana (centre from Cronulla), Dean Widders (utility forward from Parramatta) and Jeremy Smith (half-back from Parramatta).