 1980 saw the Rabbitohs make the semis for the first time in a few years, finishing fifth, but were promptly knocked out of the finals series by St George 16-5.Ron Willey became coach in 1984, and the next year Souths made the semis.Souths came from 0-14 behind to beat Manly 22-18 in a memorable first semi-final but were knocked out the following week by St. George, but their best two years were 1986 and 1989 under the leadership of Mario Fenech.