Key player ... Chris Sandow. Source: The Daily Telegraph

THEY boast a monster forward pack worth $3 million but it will be a diminutive halfback who will lead Souths to this year's NRL finals.

That is the considered opinion of another tiny halfback, former Broncos, Queensland and Australian champion Allan Langer.

Chris Sandow, weighing just 78kg, will live every halfback's dream playing behind Roy Asotasi, Ben Ross, Dave Taylor, Sam Burgess, Eddy Pettybourne, Issac Luke, Mick Crocker, Luke Stuart and Scott Geddes.Sandow is preparing to lead his club into battle during Saturday night's annual pre-season Charity Shield match against St George Illawarra at ANZ Stadium.

Official records list Sandow as 173cm but teammates reckon he is no taller than Preston Campbell, who stands at 167cm.

But there is no doubt Sandow is tough and aggressive - and the man Langer believes can lead the Rabbitohs to the 2010 finals.

"He can get the job done. He can get Souths to the finals," Langer told The Daily Telegraph.

"When a halfback has a big pack in front of him, he usually licks his lips.

"Sandow is a tough bugger who is creative and quick.

"To make the finals, you need a good halfback and, if this guy can stay injury free, I reckon he can get them there."

Sandow is a former rookie of the year, but some fans believe he is simply too small for first grade.

Not former champion Souths halfback Craig Coleman, however.

"Those big forwards will give him a lot of confidence," Coleman said.

"We have all seen what Sam Burgess can do. I think he can [guide Souths to the finals].

"From all reports, Souths will play a less structured style this season and that will suit Chris's game - that off-the-cuff stuff.

"He will go well."

Mario Fenech, one of Souths' finest and most inspirational forwards, has no doubts about Sandow's ability and steel.

"I'll be honest - and it might scare you - but I have had people say to me that Chris isn't the man," Fenech admitted. "And I totally accept their opinions. But I believe he a diamond for us.

"Having a forward pack that goes forward solves a lot of problems for a halfback.

"In my mind, Chris Sandow has the talent. He isn't scared and he's as tough as nails.

"In my day the forwards went forward and intimidated. That gave the room for the athletes.

"The forwards will give Chris that room this season."

Officials are hoping for a crowd of between 25,000 and 30,000 for the Charity Shield at Homebush.

"The match will be a great test for us," said Rabbitohs chief executive Shane Richardson.

"In the old days coaches used 25 players for this match.

"But these days, both sides send out their best sides."