RABBITOHS enforcer Roy Asotasi has overcome a torn pectoral muscle and is set to return in time for next month's Charity Shield clash with St George Illawarra.

The powerhouse skipper has a had a better than expected recovery from the five-month injury that prevented him from playing in New Zealand's shock World Cup win, and has vowed to return to his damaging best after what he described as his worst season on record.

"I haven't had a break from footy like this since 2003, so it's probably been a blessing in disguise," the 27-year-old prop told The Sun-Herald .

"I felt last year that I struggled for form - it was pretty disappointing.

"I want to lead from the front and be better than what I was last year. I'm always a big fan of constantly improving and I felt last year I let myself down a bit in that department.

"I'm hungrier than I can ever remember being after missing the World Cup and I'm just looking forward to playing some games.

"I'll be OK for the Charity Shield and I can't wait."

The marquee signing for the club when Jason Taylor took over the reins as coach in 2007, Asotasi said the Rabbitohs' 2009 squad had been two years in the making and would be ready to thrill come February 28 at ANZ Stadium.

"We've got Colin Best and Rhys Wesser in the backline now, so the forwards really need to get a move on and I'm going to do whatever it takes to make that happen every game - starting with the Charity Shield," Asotasi said.

"I think it's taken us two years to get the team we wanted - the guys who were here for retirement or because no other club wanted them have been flushed out and we've got a young team full of talent.

"We've got players who actually want to be at the club and chose to sign with South Sydney.

"The last couple of years we've either had a good forward pack and an ordinary backline or vice versa. This year we've got a stellar backline, so I need to do my job to inspire the impressive bunch of forwards we have.

"I'm confident this could be a really good year for South Sydney."