South Sydney coach Jason Demetriou insists his side has enough field-goal options to win games at the death, despite a horror record in close games.

The Rabbitohs wrapped up preparations for Saturday’s semi-final with Cronulla with field goal set practice on Friday.

In all five matches Souths played in this year that were decided by six points or less, the Rabbitohs’ only win came when they held out a comeback against the Warriors in Magic Round.

Otherwise, the club maintained a 1-4 record in close games, the worst of any top-eight team.

Included in those losses was a 21-20 golden point defeat to this weekend’s opponents in the Sharks, when Latrell Mitchell missed three shots at field goal.

Mitchell and bench utility Kodi Nikorima remain the only players in Souths’ side to have kicked a field goal in the NRL, with the former’s ability to play deep in the pocket offsetting opposition teams targeting the fullback.

Outside of the pair, Cody Walker has made no secret of the fact he is not a field goal kicker, while halfback Lachlan Ilias is an unknown prospect at the Art MAGIC.

But regardless, Demetriou was adamant Mitchell’s big boot meant Souths were well-equipped if a one or two-pointer is required..

«We only need one (kicker), and if it comes to it he (Mitchell) will slot it over,» Demetriou said.

«This time of the year it’s about understanding your process to get to the field position that you need to get to to have the kick.

«And then it’s up to the kicker to own it.

«That’s what we’ve worked on probably since that (loss to the Sharks), making sure that we understand what our set is if and when we get in that position.»

Cronulla coach Craig Fitzgibbon backed his halves to be able to find a match-winner at the death if required, holding a 3-2 record in close games but failing to ice the game against North Queensland last week.

«We’ve had to win a few close ones this year,» Fitzgibbon said.

«Obviously the playmakers are comfortable under that stress and under that pressure.

«They’ve managed to stand up a couple of times throughout the year.

«If it goes close again, you’d like to back them in to get the job done as well. But every game is different.»

NRL FINALISTS’ RECORDS GAMES DECIDED BY SIX POINTS OR LESS

Penrith: 3-1

Sharks: 3-2

Cowboys: 4-2

Eels: 5-1

Storm: 1-3

Roosters: 2-3

Souths: 1-4

Raiders: 7-4