After winning the Auckland Nines and the World Club Challenge, there was the chance the Rabbitohs could eventually come back to earth as they travelled to face a Brisbane outfit with a potential emotional bounce under the guidance of returning icon Wayne Bennett.

It never looked likely as Souths began to strangle Brisbane late in the first half before opening fire in the second, running in five tries to win 36-6 and begin their title defence on the best possible note.

Inglis praised his team's meticulous preparations after returning from England, a trip the Broncos also made. But only one side looked like they were suffering from jetlag as the Broncos battled to compete in the face of the relentless South Sydney pressure and physicality.

He said the side wanted to put the writing on the wall from the outset. In that case, it was mission accomplished.

"Last year was last year," Inglis said. "The boys did exceptionally well. We're extremely happy, but we concentrate on the big prize. To do that, we go week to week.

"We definitely did [want to make a statement]. It goes back to the boys getting their bodies right after England."

Rabbitohs coach Michael Maguire said there was room for improvement after a match played in hot and humid conditions, where both sides were guilty of simple turnovers.

He said the trip to England had only served to harden the resolve of the players and the first match showed the hunger was still there after the highs of last year's premiership breakthrough.

"I think it's made us a stronger team, how we've come together," Maguire said. "But there's plenty of things there that we can focus on next week.

"The players love doing what we're doing. It's in this team. It's about what we do next and that's instilled. We talk about that all the time. The bar will be raised throughout this season. If you are slightly off in this competition, they're going to stick it to you."

Broncos coach Wayne Bennett didn't mince words, saying his side needed to improve significantly to contend with the elite sides in the competition. Simple mistakes, he said, ensured there was no pressure applied, while Souths were able to make the best of their repeat sets and domination of possession.

"Souths Sydney are extremely good," Bennett said. "Lots of lessons for us. We need to realise what good teams do compared to the teams that aren't so good.

"It's just doing the little things right. The game is too clinical today to make the little mistakes we make.

"We're predictable at being unpredictable. It drives a coach insane."