TEAM LIST Round 3 vs Rabbitohs

Team List
Flippedy said:
I don’t think putting Maka up against Mitchell would be a good idea. Why do that to an 18 year old?
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I understand the line of thought, but you could then say why play an 18 year old in the nrl at all if we want to protect him?

Maka is 192cm and 105kg..
Latrell is 193cm and 105kg..

Maka is the best person in our squad to be lining up against latrell. Hes already playing nrl. Theres no "protecting him" because of his age. That went out the window the moment he played wing for us taking hit ups in the middle of the field against the forwards who are bigger that latrell.

What is the worst that happens? Latrell schools him. Maka uses it as a development opportunity to improve his game.

Whats the best that can happen? He goes toe to toe with latrell..

It would he idiotic to put turuva or skelton against latrell imo.. maka is the person we need to step up.
 
I think Turuva at centre in D. He will definitely be the more talkative one out there and overcommunicating.

Skelton can be used at centre in attack to just run a straight hard line with KPP either wrapping around or running an unders line with him. Then it's on Douehi to pick the right option.

Centre, especially R centre is the most important defensive position against Bunnies. If these guys don't aim up, Walker will open up the flood gates to a 50 point scoreline.
 
Bunty not in cup or 19 man squad? Cup game’s at the same ground before first grade and they’re worried about him missing a week of training but don’t name him in either to be a potential 20th man replacement reserve?
 
BlackWhiteGold said:
Both sides of the field will be tough to defend. Tallis Duncan, Jack Wighton & Campbell Graham on Mak & Luke's side.
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Even allowing for the power of Fifita and added skill with Latrell to open up any game, how we handle Cody Walker likely determines their left edge effectiveness the most.
 
user118245 said:
Bunty not in cup or 19 man squad? Cup game’s at the same ground before first grade and they’re worried about him missing a week of training but don’t name him in either to be a potential 20th man replacement reserve?
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I'd say he'll be the NRL reserve player like Mav Geyer was for us last week.
 
Interesting match up this week, especially with our outs in the centres which is where their strenghts lie. I've done a quick SWOT analysis to come up with a potential game plan to beat the Rabbits. Interesting to hear you views and recommendations.

STRENGTHS (Us)

1. Second Phase Play (Offloads / Link Play)
  • Observation: We have genuine second-phase ability through middle + edge forwards.
  • So What: Souths’ defensive structure compresses well initially but can fracture when forced into repeated defensive decisions in broken play.
  • Deduction: Promote offloads early in sets — not just late-set desperation. Fatigue + indecision will expose Souths’ edges.
2. Dual Edge Threat (Balanced Attack)
  • Observation: We can attack both edges rather than being predictable.
  • So What: Souths’ edges are big-bodied (Fafita/Mitchell side especially) → strong contact, weaker lateral agility.
  • Deduction: Shift the point of attack frequently. Don’t allow Souths to get set and number up.
WEAKNESSES – (Us)

1. Inconsistent Game Control (Benji-era growing pains)
  • Observation: We drift away from structured control.
  • So What: Bennett teams punish lapses ruthlessly.
  • Deduction: Need clear control from our spine especially early in halves. Limit low-percentage footy.
2. Defensive Resilience Under Pressure
  • Observation: Susceptible to repeat-set pressure.
  • So What: Souths, through Cameron Murray, generate layered attack (middle + edges + shape).
  • Deduction: Discipline + line speed must hold — otherwise Murray unlocks shape on both sides.
OPPORTUNITIES - (Us)

1. Walker’s Edge (Physical + Mental Target)
  • Observation: Cody Walker is elite offensively but can be rattled physically/mentally.
  • So What: If disrupted, Souths lose rhythm on their primary attacking side.
  • Deduction:
  • Constant traffic at him
    • Controlled niggle (legal, repeat pressure)
    • Kick pressure → force errors
This is a key leverage point.

2. Souths Edge Size = Less then optimal lateral defence
  • Observation: Edge combo of Trell + Fifita is powerful but not agile laterally.
  • So What: They defend “in straight lines,” struggle with quick shifts and second phase play.
  • Deduction:
    • Sweep + second-man plays
    • Shape
    • Second phase opportunities on the edge
3. Murray as Third Playmaker
  • Observation: Cameron Murray links play through the middle.
  • So What: He’s a point of difference and playes between Souths’ forwards and edges.
  • Deduction:
    • Jam his time/space
    • Win ruck speed → reduce his influence
THREATS - (Them)

1. Left Edge Firepower (Walker / Mitchell / Fafita)
  • Observation: This is a their go to.
  • So What: If given time/space, they can score in bunches.
  • Deduction:
    • Must compress early
    • Bid body of Skelton to assist in nullifying size advantage
    • Defence must be active and connected with early decisions
    • We must trust the system and not focus on the individuals
2. Bennett’s Game Plan
  • Observation: Wayne Bennett likes to:
    • Win field position
    • Build pressure
    • Capitalise on errors
    • Work the left edge
  • So What: We won’t get many “free” momentum swings.
  • Deduction: Error rate must be low — especially coming out of yardage.
KEY THOUGHT

This game is a contrast of styles:
  • Souths: well developed and controlled with a focus on their left edge.
  • Us: unstructured threat within loose structure, second-phase play off cues, emerging attacking identity.
So what
If the game becomes structured and becomes a grind → Souths have the advantage
If the game becomes chaotic (controlled chaos) → we win

GAME PLAN

1. Start Fast, but maintain control (First 20 mins)
  • No miracle plays, play to second phase cues
  • High completion
  • Kick to corners, build pressure
Goal: Neutralise Souths control

2. Target Walker Relentlessly
  • Focus runners at him to make him defend
  • Compress on him and chase hard early to disrupt his confidence
Goal: Fatigue + frustrate Walker to disrupt Souths’ left edge rhythm

3. Play Fast Through the Middle → Then Shift

Win the contact and promote second phase play through offloads and ruck speed (Api and Bula through the middle) then immediately shift focus to the edges (don’t reset) to capitalise on their limited lateral defensive capability

Goal: Exploit slow edges

4. Attack Both Edges Equally
  • Avoid predictability
  • Use second-man and sweep plays
Goal: Force repeat defensive decisions on both sides of the field

5. Reduce Murray’s and Walker’s Influence (control Mitchell, Fafita and Koloamatangi)
  • Line speed and inside pressure must be consistent
  • Ruck control
  • Trust system, don't focus on individuals
Goal: Deny time, not just spac

6. Controlled Chaos (Our Weapon)

Once fatigue sets in:
  • Increase offloads
  • Increase tempo
  • Push support through middle and attack the edges
Goal: Break South’s defensive structure and induce fatigue → advantage to us.

PLAN IN A NUTSHELL
  • Win the ruck
  • Target Walker, Murray and Humphries effectively
  • Shift early and often
  • Embrace controlled second-phase play
This will pull Souths out of structure and provide us with opportunity to unleash our attack.

This isn’t about whether we’re “better” than Souths. It’s about whether we can play the right game. If we keep it structured the advantage lies with Souths, if we turn the game into controlled chaos we have the advantage. This is a great test to see where we are at under Benji.
 
Jolls said:
Interesting match up this week, especially with our outs in the centres which is where their strenghts lie. I've done a quick SWOT analysis to come up with a potential game plan to beat the Rabbits. Interesting to hear you views and recommendations.

STRENGTHS (Us)

1. Second Phase Play (Offloads / Link Play)
  • Observation: We have genuine second-phase ability through middle + edge forwards.
  • So What: Souths’ defensive structure compresses well initially but can fracture when forced into repeated defensive decisions in broken play.
  • Deduction: Promote offloads early in sets — not just late-set desperation. Fatigue + indecision will expose Souths’ edges.
2
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I enjoyed the win over NQ, but our main way of scoring or line breaks was offloads or short kicks.

Not replicable week in/out IMO
 
BlackWhiteGold said:
I'd say he'll be the NRL reserve player like Mav Geyer was for us last week.
Click to expand...
Yeh but Bunty makes no sense when they said last week he was cup because of missing a week of training. Get they need to rotate Mav out but why not put Sukkar or Murray instead of the guy you’re worried about missing a week of training?
 
tig_prmz said:
I enjoyed the win over NQ, but our main way of scoring or line breaks was offloads or short kicks.

Not replicable week in/out IMO
Click to expand...
I doubt Souths will be as easy to break down as the Cows; however, I don't think our game plan changes too much. There is less of a worry about control of the middle, although they still pose a significant threat, and more of a focus on getting reps into our edge defence.

Our point of difference is our ability to exploit second phase cues. How we execute that will depend on how Souths decide to defend. The Cows chose to try and jam in on us with a compressed defensive line so there were opportunties to kick in behind and strip them on the edges by making them commit early to shut us down.

I don't expect Souths to be so up in our face due the the size ans strength of their edges so the change in our plan has to be to take advantage of the reduced lateral movement they have on the edges due to their size.

So what changes, from what I outlined, in your game plan? How would you be trying to break down Souths' defence and nullify their attack?
 
To beat south’s we need to muscle up from the kick off , stop them quick and keep them pinned in their half , Walker we need to just keep running at him and niggle as above comments , rattle him and he is not as potent , muscle up on Trell and keep him quiet , man on man no mistakes and we should be able to go with them , we need to use our edges in Sam and KPP with good ball on the run , Skelton and Macca will hold up ok if they just play mistake free in defence , if in our area deep kicks down field and to corners and get up on them , thank god I am not coach this week as we need to go back to back
 
user118245 said:
Yeh but Bunty makes no sense when they said last week he was cup because of missing a week of training. Get they need to rotate Mav out but why not put Sukkar or Murray instead of the guy you’re worried about missing a week of training?
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Who knows what Benji's thinking is here! Maybe it's a pecking order thing or maybe he'd rather Bunty on standby if a HIA replacement is required especially amongst the middles.
 
Jolls said:
I doubt Souths will be as easy to break down as the Cows; however, I don't think our game plan changes too much. There is less of a worry about control of the middle, although they still pose a significant threat, and more of a focus on getting reps into our edge defence.

Our point of difference is our ability to exploit second phase cues. How we execute that will depend on how Souths decide to defend. The Cows chose to try and jam in on us with a compressed defensive line so there were opportunties to kick in behind and strip them on the edges by making them commit early to shut us down.

I don't expect Souths to be so up in our face due the the size ans strength of their edges so the change in our plan has to be to take advantage of the reduced lateral movement they have on the edges due to their size.

So what changes, from what I outlined, in your game plan? How would you be trying to break down Souths' defence and nullify their attack?
Click to expand...
Not asking for changes. My disappointment is that we are relying on offloads, hit and spin manouvers to make metres instead of straight hard running with plenty of support.

There is a blueprint to winning that every team uses and it is the team that executes that blueprint the best wins comps.

Offloads, kicks etc are low risk plays.

Every ball carrier needs to have options and I didn't see that with us as much as I'd like. It takes so much fitness to go 10m up/down in D and then run hard again giving the ball carrier genuine options. We actually won tackles due to individual tackle busting abilities or hit and spin offlaods via Twal, May and Turuva.

I was hoping that with all this emphasis on fitness over the pre-season, there would be higher genuine support plays in attack, and that there would be good structure in the attacking 20.

Still early days, but let's see.
 
tig_prmz said:
Not asking for changes. My disappointment is that we are relying on offloads, hit and spin manouvers to make metres instead of straight hard running with plenty of support.

There is a blueprint to winning that every team uses and it is the team that executes that blueprint the best wins comps.

Offloads, kicks etc are low risk plays.

Every ball carrier needs to have options and I didn't see that with us as much as I'd like. It takes so much fitness to go 10m up/down in D and then run hard again giving the ball carrier genuine options. We actually won tackles due to individual tackle busting abilities or hit and spin offlaods via Twal, May and Turuva.

I was hoping that with all this emphasis on fitness over the pre-season, there would be higher genuine support plays in attack, and that there would be good structure in the attacking 20.

Still early days, but let's see.
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I think there were a few good signs against the Cows. The kick for KPP to score was just one of several options Luai had at the time so the defence was overwhelmed and overcommitted due to the up and in approach they took at the time.

I also get the feel that Benji has given them freedom to play what they see and from what Ipicked up form hi interviews the second phase plays are not practiced as such but the cues have been identified and they know what to do and where to be.

This weekend I expect a bit more structure as Wayne would have drilled them hard on combating our second phase. My gut feel is we will see more of the fast feet attack - sweeps and lines that attack the the edge to draw them in and the quick shift to catch them out. This relys on AD and Luai digging deep and KPP and Sam running great lines to keep them interested and in two minds.
 
Jolls said:
Interesting match up this week, especially with our outs in the centres which is where their strenghts lie. I've done a quick SWOT analysis to come up with a potential game plan to beat the Rabbits. Interesting to hear you views and recommendations.

STRENGTHS (Us)

1. Second Phase Play (Offloads / Link Play)
  • Observation: We have genuine second-phase ability through middle + edge forwards.
  • So What: Souths’ defensive structure compresses well initially but can fracture when forced into repeated defensive decisions in broken play.
  • Deduction: Promote offloads early in sets — not just late-set desperation. Fatigue + indecision will expose Souths’ edges.
2. Dual Edge Threat (Balanced Attack)
  • Observation: We can attack both edges rather than being predictable.
  • So What: Souths’ edges are big-bodied (Fafita/Mitchell side especially) → strong contact, weaker lateral agility.
  • Deduction: Shift the point of attack frequently. Don’t allow Souths to get set and number up.
WEAKNESSES – (Us)

1. Inconsistent Game Control (Benji-era growing pains)
  • Observation: We drift away from structured control.
  • So What: Bennett teams punish lapses ruthlessly.
  • Deduction: Need clear control from our spine especially early in halves. Limit low-percentage footy.
2. Defensive Resilience Under Pressure
  • Observation: Susceptible to repeat-set pressure.
  • So What: Souths, through Cameron Murray, generate layered attack (middle + edges + shape).
  • Deduction: Discipline + line speed must hold — otherwise Murray unlocks shape on both sides.
OPPORTUNITIES - (Us)

1. Walker’s Edge (Physical + Mental Target)
  • Observation: Cody Walker is elite offensively but can be rattled physically/mentally.
  • So What: If disrupted, Souths lose rhythm on their primary attacking side.
  • Deduction:
  • Constant traffic at him
    • Controlled niggle (legal, repeat pressure)
    • Kick pressure → force errors
This is a key leverage point.

2. Souths Edge Size = Less then optimal lateral defence
  • Observation: Edge combo of Trell + Fifita is powerful but not agile laterally.
  • So What: They defend “in straight lines,” struggle with quick shifts and second phase play.
  • Deduction:
    • Sweep + second-man plays
    • Shape
    • Second phase opportunities on the edge
3. Murray as Third Playmaker
  • Observation: Cameron Murray links play through the middle.
  • So What: He’s a point of difference and playes between Souths’ forwards and edges.
  • Deduction:
    • Jam his time/space
    • Win ruck speed → reduce his influence
THREATS - (Them)

1. Left Edge Firepower (Walker / Mitchell / Fafita)
  • Observation: This is a their go to.
  • So What: If given time/space, they can score in bunches.
  • Deduction:
    • Must compress early
    • Bid body of Skelton to assist in nullifying size advantage
    • Defence must be active and connected with early decisions
    • We must trust the system and not focus on the individuals
2. Bennett’s Game Plan
  • Observation: Wayne Bennett likes to:
    • Win field position
    • Build pressure
    • Capitalise on errors
    • Work the left edge
  • So What: We won’t get many “free” momentum swings.
  • Deduction: Error rate must be low — especially coming out of yardage.
KEY THOUGHT

This game is a contrast of styles:
  • Souths: well developed and controlled with a focus on their left edge.
  • Us: unstructured threat within loose structure, second-phase play off cues, emerging attacking identity.
So what
If the game becomes structured and becomes a grind → Souths have the advantage
If the game becomes chaotic (controlled chaos) → we win

GAME PLAN

1. Start Fast, but maintain control (First 20 mins)
  • No miracle plays, play to second phase cues
  • High completion
  • Kick to corners, build pressure
Goal: Neutralise Souths control

2. Target Walker Relentlessly
  • Focus runners at him to make him defend
  • Compress on him and chase hard early to disrupt his confidence
Goal: Fatigue + frustrate Walker to disrupt Souths’ left edge rhythm

3. Play Fast Through the Middle → Then Shift

Win the contact and promote second phase play through offloads and ruck speed (Api and Bula through the middle) then immediately shift focus to the edges (don’t reset) to capitalise on their limited lateral defensive capability

Goal: Exploit slow edges

4. Attack Both Edges Equally
  • Avoid predictability
  • Use second-man and sweep plays
Goal: Force repeat defensive decisions on both sides of the field

5. Reduce Murray’s and Walker’s Influence (control Mitchell, Fafita and Koloamatangi)
  • Line speed and inside pressure must be consistent
  • Ruck control
  • Trust system, don't focus on individuals
Goal: Deny time, not just spac

6. Controlled Chaos (Our Weapon)

Once fatigue sets in:
  • Increase offloads
  • Increase tempo
  • Push support through middle and attack the edges
Goal: Break South’s defensive structure and induce fatigue → advantage to us.

PLAN IN A NUTSHELL
  • Win the ruck
  • Target Walker, Murray and Humphries effectively
  • Shift early and often
  • Embrace controlled second-phase play
This will pull Souths out of structure and provide us with opportunity to unleash our attack.

This isn’t about whether we’re “better” than Souths. It’s about whether we can play the right game. If we keep it structured the advantage lies with Souths, if we turn the game into controlled chaos we have the advantage. This is a great test to see where we are at under Benji.
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