happy_tiger
Well-known member
@ said:
Happy and the NRL physio were correct then …..... :smiley:
I'm happy to prove you wrong :wahoo: , not happy Rowdy out 😢 😢 😢 😢 😢 😢 😢 😢 😢 😢 😢
WESTS Tigers Team V Souths...
- Thread starter Geo
- Start date
Happy and the NRL physio were correct then …..... :smiley:
I'm happy to prove you wrong :wahoo: , not happy Rowdy out 😢 😢 😢 😢 😢 😢 😢 😢 😢 😢 😢
momo_amp_medo
Well-known member
@ said:
Agree that may be the case. However when to get to play NRL there is more motivation for experienced senior player to perform….. so I think Grant and/or Rochor .....should tick that box ... but Unfirtunately McQueen has not shown anything this year in both grades and that must be a major disappointment to all concerned. I think he is busted with the injury he sustained last year and ready for retirement.
G
Guest
Guest
Would have preferred Taylor move to the backrow and MCK come off the bench where he seems to have much more of an impact.
jirskyr
Well-known member
@ said:
? Aloiai for one often punches through the line and lands on his front??
Hooth is the master of being put on his back. Hooth and ET.
Nucky_Thompson
New member
@ said:
It looks so bad without lawrence
Mcqueen must be well out of the pecking order to miss this team.
westTAHger
Well-known member
@ said:
Is the broken hand confirmed?
Feel sorry for Rowdy, he has been going very well this season.
Really going to miss his defense. :imp:
Tweed_Tiger
Well-known member
Lawrence is such a massive loss he has been huge for us this season we will need half the team to find another gear against Souths.
I sense a 2015 Ambush..
http://www.rugbyleagueproject.org/seasons/nrl-2015/round-14/wests-tigers-vs-south-sydney/summary.html
http://www.rugbyleagueproject.org/seasons/nrl-2015/round-14/wests-tigers-vs-south-sydney/summary.html
@ said:
Yep, fractured hand and will undergo surgery
https://www.weststigers.com.au/news/2018/07/17/chemist-warehouse-injury-report-round-19
Also I agree, rowdy is a big loss for us.
Byron_Bay_Fan
New member
from the Souths Warren (the graphics may not have transported well)
https://warren.rabbitohs.net/t/round-19-tigers-vs-rabbitohs/2511
SouthsTragic
8
6h
THE CELEBRATION: I considered it a great honour when Moon allocated me this preview given that this week we are celebrating the 300th game of one of South Sydney’s favourite sons, John Sutton. Sutton is a local junior from a working-class background, a battler who made the grade, & is the living embodiment of the values our great club was built on. Although Sutton is not an Australian international or an Origin representative, he has earned the admiration of the Souths family through his loyalty, resilience, leadership, selflessness & silky skills. He has made mistakes in the past, but more importantly, he has owned & learned from them, with few complaints.
Sutton debuted for the Rabbitohs in Round 17, 2004 when Souths only won five games. In 2006 Souths won three & in 2007, 12\. He has been there in the tough times as well as the good. Since the start of his career, Sutton has always been one of the first players to be criticised whenever the team has performed poorly (overrated, overpaid, too slow etc.). Which is astonishing really, considering he’s now a premiership captain & Souths’ most capped player. Meanwhile, Sutton quietly got on with getting the job done - because that’s what he always does, & when he runs out this week, his focus will be on his beloved team, not himself. First & foremost, Sutton is a team man & that is perhaps his greatest quality.
It’s fair to say that with a bit of luck, he should have achieved higher representative honours. He may have missed out playing Origin in 2009 due to a knuckle injury & he was named 18th man in 2013\. One also suspects that it wasn’t until later in his career that he fully understood what was required to achieve excellence, through exposure to better coaching & playing alongside elite players. Nevertheless, that’s all pure speculation & true to his carefree nature, Sutto won’t be dwelling on the past. Unlike his many fans who will never forget Sunday, 5th October, 2014, when he raised the shield above his head & yelled: “Yeah the boys”.
John Sutton – SSFC Legend.
WHY WE HATE THEM: While one doesn’t want to degenerate into childish arguments over events that occurred nearly half a century ago, I have included a brief overview of this travesty for the purists & younger members of the forum. South Sydney’s Clive Churchill-coached team went into the 1969 grand final looking for their third straight premiership, boasting the likes of Bob McCarthy, John Sattler, Ron Coote, Eric Simms, John O’Neill, Denis Pittard & Mike Cleary. Balmain would end up winning 11-2 in a victory which is considered one of the great grand final upsets. It became known as the “lay-down grand final” & Balmain’s gamesmanship was seen by many as against the spirit of the game. The rules were changed to allow for play to continue while an injured player was being treated & as a result, we duly flogged the chip- thieves 23 -12 in the 1970 grand final.
Although not a conspiracy theorist, the true origins of the rise of soccer in Australia can be directly traced to this game. Recruitment scouts from the “world game” correctly recognised the talent available in the region, & the Leichardt district now quite appropriately produces more soccer than Rugby League players, where hurling oneself screaming onto the ground while feigning an opposition-induced, life-threatening injury is a coveted skill.
At the end of the day, a rugby league game is but a heartbeat in the fleeting pulse of life but NOTHING MAKES MY BLOOD BOIL MORE THAN SEEING ONE OF THESE STINKING, FILTHY CATS HIT THE DECK IN AN EFFORT TO SLOW DOWN THE GAME……Anyway, I digress.
PREVIOUS MATCH-UP: Souths last played the Tigers on Friday, May 12th 2017 at ANZ Stadium with Sam Burgess starring in a 28-8 thrashing. Burgess scored two tries, making 189 metres & 30 tackles in a five tries to one demolition against a wretched Tigers outfit who missed 46 tackles.
LAST 5 STARTS
Round 18 - Souths 24 Dogs 6 / Tigers 20 Saints 16
Round 17 - Bye Souths & Tigers
Round 16 - Souths 21 Cowboys 20 / Tigers 12 Titans 30
Round 15 - Souths 42 Eels 24 / Tigers 12 Raiders 48
Round 14 - Souths 18 Titans 16 / Tigers 16 Sharks 24
Round 13 - Souths 22 Sharks 14 / Tigers 14 Roosters 16
Souths have won their last 5 games (in their 9-straight streak) albeit with some lucky escapes against the Cowboys & Titans. However good teams win tight games. Souths accounted for the Sharks & the Titans, who the Tigers subsequently played & lost. More worrying for the Tigers is that they were flogged by the Raiders (embarrassed 38-0 in the second half) & they were comprehensively outplayed by the Sharks & Titans, confirming the predictions of many that their best 17 are competitive but once subjected to injuries, they would quickly fade away.
INJURY LIST:
• RABBITOHS: Richie Kennar – foot - Round 19 / Greg Inglis - broken thumb – Round 23
• TIGERS: Mahe Fonua - broken arm - Round 21-25 / Josh Reynolds (shoulder, indefinite) Chris Lawrence – Hamstring - (TBC)
PREVIOUS GAMES:
Last Saturday, SOUTHS barely got out of second gear, recording their 9th straight victory in an effortless demolition of a gutsy but outgunned Bulldogs team at ANZ. In the first 30 minutes, Souths looked as flat as a shit-carter’s hat, playing far too laterally after making some early breaks out wide. The scrambling defence of both teams was a feature of the first stanza, with the Dogs held up four times over the stripe by the Rabbitohs, in a magnificent exhibition of desperate defence. Despite some silly mistakes and poor passing, Souths still managed a couple of tries and led 12-2 at the break.
A converted try soon after oranges extended the Rabbitohs’ lead to 18-2 & Souths had the game well under control. The Dogs hit back in the 53rd minute to briefly offer some hope & a smattering of cheers resumed from the frothing pie-holes of the Bulldog’s faithful. The fightback was short-lived & the demoralised and decimated blue & white army beat a hasty retreat for the exit after Jennings crashed over to make it 24-6\. Damien Cook (46 tackles, 101 metres) was a constant threat in the middle. Adam Reynolds turned in an excellent performance, menacing the Bulldogs with his high kicks, scoring a try and kicking 4 from 5\. Crichton always troubled the Dogs defence (179 metres) & Jennings scored a treble. For the Dogs, Josh Jackson & Hopoate were the picks with Hopoate running for nearly 300 metres.
Last Sunday at Jubilee Oval, the TIGERS met the Dragons who had 5 players backing up from Origin. Farah was in outstanding form setting up 3 tries with the Tigers holding on for a 20-16 win in an entertaining contest.
With five minutes left on the clock, the tiring Tigers looked out on their feet after late two tries to the home side by Widdop and Dufty got the Dragons back into the game after they had trailed 20-6\. On the hill, the slack-jawed Saints supporters rose as one in the vain hope of urging their side to a miraculous win & retaining the premiership lead. However, the Tigers came away with a well-deserved victory, simultaneously inflicting the Dragon’s first home loss of the season & leaving Souths 2 points clear at the top of the table.
For the Tigers, Farah was by far their best (48 tackles, 70 metres), & was ably assisted by Mbye & Brooks.For the Dragons, Vaughan & Frizell played well, but for the most part the joint venture looked disinterested, busted and bereft of attacking imagination.
Coach Seibold should also be congratulated for his immense strategic vision in releasing Farrah in order to snatch the premiership lead, for which he was heavily criticized by some at the time.
Dan%202Dan 2.jpg515x714 81.9 KB
REMAINING GAMES SOUTHS: Tigers (A); Eels (H); Storm (H); Roosters (H); Broncos (A); Raiders (A); Tigers (H).
REMAINING GAMES TIGERS: Souths (H); Dogs (A); Knights (A); Raiders (A); Dragons (A); Sea Eagles (H); Souths (A).
TURNAROUND: Souths 7 days; Tigers 6 days.
FORECAST WEATHER: Mostly sunny, Max 17 Min 7
BETTING (PREMIERSHIP): Souths $4.50; Tigers $67 Sportsbet
GAME: Souths $1.34; Tigers $3.30 Sportsbet
TELEVISED: Live on Fox
MOTIVATION: With seven games to go before the finals, the final eight is pretty well confirmed with Souths (28); Storm (26); Saints (26); Roosters (24); Panthers (24); Sharks (24); Warriors (24); & the Broncos (22) opening up a 4-point gap on the rest of the field. With only three games against top eight sides still to play, Souths are in the box seat to win the minor premiership. However, a couple of losses could see Souths drop out of the top 4 so Coach Seibold will work hard this week to ensure there is no complacency.
The only other sides with a mathematical chance are the Raiders & Tigers who are both on 18 points. The Tigers have got nothing to lose so will be happy to ping it around & take some chances. Although Souths have been winning, they have been cruising in games against lesser teams & the team has been stating that they have a lot of improvement left in them. Now is crunch time for the players to step it up a gear.
Souths will be keen to make Sutton’s 300th milestone game a winning one (see above). It is also Dane Gagai’s 150th. Robbie Farrah, who is celebrating his 250th game, will be hoping to turn in a good performance against his former club & the Origin player who kept him in reggies.
THE MATCH-UPs
MIDDLE
13 Sam Burgess; 8 Tom Burgess; 10 George Burgess; vs.
13 Elijah Taylor; 8 Russell Packer; 10 Ben Matulino.
Souths massive turnaround in 2018 can be directly correlated with Tom & George’s improved form & ball handing. Both men will play direct, & set the platform for our lateral attack through violent collisions & quick play-the-balls. Souths sometimes fall into the trap of forgetting to do the hard yards first as evidenced in the first half last week. Souths have to earn the right to play sideways against the Tigers & the twins need to be given sufficient time to own the ruck. This is where the game will be won or lost & the Tigers will pull out all stops to slow down the play-the-ball, so expect penalties. Sam is the best forward Souths have had in many years: we are privileged to have him.
South Sydney has been susceptible to the big middle men attacking the line close to the posts, especially when AJ, Cook or the smaller interchange players are isolated. Our defence will need to get off their line to get in the face of the big Tiger’s forwards hitting a short pass off Farah on the back of a quick play-the-ball, even if it gifts them a penalty. Elijah Taylor is a busy player but is nothing special.
SPINE
9 Damien Cook; 7 Adam Reynolds; 6 Cody Walker; 1 Alex Johnston vs
9 Robbie Farah; 7 Luke Brooks; 6 Benji Marshall ©; 1 Moses Mbye.
Cook will capitalise on the quick play-the-balls of the Burgi & co to terrorise the Tiger’s retreating defence. His passing game, defence & endurance has greatly improved, & he is now the full package. Barring injury, he will be Souths’ next Australian representative - enough said. Brooks will be hoping the injection of Farah & Mbye into the Tiger’s spine can help ease his load. Souths know only too well that this can result in team paralysis, as Farah tends to overplay. Like the Black Knight, Farrah eagerly awaits his mismatch with Cook & the formidable Souths pack. For his own safety, one hopes the cold but humane hand of Kelly Egan will soon intervene to mercifully drop the shroud on Robbie’s illustrious career.
Adam Reynolds’ defensive game has improved & on the basis of this, his confidence is back. He is running the ball again & looks to be enjoying his footy. His long kicking game has been excellent, his goal kicking has improved, but his short game still needs work. Reynolds will terrorise the Tiger’s back three with his towering bombs & Marshall will return the favour. The Tigers are ranked second in forced drop-outs & Brooks, Farrah, & Mbye are all left foot kickers. Expect our right edge to be peppered with short kicks behind the C defender as both Thurston & Ash Taylor pulled our pants down with similar kicks. Farrah will also dummy kick to hold up the line and then send it out the back to Brooks & Mbye.
Cody Walker has been in outstanding form, getting quick, clean ball to his outside men, & unlike many of today’s five-eighths, playing what’s in front of him. It was also fantastic to see him turn up on the right last week to make the extra man. His defence has improved & he is also the team’s best support player, so watch for him appearing Merritt-like any time a team-mate pokes through. Marshall has played well on occasions this year & the Souths defence must resist the temptation to rush out of the line in response to Benji’s forays across field. Brooks & Marshall are ranked 13th (3.4 pg) & 16th (3.3) in the NRL respectively for missed tackles (Fox SportsLab) so they can expect plenty of traffic. Marshall’s career, like Farah’s, is in its final throes & will soon gasp its last breath.
Mbye was a good pick-up for the Tigers who are desperate to weaponise their insipid attack. He is a glutton for punishment as he has moved from the NRL’s 13th worst performing attack to the 15th. He needs a pre-season with the team in order to form combinations but he will be keen to endear himself to the new coach & the Tiger’s faithful, so has plenty of motivation. Souths will be wary of his kick returns as he has excellent footwork at the line.
Alex Johnston has suffered from succeeding one of the greats into the famous No 1 cardinal & myrtle guernsey & the natural inclination of fans to judge his efforts on those of his predecessor. AJ isn’t GI & never will be – his game is based on his sublime speed. There has been a noticeable improvement in his passing game, safety under the high ball, positional play & his toughness in carting up the ball. Once AJ gets a two-on-one out wide it will be all over for the Tigers, because he’s too fast for the cover to pick him up or he will gift a try to his wingman. Sure there are things that AJ needs to improve including his defensive positional play, but he is going nowhere & he will be our fullback in the finals.
The explanation for this is obvious. Defending Sutton & Inglis who are both 105kg (161/2 stone) on the left edge is a one-on-one nightmare. It’s a similar assignment to trying to contain one of rugby league’s greatest combinations, Miles & Meninga, in the days when centres played on the same side. When you inject AJ into the mix, the resulting combination is a lethal cocktail of power, skill & speed. On the occasions when Sam (116kg/18 stone 3 pounds) joins the left edge revelry, the opposition have good reason to feel terrified.
SOUTH’S RIGHT EDGE VS TIGERS LEFT EDGE
12 Angus Crichton; 4 Dane Gagai; 2 Campbell Graham vs
11 Michael Chee Kam; 4 Kevin Naiqama; 2 David Nofoaluma.
The Dragon’s comeback last week against the Tigers coincided with Chris Lawrence leaving the field with a hamstring injury - he also has a broken hand. He was in stellar form and is a huge loss. Lawrence is usually Brooks’ bodyguard on the Tiger’s left edge, and in his absence, Brooks will not sleep well this week. Lawrence has been replaced by Michael Chee Kam, a journeyman who has had a decent year but has been coming on after 20 on the right edge off Marshall.
The left edge had already been weakened by the loss of the dangerous Mahe Fonua who is recovering from a broken arm. He was replaced by the ageing Naiqama, who is Super League-bound & has delivered disgraceful performances against the Dragons & the Titans.
With Fonua & Lawrence out, & Brooks exposed, the Souths right edge should have a picnic. Crichton, despite playing with more strapping than Paleface Adios, is in superb form & his hole-running will trouble the weakened Tiger’s defence. However, Angus needs some urgent work on his dreadful right side pass. He butchered a certain try last week against the Dogs & his failure to deliver a crucial pass to Roberts in Origin 3 was sadly all too familiar to Souths supporters.
Gagai needs to step up in the absence of GI. His one percenters are good (e.g. backing up; kick pressure; kick chases etc.) but he needs to do more in attack. It would help if Adam gave him some quick early ball. As observed by many, Gagai’s defence has been disgraceful & this is supported by the stats - he is leading the average missed tackles metric by a long margin (3.1; then, more understandably Sam 2.7 & Cook 2.4). He urgently needs to address this or he will be found out in the big games by Mitchell & co.
Graham is an outstanding prospect & I’m looking forward to the day the nineteen-year-old gets his chance at centre. His decisions in defence last week were for the most part outstanding & he will thoroughly test Nofoaluma in the air. The hard running Nofoaluma will place young Graham on notice with his Maori sidestep but he is unlikely to be intimidated. Although he hasn’t quite got it right yet, Reynolds has been chipping for Graham when defences have been rushing up.
SOUTH’S LEFT EDGE vs TIGERS RIGHT EDGE
11 John Sutton; 3 Hymel Hunt; 5 Robert Jennings vs
12 Josh Aloiai; 3 Esan Marsters; 5 Corey Thompson.
GI is a huge loss on the left edge and is scheduled for a return in Round 23 against the Broncos at Suncorp. To those few who still believe he is over-rated & over-paid, he is the Souths captain, the QLD captain & will be named the Australian captain. One does not achieve these honours by being ordinary.
Souths have nearly scored as many tries down the left edge (38) than the Tigers have scored in total (39). However, in the absence of GI, the left edge suddenly looks vulnerable. Hymel Hunt will have his hands full defensively with the young Kiwi international, Esan Marsters, who is an exceptional new talent. Although he’s 105 kgs, he won’t run over Hunt who is a brutal front-on defender, but can make poor decisions when facing multiple runners. Hunt’s passing game is appalling & thankfully last week he was mostly used as a decoy with Johnston hitting Jennings. Nevertheless, I would like to see Hymel’s contract renewed as a position-change project. He is one tough hombre & with a decent off-season he could develop into the menacing back-rower we have been looking for, at a cheaper price.
Aloiai will mark up on Sutton, who will go through Aloiai via tough hole running, or around him off his big left foot. Sutto has also been hitting the blind late in the tackle count. With the acquisition of Mbye, Corey Thompson has moved from fullback to wing & despite his diminutive stature, he is fearless & is an excellent finisher, as evidenced in his superb try against the Saints. However, he will get a thorough workout from the rampaging Jennings who has been a revelation since he moved to the wing & now leads the NRL with 16 tries.
INTERCHANGE:
14 Adam Doueihi; 15 Cameron Murray; 16 Jason Clark; 17 Tevita Tatola vs
14 Alex Twal; 15 Suaso Sue; 16 Luke Garner; 17 Matt Eisenhuth.
Adam Doueihi will terrorise his former club with his great long pass, excellent short kicking game, & tough hole running. Best of all, he plays very direct & straightens the attack on our right edge every time he comes on. His decision-making in defence has been questionable at times & he hasn’t had much game time to iron out his flaws, but I’m excited by his signing as he’s a future star. Alex Twal returns after a week out with injury, & is a talented, lightweight prop with an offload, good defence, & a big motor. He needs to get into the gym in the off-season & put on a few extra kilos but the young Tiger has a future.
Cameron Murray is an outstanding defender & similar to his idol & mentor (SB), rarely turns in a bad game. His attack is improving with game time & he has the potential to be the future captain of our club. Im not convinced that he is our future 13 though, given that most of the good ones are large humans (e.g. Taumalolo 117kg; Sam 116; de Belin 107 etc.). However, that debate is for another day. Sue is a plodder who has been tossed a jumper on the back of the Tiger’s tragic recruitment (e.g. Rockow, Grant & McQueen etc.). The up-side for Tigers fans is that not long ago, that was us. Playing only 6 games this season, the man called Sue has promised much but delivered little & if he’s not missing tackles, he’s failing a HIA or loitering in the ruck.
Souths welcomes Jason Clark back after serving a dodgy suspension. His game revolves around a high work-rate, solid middle defence, & a quick play-the-ball. He will trouble the Tigers with his offloads when, barring injuries, he enters the fray in the in the second half. In his last season with his beloved club, I sincerely hope he heads to the Old Dart wearing another premiership ring. Luke Garner debuted last week against Saints after solid form in the lower grades saw him selected in the NSW Residents team. This is by far his toughest test.
Tevita Tetola has been a revelation since arriving from the Tigers & is keeping a good player (Nichols) in reggies. At 118kg, Junior’s mobility & great footwork at the line will be a nightmare for the Tiger’s tiring defence after the twins’ initial 20-25-minute assault. Nothing much will get through him either as he is a very good defender with a 93.3% tackle efficiency. Following a battle with cancer in 2014, Matt Eisenhuth debuted late last year at the age of 24 after stints in the lower grades with the Raiders & Eels. Eisenhuth can tackle but he makes Tim Grant look fast, & he won’t bend the Rabbitoh’s line, despite his 110kg & 198cm (6ft 5) frame.
The COACHES: Anthony Seibold is the first South Sydney head coach to win 12 of his first 16 matches since the great Jack Raynor captain-coached us in 1950 (13 of first 16/16 of 20/5 premierships 1950,51,53,54,55). We should’ve also won the ‘52 GF against Wests if NOT FOR THE CRIMINAL DECISIONS BY THAT LYING, CHEATING BASTARD, GEORGE BISH….sorry… it’s still raw – f*** I hate ‘em. Souths are now playing a brand of football that makes their fans excited to watch them again. The older players are back in their best form of their careers (e.g. Sutton; Burgi; Cook etc.). The young brigade such as Graham, Jennings, Murray & Tatola are improving with each game. While there are many extenuating reasons for the club’s hugely improved performance, Coach Seibold is a major factor. He thoroughly deserves an extension which he is reportedly keen to negotiate at the end of the year. No doubt he has rightly concluded that he will trouser more cash with a premiership on his resume.
Cleary has done a fair job in 2018 but in the end he hasn’t had the depth to work with. The Tiger’s roster resembles a pet rescue shelter where ageing, discarded footballers seek refuge until a new owner can be found, or they are quietly led out the back & euthanized (e.g. Marshall, Farrah, J Reynolds, Rockow, Grant & McQueen etc.).
FINAL ANALYSIS: The Tigers have lost eight of their last 11 matches. From being surprisingly comfortable in the top four after six rounds, they’re now in 10th spot & long odds to make the eight. Although the addition of Farrah & Mbye has improved their spine, they struggle to get the ball over the stripe. While they are capable of the odd upset, their roster is ageing and they struggle for consistency.
They are playing a team who are full of self-belief & who are the best attacking side in the competition. If we are going to win 22, it’s time for Souths to step it up a gear, and treat teams like the Tigers with the disdain that they deserve. Souths will celebrate Sutto’s glorious career by handing the Tigers their arse.
PREDICTION: Souths by 18+
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https://warren.rabbitohs.net/t/round-19-tigers-vs-rabbitohs/2511
SouthsTragic
8
6h
THE CELEBRATION: I considered it a great honour when Moon allocated me this preview given that this week we are celebrating the 300th game of one of South Sydney’s favourite sons, John Sutton. Sutton is a local junior from a working-class background, a battler who made the grade, & is the living embodiment of the values our great club was built on. Although Sutton is not an Australian international or an Origin representative, he has earned the admiration of the Souths family through his loyalty, resilience, leadership, selflessness & silky skills. He has made mistakes in the past, but more importantly, he has owned & learned from them, with few complaints.
Sutton debuted for the Rabbitohs in Round 17, 2004 when Souths only won five games. In 2006 Souths won three & in 2007, 12\. He has been there in the tough times as well as the good. Since the start of his career, Sutton has always been one of the first players to be criticised whenever the team has performed poorly (overrated, overpaid, too slow etc.). Which is astonishing really, considering he’s now a premiership captain & Souths’ most capped player. Meanwhile, Sutton quietly got on with getting the job done - because that’s what he always does, & when he runs out this week, his focus will be on his beloved team, not himself. First & foremost, Sutton is a team man & that is perhaps his greatest quality.
It’s fair to say that with a bit of luck, he should have achieved higher representative honours. He may have missed out playing Origin in 2009 due to a knuckle injury & he was named 18th man in 2013\. One also suspects that it wasn’t until later in his career that he fully understood what was required to achieve excellence, through exposure to better coaching & playing alongside elite players. Nevertheless, that’s all pure speculation & true to his carefree nature, Sutto won’t be dwelling on the past. Unlike his many fans who will never forget Sunday, 5th October, 2014, when he raised the shield above his head & yelled: “Yeah the boys”.
John Sutton – SSFC Legend.
WHY WE HATE THEM: While one doesn’t want to degenerate into childish arguments over events that occurred nearly half a century ago, I have included a brief overview of this travesty for the purists & younger members of the forum. South Sydney’s Clive Churchill-coached team went into the 1969 grand final looking for their third straight premiership, boasting the likes of Bob McCarthy, John Sattler, Ron Coote, Eric Simms, John O’Neill, Denis Pittard & Mike Cleary. Balmain would end up winning 11-2 in a victory which is considered one of the great grand final upsets. It became known as the “lay-down grand final” & Balmain’s gamesmanship was seen by many as against the spirit of the game. The rules were changed to allow for play to continue while an injured player was being treated & as a result, we duly flogged the chip- thieves 23 -12 in the 1970 grand final.
Although not a conspiracy theorist, the true origins of the rise of soccer in Australia can be directly traced to this game. Recruitment scouts from the “world game” correctly recognised the talent available in the region, & the Leichardt district now quite appropriately produces more soccer than Rugby League players, where hurling oneself screaming onto the ground while feigning an opposition-induced, life-threatening injury is a coveted skill.
At the end of the day, a rugby league game is but a heartbeat in the fleeting pulse of life but NOTHING MAKES MY BLOOD BOIL MORE THAN SEEING ONE OF THESE STINKING, FILTHY CATS HIT THE DECK IN AN EFFORT TO SLOW DOWN THE GAME……Anyway, I digress.
PREVIOUS MATCH-UP: Souths last played the Tigers on Friday, May 12th 2017 at ANZ Stadium with Sam Burgess starring in a 28-8 thrashing. Burgess scored two tries, making 189 metres & 30 tackles in a five tries to one demolition against a wretched Tigers outfit who missed 46 tackles.
LAST 5 STARTS
Round 18 - Souths 24 Dogs 6 / Tigers 20 Saints 16
Round 17 - Bye Souths & Tigers
Round 16 - Souths 21 Cowboys 20 / Tigers 12 Titans 30
Round 15 - Souths 42 Eels 24 / Tigers 12 Raiders 48
Round 14 - Souths 18 Titans 16 / Tigers 16 Sharks 24
Round 13 - Souths 22 Sharks 14 / Tigers 14 Roosters 16
Souths have won their last 5 games (in their 9-straight streak) albeit with some lucky escapes against the Cowboys & Titans. However good teams win tight games. Souths accounted for the Sharks & the Titans, who the Tigers subsequently played & lost. More worrying for the Tigers is that they were flogged by the Raiders (embarrassed 38-0 in the second half) & they were comprehensively outplayed by the Sharks & Titans, confirming the predictions of many that their best 17 are competitive but once subjected to injuries, they would quickly fade away.
INJURY LIST:
• RABBITOHS: Richie Kennar – foot - Round 19 / Greg Inglis - broken thumb – Round 23
• TIGERS: Mahe Fonua - broken arm - Round 21-25 / Josh Reynolds (shoulder, indefinite) Chris Lawrence – Hamstring - (TBC)
PREVIOUS GAMES:
Last Saturday, SOUTHS barely got out of second gear, recording their 9th straight victory in an effortless demolition of a gutsy but outgunned Bulldogs team at ANZ. In the first 30 minutes, Souths looked as flat as a shit-carter’s hat, playing far too laterally after making some early breaks out wide. The scrambling defence of both teams was a feature of the first stanza, with the Dogs held up four times over the stripe by the Rabbitohs, in a magnificent exhibition of desperate defence. Despite some silly mistakes and poor passing, Souths still managed a couple of tries and led 12-2 at the break.
A converted try soon after oranges extended the Rabbitohs’ lead to 18-2 & Souths had the game well under control. The Dogs hit back in the 53rd minute to briefly offer some hope & a smattering of cheers resumed from the frothing pie-holes of the Bulldog’s faithful. The fightback was short-lived & the demoralised and decimated blue & white army beat a hasty retreat for the exit after Jennings crashed over to make it 24-6\. Damien Cook (46 tackles, 101 metres) was a constant threat in the middle. Adam Reynolds turned in an excellent performance, menacing the Bulldogs with his high kicks, scoring a try and kicking 4 from 5\. Crichton always troubled the Dogs defence (179 metres) & Jennings scored a treble. For the Dogs, Josh Jackson & Hopoate were the picks with Hopoate running for nearly 300 metres.
Last Sunday at Jubilee Oval, the TIGERS met the Dragons who had 5 players backing up from Origin. Farah was in outstanding form setting up 3 tries with the Tigers holding on for a 20-16 win in an entertaining contest.
With five minutes left on the clock, the tiring Tigers looked out on their feet after late two tries to the home side by Widdop and Dufty got the Dragons back into the game after they had trailed 20-6\. On the hill, the slack-jawed Saints supporters rose as one in the vain hope of urging their side to a miraculous win & retaining the premiership lead. However, the Tigers came away with a well-deserved victory, simultaneously inflicting the Dragon’s first home loss of the season & leaving Souths 2 points clear at the top of the table.
For the Tigers, Farah was by far their best (48 tackles, 70 metres), & was ably assisted by Mbye & Brooks.For the Dragons, Vaughan & Frizell played well, but for the most part the joint venture looked disinterested, busted and bereft of attacking imagination.
Coach Seibold should also be congratulated for his immense strategic vision in releasing Farrah in order to snatch the premiership lead, for which he was heavily criticized by some at the time.
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REMAINING GAMES SOUTHS: Tigers (A); Eels (H); Storm (H); Roosters (H); Broncos (A); Raiders (A); Tigers (H).
REMAINING GAMES TIGERS: Souths (H); Dogs (A); Knights (A); Raiders (A); Dragons (A); Sea Eagles (H); Souths (A).
TURNAROUND: Souths 7 days; Tigers 6 days.
FORECAST WEATHER: Mostly sunny, Max 17 Min 7
BETTING (PREMIERSHIP): Souths $4.50; Tigers $67 Sportsbet
GAME: Souths $1.34; Tigers $3.30 Sportsbet
TELEVISED: Live on Fox
MOTIVATION: With seven games to go before the finals, the final eight is pretty well confirmed with Souths (28); Storm (26); Saints (26); Roosters (24); Panthers (24); Sharks (24); Warriors (24); & the Broncos (22) opening up a 4-point gap on the rest of the field. With only three games against top eight sides still to play, Souths are in the box seat to win the minor premiership. However, a couple of losses could see Souths drop out of the top 4 so Coach Seibold will work hard this week to ensure there is no complacency.
The only other sides with a mathematical chance are the Raiders & Tigers who are both on 18 points. The Tigers have got nothing to lose so will be happy to ping it around & take some chances. Although Souths have been winning, they have been cruising in games against lesser teams & the team has been stating that they have a lot of improvement left in them. Now is crunch time for the players to step it up a gear.
Souths will be keen to make Sutton’s 300th milestone game a winning one (see above). It is also Dane Gagai’s 150th. Robbie Farrah, who is celebrating his 250th game, will be hoping to turn in a good performance against his former club & the Origin player who kept him in reggies.
THE MATCH-UPs
MIDDLE
13 Sam Burgess; 8 Tom Burgess; 10 George Burgess; vs.
13 Elijah Taylor; 8 Russell Packer; 10 Ben Matulino.
Souths massive turnaround in 2018 can be directly correlated with Tom & George’s improved form & ball handing. Both men will play direct, & set the platform for our lateral attack through violent collisions & quick play-the-balls. Souths sometimes fall into the trap of forgetting to do the hard yards first as evidenced in the first half last week. Souths have to earn the right to play sideways against the Tigers & the twins need to be given sufficient time to own the ruck. This is where the game will be won or lost & the Tigers will pull out all stops to slow down the play-the-ball, so expect penalties. Sam is the best forward Souths have had in many years: we are privileged to have him.
South Sydney has been susceptible to the big middle men attacking the line close to the posts, especially when AJ, Cook or the smaller interchange players are isolated. Our defence will need to get off their line to get in the face of the big Tiger’s forwards hitting a short pass off Farah on the back of a quick play-the-ball, even if it gifts them a penalty. Elijah Taylor is a busy player but is nothing special.
SPINE
9 Damien Cook; 7 Adam Reynolds; 6 Cody Walker; 1 Alex Johnston vs
9 Robbie Farah; 7 Luke Brooks; 6 Benji Marshall ©; 1 Moses Mbye.
Cook will capitalise on the quick play-the-balls of the Burgi & co to terrorise the Tiger’s retreating defence. His passing game, defence & endurance has greatly improved, & he is now the full package. Barring injury, he will be Souths’ next Australian representative - enough said. Brooks will be hoping the injection of Farah & Mbye into the Tiger’s spine can help ease his load. Souths know only too well that this can result in team paralysis, as Farah tends to overplay. Like the Black Knight, Farrah eagerly awaits his mismatch with Cook & the formidable Souths pack. For his own safety, one hopes the cold but humane hand of Kelly Egan will soon intervene to mercifully drop the shroud on Robbie’s illustrious career.
Adam Reynolds’ defensive game has improved & on the basis of this, his confidence is back. He is running the ball again & looks to be enjoying his footy. His long kicking game has been excellent, his goal kicking has improved, but his short game still needs work. Reynolds will terrorise the Tiger’s back three with his towering bombs & Marshall will return the favour. The Tigers are ranked second in forced drop-outs & Brooks, Farrah, & Mbye are all left foot kickers. Expect our right edge to be peppered with short kicks behind the C defender as both Thurston & Ash Taylor pulled our pants down with similar kicks. Farrah will also dummy kick to hold up the line and then send it out the back to Brooks & Mbye.
Cody Walker has been in outstanding form, getting quick, clean ball to his outside men, & unlike many of today’s five-eighths, playing what’s in front of him. It was also fantastic to see him turn up on the right last week to make the extra man. His defence has improved & he is also the team’s best support player, so watch for him appearing Merritt-like any time a team-mate pokes through. Marshall has played well on occasions this year & the Souths defence must resist the temptation to rush out of the line in response to Benji’s forays across field. Brooks & Marshall are ranked 13th (3.4 pg) & 16th (3.3) in the NRL respectively for missed tackles (Fox SportsLab) so they can expect plenty of traffic. Marshall’s career, like Farah’s, is in its final throes & will soon gasp its last breath.
Mbye was a good pick-up for the Tigers who are desperate to weaponise their insipid attack. He is a glutton for punishment as he has moved from the NRL’s 13th worst performing attack to the 15th. He needs a pre-season with the team in order to form combinations but he will be keen to endear himself to the new coach & the Tiger’s faithful, so has plenty of motivation. Souths will be wary of his kick returns as he has excellent footwork at the line.
Alex Johnston has suffered from succeeding one of the greats into the famous No 1 cardinal & myrtle guernsey & the natural inclination of fans to judge his efforts on those of his predecessor. AJ isn’t GI & never will be – his game is based on his sublime speed. There has been a noticeable improvement in his passing game, safety under the high ball, positional play & his toughness in carting up the ball. Once AJ gets a two-on-one out wide it will be all over for the Tigers, because he’s too fast for the cover to pick him up or he will gift a try to his wingman. Sure there are things that AJ needs to improve including his defensive positional play, but he is going nowhere & he will be our fullback in the finals.
The explanation for this is obvious. Defending Sutton & Inglis who are both 105kg (161/2 stone) on the left edge is a one-on-one nightmare. It’s a similar assignment to trying to contain one of rugby league’s greatest combinations, Miles & Meninga, in the days when centres played on the same side. When you inject AJ into the mix, the resulting combination is a lethal cocktail of power, skill & speed. On the occasions when Sam (116kg/18 stone 3 pounds) joins the left edge revelry, the opposition have good reason to feel terrified.
SOUTH’S RIGHT EDGE VS TIGERS LEFT EDGE
12 Angus Crichton; 4 Dane Gagai; 2 Campbell Graham vs
11 Michael Chee Kam; 4 Kevin Naiqama; 2 David Nofoaluma.
The Dragon’s comeback last week against the Tigers coincided with Chris Lawrence leaving the field with a hamstring injury - he also has a broken hand. He was in stellar form and is a huge loss. Lawrence is usually Brooks’ bodyguard on the Tiger’s left edge, and in his absence, Brooks will not sleep well this week. Lawrence has been replaced by Michael Chee Kam, a journeyman who has had a decent year but has been coming on after 20 on the right edge off Marshall.
The left edge had already been weakened by the loss of the dangerous Mahe Fonua who is recovering from a broken arm. He was replaced by the ageing Naiqama, who is Super League-bound & has delivered disgraceful performances against the Dragons & the Titans.
With Fonua & Lawrence out, & Brooks exposed, the Souths right edge should have a picnic. Crichton, despite playing with more strapping than Paleface Adios, is in superb form & his hole-running will trouble the weakened Tiger’s defence. However, Angus needs some urgent work on his dreadful right side pass. He butchered a certain try last week against the Dogs & his failure to deliver a crucial pass to Roberts in Origin 3 was sadly all too familiar to Souths supporters.
Gagai needs to step up in the absence of GI. His one percenters are good (e.g. backing up; kick pressure; kick chases etc.) but he needs to do more in attack. It would help if Adam gave him some quick early ball. As observed by many, Gagai’s defence has been disgraceful & this is supported by the stats - he is leading the average missed tackles metric by a long margin (3.1; then, more understandably Sam 2.7 & Cook 2.4). He urgently needs to address this or he will be found out in the big games by Mitchell & co.
Graham is an outstanding prospect & I’m looking forward to the day the nineteen-year-old gets his chance at centre. His decisions in defence last week were for the most part outstanding & he will thoroughly test Nofoaluma in the air. The hard running Nofoaluma will place young Graham on notice with his Maori sidestep but he is unlikely to be intimidated. Although he hasn’t quite got it right yet, Reynolds has been chipping for Graham when defences have been rushing up.
SOUTH’S LEFT EDGE vs TIGERS RIGHT EDGE
11 John Sutton; 3 Hymel Hunt; 5 Robert Jennings vs
12 Josh Aloiai; 3 Esan Marsters; 5 Corey Thompson.
GI is a huge loss on the left edge and is scheduled for a return in Round 23 against the Broncos at Suncorp. To those few who still believe he is over-rated & over-paid, he is the Souths captain, the QLD captain & will be named the Australian captain. One does not achieve these honours by being ordinary.
Souths have nearly scored as many tries down the left edge (38) than the Tigers have scored in total (39). However, in the absence of GI, the left edge suddenly looks vulnerable. Hymel Hunt will have his hands full defensively with the young Kiwi international, Esan Marsters, who is an exceptional new talent. Although he’s 105 kgs, he won’t run over Hunt who is a brutal front-on defender, but can make poor decisions when facing multiple runners. Hunt’s passing game is appalling & thankfully last week he was mostly used as a decoy with Johnston hitting Jennings. Nevertheless, I would like to see Hymel’s contract renewed as a position-change project. He is one tough hombre & with a decent off-season he could develop into the menacing back-rower we have been looking for, at a cheaper price.
Aloiai will mark up on Sutton, who will go through Aloiai via tough hole running, or around him off his big left foot. Sutto has also been hitting the blind late in the tackle count. With the acquisition of Mbye, Corey Thompson has moved from fullback to wing & despite his diminutive stature, he is fearless & is an excellent finisher, as evidenced in his superb try against the Saints. However, he will get a thorough workout from the rampaging Jennings who has been a revelation since he moved to the wing & now leads the NRL with 16 tries.
INTERCHANGE:
14 Adam Doueihi; 15 Cameron Murray; 16 Jason Clark; 17 Tevita Tatola vs
14 Alex Twal; 15 Suaso Sue; 16 Luke Garner; 17 Matt Eisenhuth.
Adam Doueihi will terrorise his former club with his great long pass, excellent short kicking game, & tough hole running. Best of all, he plays very direct & straightens the attack on our right edge every time he comes on. His decision-making in defence has been questionable at times & he hasn’t had much game time to iron out his flaws, but I’m excited by his signing as he’s a future star. Alex Twal returns after a week out with injury, & is a talented, lightweight prop with an offload, good defence, & a big motor. He needs to get into the gym in the off-season & put on a few extra kilos but the young Tiger has a future.
Cameron Murray is an outstanding defender & similar to his idol & mentor (SB), rarely turns in a bad game. His attack is improving with game time & he has the potential to be the future captain of our club. Im not convinced that he is our future 13 though, given that most of the good ones are large humans (e.g. Taumalolo 117kg; Sam 116; de Belin 107 etc.). However, that debate is for another day. Sue is a plodder who has been tossed a jumper on the back of the Tiger’s tragic recruitment (e.g. Rockow, Grant & McQueen etc.). The up-side for Tigers fans is that not long ago, that was us. Playing only 6 games this season, the man called Sue has promised much but delivered little & if he’s not missing tackles, he’s failing a HIA or loitering in the ruck.
Souths welcomes Jason Clark back after serving a dodgy suspension. His game revolves around a high work-rate, solid middle defence, & a quick play-the-ball. He will trouble the Tigers with his offloads when, barring injuries, he enters the fray in the in the second half. In his last season with his beloved club, I sincerely hope he heads to the Old Dart wearing another premiership ring. Luke Garner debuted last week against Saints after solid form in the lower grades saw him selected in the NSW Residents team. This is by far his toughest test.
Tevita Tetola has been a revelation since arriving from the Tigers & is keeping a good player (Nichols) in reggies. At 118kg, Junior’s mobility & great footwork at the line will be a nightmare for the Tiger’s tiring defence after the twins’ initial 20-25-minute assault. Nothing much will get through him either as he is a very good defender with a 93.3% tackle efficiency. Following a battle with cancer in 2014, Matt Eisenhuth debuted late last year at the age of 24 after stints in the lower grades with the Raiders & Eels. Eisenhuth can tackle but he makes Tim Grant look fast, & he won’t bend the Rabbitoh’s line, despite his 110kg & 198cm (6ft 5) frame.
The COACHES: Anthony Seibold is the first South Sydney head coach to win 12 of his first 16 matches since the great Jack Raynor captain-coached us in 1950 (13 of first 16/16 of 20/5 premierships 1950,51,53,54,55). We should’ve also won the ‘52 GF against Wests if NOT FOR THE CRIMINAL DECISIONS BY THAT LYING, CHEATING BASTARD, GEORGE BISH….sorry… it’s still raw – f*** I hate ‘em. Souths are now playing a brand of football that makes their fans excited to watch them again. The older players are back in their best form of their careers (e.g. Sutton; Burgi; Cook etc.). The young brigade such as Graham, Jennings, Murray & Tatola are improving with each game. While there are many extenuating reasons for the club’s hugely improved performance, Coach Seibold is a major factor. He thoroughly deserves an extension which he is reportedly keen to negotiate at the end of the year. No doubt he has rightly concluded that he will trouser more cash with a premiership on his resume.
Cleary has done a fair job in 2018 but in the end he hasn’t had the depth to work with. The Tiger’s roster resembles a pet rescue shelter where ageing, discarded footballers seek refuge until a new owner can be found, or they are quietly led out the back & euthanized (e.g. Marshall, Farrah, J Reynolds, Rockow, Grant & McQueen etc.).
FINAL ANALYSIS: The Tigers have lost eight of their last 11 matches. From being surprisingly comfortable in the top four after six rounds, they’re now in 10th spot & long odds to make the eight. Although the addition of Farrah & Mbye has improved their spine, they struggle to get the ball over the stripe. While they are capable of the odd upset, their roster is ageing and they struggle for consistency.
They are playing a team who are full of self-belief & who are the best attacking side in the competition. If we are going to win 22, it’s time for Souths to step it up a gear, and treat teams like the Tigers with the disdain that they deserve. Souths will celebrate Sutto’s glorious career by handing the Tigers their arse.
PREDICTION: Souths by 18+
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Byron_Bay_Fan
New member
an excellent read, I loved this part:
Coach Seibold should also be congratulated for his immense strategic vision in releasing Farrah in order to snatch the premiership lead, for which he was heavily criticized by some at the time.
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I have just found out that Tigers win on Sunday made Souths sole leaders. My close cousin who is just as fanatical a Souths fan as Russell is a Tiger's fan still cries over the '69 GF.
Coach Seibold should also be congratulated for his immense strategic vision in releasing Farrah in order to snatch the premiership lead, for which he was heavily criticized by some at the time.
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I have just found out that Tigers win on Sunday made Souths sole leaders. My close cousin who is just as fanatical a Souths fan as Russell is a Tiger's fan still cries over the '69 GF.
happy_tiger
Well-known member
@ said:
Col I'm really concerned
I'm agreeing with you for the 2nd time this season
Byron_Bay_Fan
New member
But they feel an affinity with Wests and Tigers due to us and them being the only foundation teams that were truly working class.
Posts from the Warren deleted as it contains swearing which is against our forum rules…have a good day everyone...
