A brush with the SA police, a burger at the ‘Stockie’ Hotel, and three consecutive wins!
RITV 2024 Round 15:
South Sydney v Brisbane,
Sydney Olympic Stadium,
Friday 14/6/24, 8pm
As a South Sydney member, several games each season are circled in red pen.
The Roosters, goes without saying.
As a former resident of Brisvegas, the Broncos is the other.
The architects of Super League, the beneficiaries of a 35-year monopoly in Brisbane (now finally over thanks to the mighty Dolphins).
As Phil Gould famously uttered: ‘with all their advantages, the Broncos have been underachievers.’
Wins over the Broncos are extra sweet.
Friday night football against the Broncos did not start well: on our way to the magnificently restored Stockwell Hotel for burger and a red, an issue with a stop sign led to a brush with the South Australian constabulary. Was this a sign of things to come?
Fortunately, not!
As we enjoyed a family dinner, Cook scored in the 12th minute, followed by tries to Koloamatangi, and Latrell.
By the time we arrived home, adequately fed and watered, with half-time looming, Souths lead 18-0.
Conditions were damp, Souths’ kick-chase was committed, Cook, who had been linked to a St George-Illawarra return during the week, was playing like he had a point to prove to 2025 coach Wayne Bennett, and with Origin selection looming, Latrell was ‘on’, as was Cody.
There was much to like about the performance of the 16th placed Souths last Friday night.
The return of Cameron Murray was certainly a factor. There was dynamism aplenty on the bench with both Tallis Duncan and the regular captain able to inject themselves into the game.
Souths’ defence certainly stood up. The Broncos scored two late tries (68th and 77th minutes)
With Kennar in the bin, Souths were even successful with a captain’s challenge to Latrell, after originally being penalised for an illegal strip.
The game was certainly lively at times – Broncos forward Jordan Riki was placed on report, and subsequently suspended for an off the ball hit on Cameron Murray.
The 2014 premiership reunion was held on Saturday at Souths Juniors. Adam Reynolds watched on from the back of the coaches’ box before joining his premiership team mates, as well as the current NSW Origin coach Michael Maguire the next day.
Clive Churchill-George Piggins-Mario Fenech inspirational play:
Latrell’s pass to Alex Johnston for the former Dux of Endeavour Sports High School to score his 191st NRL try for South Sydney. Poetry.
The Phil Blake chip n chase best attacking moment (plays):
The Souths kicking game: (minus some of Cody’s short kicking) – the high balls hoisted by both Latrell and Wighton were outstanding. Selwyn Cobbo had a game to forget under the high ball.
Rampling Brothers-Ian Roberts-Les Davidson tackle of the match: Jacob Gagai’s chase to pull off a try saving effort in the 32nd minute typified Souths desperation in defence – a welcome change!
Full time: South Sydney 22 defeated Brisbane 12.
Highlights:
NRL 2024 | Rabbitohs v Broncos | Extended Match Highlights (youtube.com)
Press conference:
Souths line up: Latrell, Johnston, Milne, Kennar, Gagai, Wighton, Cody, Moale, Cook, Keppie, Chee Kam, Arrow, Koloamatangi. bench: Mamouzelos, Duncan, Murray, Burgess.
Souths points: tries Cook 12’, Kolomatangi 17’, Latrell 20’, *Johnston 49’, goals: Latrell 3/4.
*Alex Johnston: 191 NRL career tries
All time: Ken Irvine 212, Billy Slater 190, Steve Menzies 180.
Half time: Souths 18-0.
Sin bin: Kennar 30’, Latrell 55’
Crowd: 12,270 (including Ian Hauser and Mark Courtney)
Rabbit in the vineyard player of the year:
Round 15 Souths v Brisbane: Cook 3, Latrell 2, Gagai 1
Progressive:
Murray and Wighton 11, Burgess 9, Koloamatangi and Latrell 7, Cook and Duncan 6, Latrell 5, Gray, Moale, Gagai, Hawkins, 3, Latrell, Arrow, Havili, 2. S Mitchell, Milne 1.
Souths now sit in 14th on the NRL ladder and move on to play Manly this Saturday evening at home.
Latrell was recalled to the NSW Origin team (to play in the centres, not his club position of fullback).
After missing game one due to injury, Cameron Murray was also recalled to the Blues line-up for the MCG clash next week.
BAROSSA VALLEY RED WINE OF THE WEEK:
Torbreck 2019 The Struie
The Struie – Torbreck Vintners
A magnificent drop, again.
A blend of Shiraz from the Barossa and Eden Valleys.
Ian Hauser and Mark Courtney were at the game and sent this pic:
Russel Hansen, South Sydney football club diamond member 6199, lives in Nuriootpa, Barossa Valley, South Australia.
His golden retriever, Murray, is named after the South Sydney captain.
Twitter/X: @Rabbit in the Vineyard @Russel_Hansen
About Russel Hansen
Russel Hansen Has worked in schools for over thirty years – as a teacher, coach, coach educator, sports coordinator and in pastoral care roles. Whilst at Brisbane Boys’ College as Director of Athletics, he led teams to six GPS premierships in track and field, and cross country. He has coached (athletics) at all levels from school to international. His squad at the University of Queensland (to January 2023) included Lachlan Kennedy OLY, Paris 4x100m relay runner, Australian record holder. He is married to Heidi, a Primary school principal, and is father to two adult daughters. Twitter: @Russel_Hansen
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Just trying to work out which STOP sign. Kapunda Road?
RITV, although the lanyard around my neck might suggest that I have defected to The Burrow, I can assure you that my allegiances still lie well north of the Tweed! Wearing it (a season’s pass tag) was the price of accepting MC’s generous offer to take me to Accor Stadium.
Not a great night for the Broncos (they were awful) but much to admire about a resurgent Souths outfit. Nevertheless, a very good night out with Mark who seems to know everyone. And what a class act he is – he went well out of his way to take me all the way back to McMahons Point after the game.
Only 12000 in the 82000 capacity stadium was a bit hollow. The ludicrously loud and lamentably lame ‘announcer’ and the over amplified soundtrack were demented distractions.
I enjoyed a South Australian moment as I devoured a couple of Vili’s pies, a welcome alternative to the ‘big name’ dross on offer.
Ah, Torbreck – what a drop! Can’t go wrong there.
JTH: the stop sign – turning left (heading to Stockwell) off Kapunda Rd – on to Stockwell Rd.
in hindsight: I should have asked the officer for video evidence and/or sent the decision upstairs-to the BUNKER !!
Always enjoy these Russel, particularly to see which pie/wine/pub has earnt your attention during the week.
A visit to the refurbished Stocky pub has been on my list for a while although the last time I was there followed a cricket match which ended in Kapunda having a tie with Light Pass. it was tight and I bowled the final over. We needed a wicket, and they needed eight. First ball. Edge! Straightforward catch behind the wicket. On, no. Dropped. Couple singles. Last ball. Just short of a length, off stump. Almighty swing. Big top edge. Six and a tie.
My therapy continues.