Sydney Roosters v South Sydney
Sydney Football Stadium
Friday, 22nd March.
2024 Ron Coote Cup, Part 1.
South Sydney captain Cameron Murray’s 150th NRL match.
I had the great fortune to see Peter Garrett and his band, the Alter Egos, in the front row of the Hindley Street Theatre on Friday night. At the same time the 255th clash between these two fierce foundation club rivals was being played at the Sydney Football Stadium.
I saw the half-time score as the support act, the exceptionally talented Olympia Music, entertained us.
Not a happy reading. Not good news at all.
Peter Garrett, at age 70, has still ‘got it’. Two of his daughters were back-up singers and there is still an Oils feel with Martin Rotsey on guitar. There was a four-minute sermon on Garrett’s world view regarding nuclear submarines, a topical subject in this part of Australia. Plenty of material from his new album The True North as well as several Oils hits, including ‘Put down that weapon’, ‘The Dead Heart’, ‘Beds are burning’, ‘Tin Legs’ and ‘Dreamworld’.
As we left the theatre, the news had not improved.
Full time: Sydney Roosters 48, South Sydney 6.
It took me until Sunday evening to watch the replay.
Not an enjoyable experience.
It was perhaps ironic that Dom Young scored the Roosters’ first try, easily running around Alex Johnston, to dive over, untouched. Young, an English international with Jamaican heritage, was a player the current Warrington coach Sam Burgess spoke to about a move to Redfern (Maroubra). Others in the Souths hierarchy were not on the same page as Sam about several issues late in the 2023 season, including the pursuit of Young. Interesting.
The Roosters dominated early possession after Souths gave away a penalty 20 seconds into the match. Young scored from a scrum after Souths once again displayed lack of urgency when not contesting a high ball.
Dean Hawkins had replaced the scapegoat Lachlan Ilias, while Damien Cook started on the bench. Cody and Latrell safely in the line-up, Latrell still at fullback, not in the position he played in winning two premierships for the Roosters, and also plays for NSW and Australia.
Round Three also signified high profile signing Jack Wighton’s first game for Souths,after serving a suspension for biting from the 2023 season while playing for Canberra. Wighton was certainly energetic in both attack and defence, however he will not solve the fundamental issues Souths have yet to address since leading the competition in Round 11, 2023 to now sitting stone motherless last after three rounds of 2024.
As much as it is a dagger through the heart to praise the Roosters, they were far superior in every facet of the game and deserved to win by 50 points.
Superior kicking game, kick chase, defence, last play options, off loads, discipline, fewer errors … well played Roosters, well coached Trent Robinson.
The Mario Fenech-John Sattler-Clive Churchill inspirational play (er): Cameron Murray – in attack and defence. Leads by example. Sadly, at present, not all his team are following his example.
The Phil Blake chip n chase best attacking moment: N/A
Held over until Round 4, the inaugural Blake Taaffe Cup fixture (in hope).
The Rampling brothers-Les Davidson-Charlie Frith tackle of the week:
The debutant, Jack Wighton: his aggressive, driving tackle on Dom Young in the 36th minute was one of the few times the Souths’ defence was able to effectively nullify him. Young certainly gave Alex Johnston nightmares.
Eastern Suburbs-Sydney Roosters 48 d South Sydney 6.
Souths line up: Latrell, Johnston, Wighton, Tass, Milne, Cody, Hawkins, Tetola, Havili, Host, Koloamatangi, Murray (capt.) Res: Cook, Duncan, Keppie, Burgess.
Souths points: try: Host 50’, goal: Latrell, sin bin: Latrell 65’.
Highlights: NRL 2024 | Roosters v Rabbitohs | Match Highlights (youtube.com)
Press conference: (how many more will Demetriou be a part of?)
R.I.T.V. player of the year points: Round 3: Koloamatangi 3, Murray 2, Hawkins 1.
Progressive:
Murray: 7, Koloamatangi & Cook 3, Havili 2, Moale, Gagai, Hawkins 1.
2023 POTY winner: Cameron Murray, 2023 Pie of the Year: the Angaston (D& M’s bakery)
NRL Round 4: South Sydney 17th (0/3) v Bulldogs 12th (1/2)
The inaugural Blake Taaffe Cup – Good Friday at the Olympic Stadium, Sydney.
Souths 2021 Grand Final fullback, Blake Taaffe, sadly is now wearing the blue and white of Canterbury-Bankstown. He is plying his trade very well, scoring a great try, backing up through the middle like a good fullback should, against the Gold Coast at Belmore last Saturday.
Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs 32-0 over the Gold Coast.
2024 NRL season: Barossa red wine of the week:
Into the Vineyards of the Barossa Valley this week to Brothers at War – Murray Street, Tanunda, a short walk for John Harms from either the Tanunda Club or his home.
I had a great chat with Leigh Underwood at the Brothers at War Cellar Door, in downtown Tanunda earlier in the week.
Leigh is certainly a lover of sport.
The Brothers at War 2023 Peacekeeper Barossa Grenache – 95 points from James Halliday in his 2024 wine guide.
As I enjoyed a glass or two as I wrote this narrative, it is easy to see why James Halliday rates this drop so highly!
‘Peacekeeper’ – also a great fit with the themes of Peter Garrett, and the Oils, especially the classic tune ‘Put down that weapon’ from the iconic 1987 album Diesel & Dust.
Brothers at War – Barossa – Eden Valley – Handcrafted Wines – Brothers At War
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
To read our library of rugby league stories click HERE.
To return to our Footy Almanac home page click HERE.
To see the full 2024 season draw for the NRL click HERE.
To see the full 2024 season draw for the NRLW click HERE.
To see the details for State of Origin in 2024 click HERE.
Our writers are independent contributors. The opinions expressed in their articles are their own. They are not the views, nor do they reflect the views, of Malarkey Publications.
Do you enjoy the Almanac concept?
And want to ensure it continues in its current form, and better? To help things keep ticking over please consider making your own contribution.
Become an Almanac (annual) member – CLICK HERE.
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
- More Posts
You watched the whole replay? Staunch! I listened live and confess I kept walking out of earshot.
It’s bleak enough that we’re left (a) praying Wighton will ‘bite’ as a player, and (b) that there be some dressing room problems to explain the lethargy. Certainly sacking coaches with fingers crossed rarely provides a sustained bounce.
[Upside down rabbit with skin off emoji goes here]