Brisbane v South Sydney
Thursday 14 March 2024
The Cauldron
Vince Lombardi, the legendary NFL coach wisely said: ‘Winning is a habit. Unfortunately, so is losing.’
Souths have now lost eleven of their last fifteen games.
A mistake-ridden first half meant the locals went into the sheds at half-time with a deserved 12-0 lead. Souths errors were terrible in the first half. The long list included losing a scrum against the feed. David Middleton is on the case regarding the previous occurrence of a team winning a scrum against the feed which was, in fact, when Jesus himself played on the wing for Jerusalem.
For a brief time in the second half, when Havili and Moale scored within three minutes of each other as a result of direct running, there was a glimmer of hope.
By full-time, the ten-point margin flattered Souths. Latrell scored in the 79th minute when the game was already done and dusted. This was a five tries to three victory for last years’ grand finalists.
Phil Lutton, a dyed in the wool Souths fan, tweeted this summary:
“I’m not surprised Souths have been poor. They were awful in the second half of 2023 and little has changed. A halfback who can’t create, a fullback who is a centre, severe lack of speed, age at 9 and 6, no dynamic ball runners. Cam Murray, a freak, deserves more.”
The Phil Blake chip’n’chase best attacking moment:
During the first ten minutes of the second half Souths scored twice to get the score line back to twelve all. The second try, with Havili off loading to Moale, was all class. It was Moale’s first NRL try.
Mario Fenech most inspirational moment:
Not awarded.
Rampling brothers-Les Davidson-Charlie Frith tackle of the match: Cam Murray and Tevita Tetola tried to set the tone in the first contact of the match, a driving, aggressive hit on the Broncos runner off the kick off. Unfortunately, Souths conceded five tries throughout the match. (refer to Phil Lutton’s summary)
Summary:
Brisbane 28 defeated South Sydney 18. Souths points: tries Havili 42’, Moale 45’, L Mitchell 79’. Goals: L Mitchell 3/3. Sin Bin: Cook 29’. Crowd: 35, 507.
Highlights: Broncos v Rabbitohs – Round 2, 2024 | Watch (nrl.com)
Demetriou press conference: Rabbitohs: Round 2 | Watch (nrl.com)
Will Demetriou still be at the desk by mid-season?
It is on now for the traditional grudge match against bitter rivals, the Eastern Suburbs Roosters. Dean Hawkins replaces the scapegoat, Lachlan Ilias.
Meanwhile, there is much head shaking around the promotion of Jacob Host into the starting side, as well as my favourite Mitchell’s (Shaquai) omission from the squad.
2024 RITV Player of the Year points:
3 – Cameron Murray, 2 Savili Havili – 1 Davvy Moale
Progressive: 5: Murray; 3: Cook; 2: Havili, 1: Moale & Gagai
Inaugural 2023 RITV POTY: Cameron Murray (Pie of the Year: the Angaston)
2024 NRL season Barossa red wine of the week:
Chaffey Brothers 2022 Old Vine Syrah (Eden Valley, Barossa Valley)
After a succession of hot, dry days in the Barossa, this drop was magnificent, complete with scripture “All became new 2 Cor 5:17” on the back label.
Rabbit in the Vineyard, South Sydney Football Club member 6199, Barossa Valley.
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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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The end of season ’23 becomes the start of season ’24 for the Bunnies. Not a good look, RITV.
When I saw JD at Brookvale 12 days ago, he didn’t appear to be at all relaxed and, as Souths’ NSW Cup side (defending premiers) threw away a handy lead to lose to Manly, the furrows in his forehead deepened.
Russel, perhaps you should have both an ‘Angaston’ and a 2022 Old Vine Syrah before tomorrow night’s game!
Didn’t know that Lombardi quote. Excellent. One of those rare insightful tautologies.
As a Liverpool fan, I could add that ‘Less unfortunately, drawing can also be a habit’.
But not in RL (or American sports).
Did you see this purple prose, in the ABC write-up of Jack Wighton as (possible) South’s Saviour:
” In leaving the Raiders for the Rabbitohs, Wighton has traded what he was for what he might become and, in the greatest paradox in a career full of them, he must now transform into what so many believe he always has been.”
Hi Graeme – yes I did read that article on ABC online. Signing Wighton only adds to the Reynolds leaving saga – offered a one-year deal, supposedly due to his age (?) and the club putting faith in Ilias and Cody. That has not gone well! So, add to the signing-resigning of Cook & Walker, along with Wighton. Reynolds played in the GF last year, Souths missed the finals for the first time since 2017. Glory Glory.