South Sydney DRLFC v Penrith
Olympic Stadium, Sydney
Thursday 20 April, 8:00pm
“YOU CAN TAKE ME NOW, I HAVE SEEN IT ALL!” THE SEQUEL?
Last week, I explained my lack of enthusiasm around Thursday night football. Over the past several hours, I have reconsidered that notion!
I love a Thursday night game when Souths win against a bogey team!
What a finish!
It is Barossa Vintage Festival week here in South Australia, the seventy-fifth anniversary celebration of this iconic event, Tanunda town day, including the famous Ziegenmarkt in Goat Square.
Apex Bakery, another local institution, were present at Goat Square, and a beautiful, traditional pie was part of game day. That scrumptious pie may have slipped into the top three in the 2023 NRL Pie of the Season rankings.
A splendid Langmeil sparkling shiraz, along with a marvellous rote grutze, as part of a ‘late’ breakfast was only surpassed by the photo opportunity with ‘Reggie’ the white rabbit:
Game day, Tanunda
After Stephen Crichton scored his third try for Penrith to lead by eight points with ten minutes remaining, a deflating sense of déjà vu hit me in the lounge chair here in the Barossa Valley. The 2021 Grand Final, the 2022 Preliminary Final, Round 2 2023, as part of a ‘one from the last eleven’ win-loss record.
Penrith’s constant off-side play, the leg-pulls, the arrogance, the over-the-top celebrations.
The Panthers are the reigning premiers, however they would never win a popularity contest.
Wooden spooners in that competition.
To describe both Latrell Mitchell and Cody Walker as mercurial would be the understatement of the 2023 season, and I often am frustrated by these two players.
Last night though, I leapt straight onto the Latrell-Cody bandwagon, front and centre, pushing my way to the front!
What a finish!
After a tight first half, where Souths declined to kick a penalty goal to take the early lead, then receive possession from the restart, after forty minutes, the score was six all.
Penrith’s try was scored on the half-time hooter … the continuation of a concerning trend for Souths.
A very willing second half unfolded.
Crichton scored his third try. Penrith led 18-10 with eight minutes remaining.
Mitchell then barges over, post-match Ivan Cleary described this try as ‘dubious’.
Of course, he does! Penrith are used to receiving the ‘rub of the green’ and are not referred to as ‘PenRef’ by many without good reason.
Latrell converts his own try, Penrith 18 – 16.
Three minutes remain.
What happened next could rival Warren Smith’s famous “You can take me now, I have seen it all!” commentary moment from another Souths’ incredible last gasp victory – Souths’ famous win over the Eastern Suburbs Roosters in Round 19, 2012.
A left side raid from sixty metres out saw a series of miraculous off-loads, Walker to Mitchell, Mitchell to Johnston. Johnston’s off-load back inside to Walker was sublime. Walker then found Tass on his outside for a thirty-five metre dash to the try line.
Scenes of pandemonium on field, on the Souths’ bench, and much fist pumping on the lounge chair in Nuriootpa!
Isaiah Tass’ try, unconverted, won the game for the Rabbitohs.
What a finish!
On to Brisbane this Friday night for a date with Adam Reynolds and the Broncos.
No doubt the game will be promoted as a blockbuster, and rightly so.
Glory Glory to South Sydney!
Match highlights:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-LGybA5_NoU
The original “You can take me now, I have seen it all!” moment, Round 19, 2012, featuring current Broncos captain, Adam Reynolds:
https://www.facebook.com/southsydney/videos/warren-smith-on-2012/10151095153539970/
***
The Mario Fenech-George Piggins inspirational play of the match: Choose any from Latrell’s list of involvements last night: his barnstorming try in that frantic last ten minutes. Souths were down and out, down by eight points. There was a suggestion of some in-goal extra attention from none other than Mr Teflon, Nathan Cleary, however the referee was having none of the penalty try appeal.
The Tony Rampling-Les Davidson tackle of the match: The driving, combination tackle on Dylan Edwards in the first half. The Penrith fullback ended up over the sideline. Crichton has been a nemesis for Souths, Edwards likewise. That defence typified the team effort of the bunnies last night.
The Michael Andrews work rate award: Hame Sele. What energy Sele provides! 164 run metres, 63 post contact metres, 17 hit ups, 16 tackles.
The Phil Blake ‘chip n chase’ best attacking moment: No contest – must be the lead-up for Tass’ match-winning try, featuring: Walker (twice), Mitchell, Johnston and the try scorer.
Full time: South Sydney 20 d Penrith 18
***
Round 8 R.I.T.V. player of the year points:
3- Latrell Mitchell
2- Cody Walker
1 – Jai Arrow
PROGRESSIVE R.I.T.V. PLAYER OF THE YEAR POINTS – LEADER BOARD:
8: Campbell Graham
6: Latrell Mitchell & Lachlan Ilias
5: Keon Kolomatangi
4: Davvy Moale
3: Cody Walker, Hame Sele, Cameron Murray, & Isaiah Tass
2: Damien Cook, Thomas Burgess
1: Jai Arrow, Shaqai Mitchell & Tevita Tetola
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 at all levels from school to international, most recently coaching a lad to the Australian U/20 4x100m relay squad for the 2022 world U/20 championships. He is married to Heidi, a Primary school principal, and is father to two adult daughters.
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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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