R.I.T.V. 2024 NRL Round 1: South Sydney v Manly-Warringah
Sunday 3/3/24,
Allegiant Stadium, Las Vegas
Manly-Warringah ran out deserved winners after a comprehensive second half display in the first NRL match played outside Australia and New Zealand on Sunday.
The 36-24 scoreline provided much of the ‘E’ word – what Mr PVL and the NRL suits were after – ENTERTAINMENT – much entertainment, possibly more so for Manly fans, and other neutrals, than disappointed Rabbitohs’ fans.
The venue, the build-up, the hype, the Don Lane U.S. style razzamatazz, was all, as the younger folk would say, ‘legit.’
For all of that, there were two premiership points up for grabs. Souths scored first through Richie Kennar. The journey man, a Sielbold favourite during his (brief) Redfern stint, had a mixed game. Kennar wrote his name into the history books as the first try-scorer in this historic fixture.
It was a six tries to five win for Manly, who were better in many areas: a ‘game management’ and kicking game masterclass from Daley Cherry-Evans, Tom ‘Turbo’ Trbojevic was involved in everything, the kick chase, and the ruck.
Souths did lead early, however an intercept try on the stroke of half time to Jason Saab (Ferrari?) gave Manly a 12-10 lead at the change of ends.
Souths scored twice in the first seven minutes of the second half, however errors and soft goal-line defence allowed Manly to seal the win. Manly’s Wests Tigers recruit Luke Brooks strolled over to put the issue beyond doubt, ‘game, set, bingo!’ as Andrew Moore screamed on ABC Grandstand. Garrick converted the try for a six from six goal-kicking display.
Souths are now without a win since Round 24 last year, over the Dragons in Cairns, and must regroup for round two against Brisbane, at the Cauldron in Thursday night football.
The Charlie Frith-Les Davidson-Rampling brothers tackle of the match:
Junior Tetola and Sean Keppie on Manly danger man Toluta Koula early in the match.
A good, old-fashioned driving tackle.
The Phil Blake chip n chase best attacking moment:
Latrell’s pass to Jacob Gagai, for the brother of Dane’s first NRL try.
The Mario Fenech inspirational moment
Lachie Ilias’ chase of the Manly speedster Jason Saab (Ferrari?). Ilias ran across field to ankle tap the Manly speedster.
Score:
Manly-Warringah 36 d South Sydney 24
Souths’ points: tries Kennar 7’, Gagai 31’ Mitchell 43’ Johnston 47’, Kennar 78. Goals Mitchell 2/5.
Half time: Manly 12-10.
Crowd: 40, 746.
Souths team: Mitchell, Johnston, Tass, Kennar, Gagai, Walker, Ilias, Tetola, Cook, Keppie, Kolomatangi, Arrow, Murray, res: Havili, Host, Moale, Burgess.
Rabbit in the Vineyard 2024 PLAYER OF THE YEAR points:
3 – Damien Cook
2 – Cameron Murray
1 – Jacob Gagai
Note: inaugural 2023 R.I.T.V. POTY: Cameron Murray
2024 Barossa Wine of the week
To further rule a line under the 2023 season, where a feature of this narrative was the Barossa Pie of the Year, 2024 will see a local Barossa wine featured each round:
2023: the NRL and pies, 2024: the NRL and red wine, seems like a natural progression …
Round 1: Pindarie ‘The Risk Taker’ Tempranillo 2022
A great cellar door, where the kitchen serves an outstanding lamb pie.
Rabbit in the Vineyard, South Sydney member 6199, Barossa Valley, South Australia
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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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