Back To Articles
Print This Article
Discuss This Article
Rabbitohs mid-season review
Written by: Josh DuttonJun 18, 2009 7:14pm
The men in the famous red and green began their season in style with an emphatic 52-12 win over their rivals the Sydney Roosters. This incited excitement into their supporters and for the opening rounds they were a tight defensive unit with an exciting halfback coming off of an outstanding 1st season in the top grade in Chris Sandow. South Sydney burst out of the blocks, coming off of an 18-6 win in the Charity Shield against competition heavy weights St George Illawarra. They won three of their first four matches, including an impressive 22-16 away win against the New Zealand Warriors at Mt Smart Stadium. It seemed success was going to head South Sydney’s way this year, but then it all started to slowly wither and questions arose over the team’s ability to win games with favouritism and expectations placed upon their shoulders. Chris Sandow was also criticised for his defensive weaknesses and lack of size. It seemed their lacklustre defence of the yesteryears was starting to kick in after their 34-18 loss against a weakened Canberra Raiders team and a humiliating 46-12 thumping at the hands of the North Queensland Cowboys. Despite these massive losses, a quick look at the ladder sees the Rabbitohs sitting in 10th position and if it had not been for a 16-all draw against the Parramatta Eels in Round 11, they would be in the same position as the defending Premiers Manly, 1 win out of the top 8. It must also be remembered that Russell Crowe stated at Christmas that, "We are making diamonds from coal here, we are bringing Souths out of the dark and into the light - slowly but surely. This diamond will shine." This plea to Rabbitohs supporters has spurred a massive rise in memberships, giving them the largest membership figure in the NRL. Hopefully results can soon follow suit. The run home is as follows: Bye, Knights (A), Tigers (H), Panthers (H), Broncos (A), Roosters (H), Bulldogs (H), Sea Eagles (A), Titans (H), Panthers (A), Dragons (H), Sharks (A). While the road to the finals looks nearly impossible with 8 of their remaining 11 matches against teams ranked above them including matches against both the Canterbury Bulldogs and St George Illawarra Dragons, the Rabbitohs have shown they have the points in them to trouble other sides after their narrow 28-22 loss to the Melbourne Storm last week. They also have several big name players on their roster with Craig Wing and the recently signed Michael Crocker adding hardened Origin experience to the team. It is their consistency in defence that they must work on if they are any chance of playing finals football, with more discipline slowly but surely this diamond should shine. Rabbitohs as of Round 15: Played 13: Won 5, Lost 7, Drew 1. Best win: 52-12 Vs Roosters, Rd 1. Worst loss: 46-12 Vs Cowboys, Rd 13. Points scored: Chris Sandow 54, Nathan Merritt 37, Fetuli Talanoa 36. Tries scored: Nathan Merritt 9, Fetuli Talanoa 9, Beau Champion 5. Goals: Chris Sandow 23, Isaac Luke 12, Craig Wing 1. Field goals: Nathan Merritt 1.
Digg This!
del.icio.us
Google
StumbleUpon
