South Sydney cement their spot in the top four with a six-point win over the Sydney Roosters.
MATCH DETAILS
The South Sydney Rabbitohs have upset the competition favourites in the last home and away match of the season. The defending premiers looked likely to cruise to another victory after they scored the opening two tries through Cooper Cronk and Billy Smith. The Roosters dominated the Rabbitohs’ left edge defence, with the two opening tries being scored down that side as they constantly outnumbered the Souths players. The Roosters continued to explore their options on their right edge attack and Victor Radley ruined a certain try after knocking on a grubber kick just short of the try line. Roosters centre Joseph Manu was looking especially dangerous against the Rabbitohs’ left edge defence, with the big centre setting up Smith’s try with a great offload and also created a chance for Radley with a great grubber kick. The defending premiers entered the half-time break leading 10-2.
Despite winning their previous two matches, South Sydney desperately needed to prove they can match it with the best teams in the comp. The home side came out of the blocks quickly in the second half as youngster Campbell Graham scored on the right edge for the Rabbitohs’ first try. Moments later, on the back of a Cameron Murray quick play the ball, Damien Cook put Tevita Tatola through the middle of the field, drawing the fullback and offloading to Cody Walker to put the Rabbitohs ahead. The home side now led by four points with thirty minutes to play. The Rabbitohs managed to hold on and a penalty goal late in the game gave the home side an important six-point win. Despite losing several players in the second half to HIAs, the Rabbitohs were able to pull off a great comeback which cements their spot in the top four (currently in third).
FOUR POINTERS
Cameron Murray leads Souths to the Finals
The 21-year old lock forward continued his outstanding season that saw him make his State of Origin debut. Murray ran for 115 metres against the Roosters including 30 post contact metres, whilst breaking four tackles and completing 33 tackles. Murray, alongside Damien Cook, will most likely be the Rabbitohs’ most influential during the finals campaign.
Boyd Cordner Returns in Style
The Roosters captain played his first match since round 19 and looks certain to be firing for the upcoming finals series. Cordner ran for 161 run metres in his return, including 49 post contact metres and 29 tackles. He did miss five tackles last night and will look to improve on that number as he plays more game time.
South Sydney Make the Top Four Again
As Souths secured their top four spot last night they have now finished in the top four in consecutive seasons. This is the second time that Souths have achieved this in the NRL era and have now made the top four in five of their past eight seasons.
Roosters Shouldn’t be Worried
The Sydney Roosters shouldn’t be too concerned despite losing their seventh game and their second game to Souths this season. The away side created enough opportunities in the first half to take the game away from the Rabbitohs but the execution just wasn’t there tonight.
THE RESULT
South Sydney Rabbitohs 16
Tries: Campbell Graham, Cody Walker
Goals: Adam Reynolds 4/4
Drop Goals: n/a
Sydney Roosters 10
Tries: Cooper Cronk, Billy Smith
Goals: Latrell Mitchell 1/2
Drop Goals: n/a
SQUADS
South Sydney Rabbitohs: 1. Adam Doueihi 2. Alex Johnston 3. Campbell Graham 4. Dane Gagai 5. Corey Allen 6. Cody Walker 7. Adam Reynolds 8. Sam Burgess (c) 9. Damien Cook 10. Liam Knight 12. Jaydn Su’A 13. Cameron Murray. Interchange: 14. Ethan Lowe 15. Tom Amone 16. Tevita Tatola 17. Mark Nicholls.
Sydney Roosters: 1. James Tedesco 2. Daniel Tupou 3. Latrell Mitchell 4. Joseph Manu 18. Billy Smith 21. Drew Hutchison 7. Cooper Cronk 8. Jared Waerea-Hargreaves 9. Sam Verrills 10. Isaac Liu 11. Boyd Cordner (c) 17. Angus Crichton 16. Nat Butcher. Interchange: 13. Victor Radley 14. Lindsay Collins 15. Zane Tetevano 19. Sitili Tupouniua.
