Already reeling from being steamrolled by the Bulldog pack in the previous round (32-18), Souths were completely outclassed by an impressive Brisbane team (47-12). With halves Milford and Hunt leading the way, the Broncos found gap after gap in the leaky Souths defence. The performance comprehensively exposed the extent of the weaknesses that have been popping up for Souths all season and just how far away Souths are from replicating their 2014 glory.
On the verge of the finals, the Souths campaign appears to be in total disarray. Despite being touted for most of the season as top four finishers, Souths have in the end just limped and scraped their way into the final eight. At the end of August we have captain Greg Inglis on crutches following a knee operation and vice-captain John Sutton out for the season with a major leg injury. With Auckland-bound Isaac Luke once again ignominiously fronting the judiciary, any hope of making an impact in the final series seems a long way away.
Luke is a repeat offender who famously missed last year’s grand final due to a spear tackle charge. He has just returned from yet another suspension. It is hard to understand why Luke has so much trouble reforming his game and managing his impulses. It is a sad way for him to finish his career at Souths. Having been astutely brought to Souths at a young age by insightful recruitment manager Mark Hughes and converted to hooker, Isaac quickly became a crowd favourite with his darting, bullocking runs and formidable defence. Despite his incredible contribution in enabling Souths to progress from cellar dwellers to premiers, Luke may well be remembered more for his notorious judicial record than his efforts on field.
Coach Maguire has no doubt used almost all of his coach’s tirades to address Souths’ indifferent form. While back-to-back premierships might be out of reach, Souths’ win against North Queensland in Townsville in early August (31-18) gave a hint that there may well be a little sting left in the tail.
Time will tell if Maguire and the team can get their 2015 season back on track and somehow bound for glory again.
