The Rabbitohs finished the regular season with a strong victory over the North Sydney Bears on July 14.
On July 28 South Sydney was gallant in defeat against the Mount Pritchard Mounties at Leichhardt Oval, going down 14-12 in controversial circumstances. The loss means Souths will face Cabramatta in week three of the finals (August 4), the winner progressing to the grand final against the Mounties at ANZ Stadium on Friday August 10.
The Rabbitohs (the reigning premiers) lost just one game in 2018. Coach Danny Allende deserves a big accolade for bringing the best out of a very strong team.
Women’s rugby league is the fastest growing segment of the game. First founded in 2005 and expanded into its current format in 2017, the former Sydney Metropolitan Women’s Rugby League, now sponsored by Harvey Norman, provides an elite competition for female players in NSW.
The 2017 season saw the Rabbitohs compete in their first finals series in recent memory – and take out the inaugural Harvey Norman title. Defeating North Newcastle 26-16, the Maddie Studdon-led side capped a memorable year.
This year, after steering the NSW Blues to victory in the first Women’s State of Origin, halfback Studdon is focused on the Harvey Norman final series. She has a grand final victory squarely in her sights.
It’s outrageous that this mighty team is not included in the inaugural NRL Women’s competition to be held in September (there are just four teams competing). Some of our best players will be wearing the Tricolours, which is an insult to every loyal Red and Green supporter. Still, we wish the players well – they deserve the opportunity to shine.