After an impressive display against Brisbane (36-6), a come-from-behind win against the much-fancied Roosters (34-26) and a solid 20-6 win against the Tigers, Souths supporters and commentators were quick to sing their team’s praises. Parramatta, however, brought Souths down to earth the following week, with the bubbly Sandow leading the Eels to a 29-16 victory.
A number of injuries then began to hit the Rabbitohs hard. First, the reliable Sutton had his jaw broken. Then Dylan Walker, who had started the season in brilliant form, sustained a broken wrist. The following week, in an intense, hot-blooded game against the Bulldogs, Adam Reynolds’ legs were bowled over by another James Graham helmet-headed charge. Although the ensuing penalty ensured Souths a last-minute victory, Reynolds, an increasingly vital cog in the Souths machine, was sidelined for a number of months with a serious knee injury.
Since then Souths have recorded three losses in succession, a rare statistic in coach Maguire’s tenure.
The first was perhaps excusable as an inspired Jonathan Thurston led a very strong and committed North Queensland team to a 30-12 victory. After Souths led 12-4 at half-time the Cowboys dominated the second half, overpowering the much vaunted Souths pack.
The second loss was played in absurd conditions at the peak of Sydney’s infamous storm week. Despite the atrocious conditions it was a game that Souths could and should have won. Unable to take advantage of running with a howling gale in the second half, they squandered an opportunity to take two points from a determined Sharks outfit.
The following week, in sunny Cairns, Canberra ensured that Souths’ fall from grace was complete. This loss was the most disappointing of the season. Despite intermittent displays of form, Souths’ lack of consistency gifted the enthusiastic Raiders a 30-22 victory. To cap off an awful month the injury toll continued to mount with Glenn Stewart and Dylan Walker sidelined with damaged hands and knees respectively, Stewart’s injury reportedly sidelining him for up to four months.
So, two months into the season and with a 50/50 win-loss record, the month of May will be an important one for Souths. As key players continue to fill waiting rooms in doctors’ surgeries, their ability to rally and improve their performances (particularly in the second half) will be put to the test and will have a huge bearing on their season.
