In the clash with Melbourne in Perth I saw the most sickening tackle I have ever witnessed in a rugby league game. Sam Burgess was crunched and twisted by the Storm defence. A tackle like that could easily have broken his back. To make matters worse, the incident didn’t even draw a penalty!
My overall feeling on the game was that the Rabbitohs held their own against the top team in the competition, with brilliant defence and courage.
In the month ahead I see real promise. The loss to the Eels may well be the turning point. At least in the second half the players showed some fighting spirit. The team looked flat, though, and was unable to overcome a 16-point half-time deficit, finally succumbing 22-16.
With byes in rounds 13 and 16, and games against Brisbane and the Gold Coast, Souths can stand up and be counted. The State of Origin will take its toll on the Broncos, and to a lesser extent the Titans too.
I want to acknowledge a few players for their special efforts. Cody Walker has improved 100 per cent since I first saw him play. At fullback, in the absence of Greg Inglis, his line breaks, offloads and defence have been first rate. Alex Johnston is back to his best – his successful take-down of Storm flyer Suliasi Vunivalu, not only chasing him over 70 metres but also causing him to spill the ball, was a highlight of round 11. His double in round 12 was impressive. Sam Burgess never lets us down.
The next chance for fans to get out there and support our team will be Friday June 16, when the mighty Rabbitohs host the Titans at ANZ Stadium. Go the Bunnies!
