The Burgess boys were impressive. After spending 10 minutes in the sin bin for an alleged strip, during which time the Tigers piled on 18 unanswered points, Sam Burgess scored off a nice Isaac Luke pass. Luke Burgess crossed the try-line in the final minutes of a gripping contest to make it Souths 32 over Wests 18.
The game saw playmakers Adam Reynolds and Benji Marshall go head to head for the final time. The match doubled as Marshall’s 200th and Reynolds’ 50th. It’s well known that Reynolds is a huge fan of Marshall who will play for the Auckland Blues in 2014.
The young Rabbitoh had another blinder. He is one of the best kickers of the ball I’ve ever seen.
At a press conference held at Redfern Oval coach Michael Maguire was wary of over-excitement. When asked about his team’s prospects in September, he said: “I’ve been in this situation before. You can’t think too far ahead.”
Maguire paid tribute to retiring centre/winger Matt King. “He’s been through a lot, a few injuries over the years, and a great contributor to where we are now,” the coach said.
This has been King’s second season with the Rabbitohs after returning from the English Super League and a stint with the Warrington Wolves. King is one of the most experienced players in the Rabbitohs backline and captained the Club in 2012.
Originally from Casino, King has played 10 Tests for Australia (2005-07), nine State of Origin matches for NSW (2005-07), Tri-Nations (2005), three games for Country Origin (2004-05, 2012), and was selected for ESL Exiles team (2011).
“Kingy” played for the Melbourne Storm (2003-07) before joining Warrington (2008-11). He made his Rabbitohs debut at ANZ Stadium on March 5, 2012, against the Roosters.
A premiership in 2013 would be the perfect finish to a brilliant career.
