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Seven Tackle Set - 7 talking points from R20

Check out the seven biggest talking points from the South Sydney Rabbitohs' stunning comeback victory against the Parramatta Eels.

 

1. Déjà Vu

In the Round 15 clash against Parramatta, the Eels caught Souths off guard and managed to lead at halftime, and on Saturday they did the same with an 18-6 score at the break.

Although the Rabbitohs didn't put on 42 points, they did manage to pull off a slick comeback against a determined Eels outfit with a 26-20 victory.

Despite a scrappy performance, it was pleasing to see the men in Red and Green bounce back from last week's loss with a win.

 

2. Great Dane

One player who really stood up on Saturday night was Dane Gagai.

Coming off another stellar State of Origin campaign just weeks prior, Gagai proved his worth by scoring two tries (just narrowly missing on a third) and setting up his winger Campbell Graham for an all-important four-pointer late in the contest.

With the season nearing close, the Queensland and Test centre is hitting his straps at the right time.

 

3. Battle of the Backs

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In an interesting point to make, no forwards scored points on Saturday night, as the outside backs ran amok.

The dry conditions suited the outside backs style of play, and while there was plenty of grunt work in the middle, it was the fleet-footed men that stood out.

For the Eels, it was Clint Gutherson, Jarryd Hayne and Michael Jennings, who all scored tries, while Robert Jennings continued his form with a four-pointer, and both Campbell Graham and Dane Gagai bagging doubles.

 

4. Reynolds' Records Continue

Just weeks from scoring 900 points, halfback Adam Reynolds became the outright second highest point scorer for the Grand Old Club.

Surpassing legend Burnie Purcell, Reynolds put his name in the record books with his first conversion of the night, where he now has with 1132 points to his name.

While he may have a while yet to reach Eric Simms, who scored a whopping 1842 points in the Red and Green, Reynolds has established himself as a reliable sharpshooter and one of the best goal-kickers in the competition.  

 

5. Campbell's Coup

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One of the real positives from Saturday night's match was the performance from youngster Campbell Graham.

It's fair to say the Coogee Wombats junior had his breakout performance of his career, with two tries, two linebreaks, 130 running metres from 10 runs and four tackle breaks.

Having only just turned 19, 'Stretch' has been holding down a starting spot since Round 9, and looks to have a big future in the Red and Green.

 

6. Rep Players Returning Nicely

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Credit has to go to the representative players who had a particularly busy schedule over the last month but continued to put their best foot forward.

New South Wales hooker Damien Cook topped the tackle count with 49, 128 metres, 2 linebreak assists and a try assist, while his teammate Angus Crichton finished with a 95% tackle efficiency and five tackle breaks.

The Burgess trio all topped 100 running metres and 20 tackles, and of course, the aforementioned Dane Gagai had a night to remember with his two tries.

 

7. Sutto Gets His Celebrations

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While the Wests Tigers crashed John Sutton's 300 game celebrations, he was able to come out as a winner at fulltime in his 301st match.

Becoming the first 300-gamer in the proud Club's 110-year history is a great achievement in itself, but the veteran backrower has also stuck by the Red and Green through the toughest of times, making him a fan favourite.

Not only was it a night worth celebrating, but Sutton's statistics prove that he is in career-best form, finishing the night with 149 metres (55 post-contact), with 18 tackles and zero errors.

 

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