Team list

Seven Tackle Set - 7 talking points from Finals Week 2

Here are the seven biggest talking points from the South Sydney Rabbitohs' famous semi-final win over the St. George Illawarra Dragons.

 

1. The Game That Had Everything

Two famous Sydney clubs fighting for their seasons, a big crowd and even bigger moments. Yep, this match had everything a Rugby League finals match promises.

I'm sure I wasn't the only one on the edge of my seat throughout the entire match, and both sides produced herculean efforts throughout.

The lead changed six times, but in the end, it was the Red and Green who were victorious in an absolute nail-biter.

 

2. Great Show Of Support

Image

We saw 48,188 arrived at ANZ Stadium in full chorus and didn't it add to the what was already an incredible match!

The Burrow was in absolute raptures throughout the match, and the Dragons supporters got into the action as well, and the high attendance added to the finals atmosphere, making it so much more unique than your average season match.

Based on the crowd, you can expect a similar turnout this Saturday when we take on arch-rivals the 'Sydney' Roosters at Allianz Stadium.

 

3. The Iceman Cometh

We all know how good Adam Reynolds is at game management, but his performance against the Dragons was probably one of, if not his best game for the Club.

The sharpshooter managed to score all of the side's points, with a try, a conversion, two penalty goals and three - yes three - field goals.

Some teams struggle to even plot over a single field goal, let alone three, but the ice-cool temperament of Reynolds shone through as he sniped his side to victory.

Let's not forget the hole he created for Angus Crichton with a beautifully timed pass, which he eventually backed up to score the side's sole try, as well as his two forced dropouts.

With two great performances this finals series, Reynolds will be a key member in the Rabbitohs' charge in dismantling the Roosters this week.

 

4. Cameron Steals The Show

Image

Another player who starred for Souths on Saturday night was young gun Cameron Murray.

In just 57 minutes, Murray managed a game-high 195 running metres (69 post-contact), 32 tackles, 2 offloads and an all-important one-on-one strip.

After Campbell Graham had the ball stripped by Tyson Frizell, which then led to a penalty to give the Dragons the lead, Murray stepped in and made one of the biggest plays of the match by raking the ball from prop Leeson Ah Mau, giving his side possession and changing the momentum of the game with just a few minutes remaining. 

At just 20 years of age, Murray has shown he can be a big-game player with his enthusiasm and impact off the bench. 

 

5. First Finals Win Since '14

After missing out on the finals for two years (which has felt like an eternity), the Rabbitohs notched their first finals win since the 2014 Grand Final.

It was a historic win against long-time rivals the St. George Illawarra Dragons in the first ever finals match against the merged entity, and the first finals match against the red v in 34 years.

In an appropriately dramatic finish, the boys have now got a shot of confidence that will do them wonders going into this week's preliminary final.

 

6. Getting The Job Done

With so many distractions throughout the week, this team deserves more praise for their terrific win.

They've shown throughout the year that no matter the adversity, they will fight to the death, and that's exactly what they did against the Dragons, despite trailing for most of the match. 

It's no surprise to see the Red and Green make the preliminary final with their tenacity, and you can bet your bottom dollar they won't give the Roosters an inch this weekend.

 

7. Will History Repeat?

The last time the Rabbitohs were in this position, they took away the spoils in a famous preliminary final against - you guessed it - the Roosters in 2014.

After trailing 12-nil early on, the side regrouped to record a 32-22 victory to reach the Grand Final for the first time in 43 years.

This time, however, things have been reversed - the Roosters managed to win in week one of the finals to earn themselves the week off, while we've done it the tough way, after losing narrowly in the first week. 

The one big difference though - there isn't that 43-year monkey on our backs - all the pressure will be on the Roosters. And that's the way we like it.

 

Image

Become a Member today!

Subscribe to Receive The Latest News, Offers & Member Exclusives.

Subscribe

MAJOR PARTNERS

PREMIER PARTNERS

PLATINUM PARTNERS

ASSOCIATE PARTNERS All Partners