Plenty of memorable moments from that first forty.. Now let's break it down.
Engine Room a hummin’
It was well documented at the beginning of the 2020 season that the big knock on the Rabbitohs roster was a perceived lack of dominance in our forward pack. With the legendary Sam Burgess hanging up the boots, & younger brother George heading back to England - not to mention the fossil John Sutton finally calling it curtains - some of that may have been understandable, at least from the outside looking in. But fast forward a few months and a quick global pandemic, and now all you have to do is take a look at big Tom Burgess before you get the red pen out and cross out some of that pre-season criticism.
The last Burgess has made 20 runs for 75 meters in 30 minutes to put the Rabbitohs on the front foot tonight - not to mention the best rig in the NRL; Cam Murray (20 runs, 47 meters, lightening fast play the balls) or our resident lunatic Liam Knight who carted it up for nearly 100 in his own first stint, or even our favourite toko Junior Tatola who has missed his first game in almost forever tonight. Suffice to say, the Rabbitohs engine room has served some pre-season critics humble pie so far in 2020, & they’ll have to continue to do so to bring home a flag when it’s all said & done. There is a long way to go, but tonight the signs are good that they are up for it.
Halftime Shutout Shutdown
After leading 20-0 after 27 minutes, it looked like the boys were on track for would be their third halftime shutout in almost as many weeks. However the ebbs and flows of rugby league had other ideas as lapses in concentration saw the Tiger cross twice in three minutes to bring the deficit to just 8 points. You can only imagine what it would be like to be a fly on the wall in both opposition change rooms at the break.
Top of the Table
It didn't take long, and he might be knocked off the perch come Saturday night, but for now, Adam Reynolds is the league’s leading point scorer with 165 points. Hot on his heels is Roosters half, Kyle Flanagan with 160 points who will prime opportunity to reclaim the mantle when his side tackle the Knights, but for now, Adam Reynolds is top dog.
Welcome Back Gags
The last time Dane Gagai played against the tigers he bagged a triple, & it took him twelve minutes to continue his try scoring form against the the trend & cross for the Rabbitohs four pointer. The Queensland and Australian rep averages a try a game for the past eight matches, & is a handy addition to the side leading into the finals after missing time with a hamstring complaint.
Halves Down the Right
We’ve seen the Rabbitohs halves link up a number of times over the last few weeks, leading to some spectacular plays & highlights for the red & green. Cody Walker has again spent a lot of time attacking down the right hand flank looking to expose an inexperienced defensive pairing of Tommy Talau & Asu Kepaoa. Keep an eye on the right flank for the next forty.
