Momentum Will Swing
The Bulldogs have had the run of the match in the first half, dominating most of the key stats; possession, field position & consequently the score board. The’ve completed high & played a quality brand of football, capitalising on the Rabbitohs errors & penalties. But in Rugby League, momentum rarely stays with one side for the entire eighty minutes, & as we have seen at the back end of the first Forty, if possession continues to swing back in favour of the Rabbitohs the boys will back have some confidence that they have the attacking potency to mount a comeback.
Lacking Discipline
We’ve been our own worst enemy in the opening half through drop ball, penalties and a somewhat controversial sin binning. The latter coming in the 21st minute when Jaydn Su’a put a cracking shot on Bulldogs half Lachlan Lewis. A dazed Lewis made it to his feet but dropped the pill in the play the ball and was taken off for an H.I.A assessment. Replays showed that there was contact with the head and Su’a was given his marching orders for 10 minutes. The Bulldogs took full advantage shortly after with a try to Faitala-Mariner.
No Lack of Motivation for the Bulldogs
Their season may be over, but that hasn’t stopped the Bulldogs from putting everything on the line tonight. Not only are they trying to lift themselves off from bottom place, they’re doing all they can in their power to make a memorable night for their Captain, Josh Jackson in game 200.
Kick Defusal
The men on the edges for the Red & Green have struggled all evening to defuse the kicking attack of the Bulldogs. At just 25%, the ‘Dogs have had success both in terms of scoring opportunities & repeat sets. The blustery conditions & new combinations on the edges (with Steven Marsters shifting from right-centre to left before being replaced by Jed Cartwright) may well have factored into this, but if the Rabbitohs are going to make a game of this it is an area that needs to be rectified.
