Sit back, relax... you've made it to halftime. Now let's digest all the big talking points rom that first forty.
Pressure
The match has been an arm wrestle, with both sides enjoying periods of dominance & causing stress for the opposition defensive line - but by the 30 minute mark the Eels had hit the front with three quick tries - creating a different kind of pressure for the Rabbitohs. Games aren’t won at this time of the year without the ability to overcome periods of adversity - & that is exactly what the Rabbitohs will have to do to stay alive tonight.
Target the Right
The game plan early on looked to test Parramatta’s debutant Haze Dunster. From the outset the plays looked to placed down the Eels right edge with Reynolds and Walker looking to send traffic down that edge. To the youngsters credit, he’s handled himself well. Will that trend continue in the second half? We’ll have to wait and see.
Stop the Offloads
Clint Gutherson has stolen the show the second quarter of this match, sniffing around the ruck and collecting offloads with ease. So far he’s had a hand in all the tries, scoring two and setting the other one up. If Souths are going to get back into the contest, they’ll need to wrap the footy up and mark Gutherson at all times.
Hitman Down But Not Out
Well it looks as though Jaydn Su’a might just be tougher than the big hits that he deals out. Working it out of our end around the 15th minute mark, the big man found his left leg tangled and twisted in an awkward tackle. As he grimaced on the ground, clutching at this left knee, we all feared the worst. Miraculously, he found his feet after a few minutes, opting to play on. If you’re looking for an inspirational shot in the second half, keep an eye on Su’A’s shoulders.
