These are the key takeaways from the Rabbitohs’ 26-16 loss to the Sydney Roosters at Allianz Stadium.
SKIPPER’S LOSS A HUGE BLOW
Nobody was ready for the prospect of losing captain and one of Souths’ most consistent players in Cameron Murray.
The collective groans of fans could be heard a mile away, as the trainers rushed to check on his condition.
It proved to be a deadly blow for the hopes of the team with their key man in the middle playing no part.
To top it off, stand-in lock Siliva Havili was also forced from the field with two HIA’s during the game.
Let’s hope both are fit and ready to go next weekend.
DEFENSIVE DECISIONS PROVE COSTLY
In a game between the oldest rivals in the sport, a hot start is always needed, and sadly the Rabbitohs didn’t have that.
The Roosters came out firing and raced their way to a 14-0 advantage and had all the answers in the first half.
In particular they were able to exploit some holes in the defensive line that really need to be plugged before the return bout.
KEY STATS PROVE GAP CAN BE BRIDGED
On face value any loss can be viewed as disappointing.
But in the unique situation of back-to-back games against the same team, the signs are there that the Rabbitohs weren’t far away from victory.
Possession was slightly in favour of the home side, with running and post-contact metres virtually identical.
The same can be said about tackles and tackle breaks.
It’s a sign that they weren’t all that far away from the mark and should lose no confidence from the defeat.
MAMO SLOTS IN NICELY
He entered the fray much sooner than anticipated, but Peter Mamouzelos did a great job when called upon early in the piece.
He did his job well out of dummy half, was extremely solid in defence and was rewarded for keeping himself in the play with his first ever NRL try.
There is no doubt we will see more of him in the years to come and in the limited opportunities he’s had, Mamouzelos has shown he is well up to first grade standard.
Ron Coote Cup staying in Redfern
South Sydney may have lost the match, but they retained the Ron Coote Cup for the fifth year straight thanks to Taane Milne's 70th minute try.
Given that the trophy is awarded to the team with the highest winning aggregate across the two meetings throughout the year, South Sydney's 28-16 win back in Round 3 was enough to lock up the silverware.
IT ALL STARTS NOW
With 25 rounds done and dusted, the real season begins now.
South Sydney will be forced to do it the tough way with every game from this point on coming with the risk of elimination.
But if we’ve learnt anything from the run of form over the back half of the season, it’s that they have what it takes to mix it with the best in the competition.
Wins over Melbourne, Parramatta and North Queensland along with narrow defeats to Cronulla and Penrith show that South Sydney belong in the finals, and if they can bring their best form over the next few weeks, fans are certainly in for a wild ride.
What better way to start it then a chance for immediate redemption against the team we all love to hate.
