New St George Illawarra coach Steve Price finally cracked it for a win as the Dragons closed out their NRL pre-season with an 18-12 Charity Shield victory over South Sydney on Saturday night.
The return of Ben Hornby provided the stabilising hand the Dragons lacked in their earlier trials, his assured display in contrast to a mixed night for rookie Rabbitohs No.7 Adam Reynolds.
While English import Sam Burgess showed he was ready to make up for an injury-ruined 2011 with a powerhouse two-try performance, Reynolds still has some way to go to make the Rabbitohs faithful forget departed playmaker Chris Sandow.
The Bunnies also face a nervous wait ahead of their season-opener with three players put on report, Eddy Pettybourne for a high shot which ended Chase Stanley’s night after ten minutes, John Sutton for a head slam and Luke Burgess for using knees in a tackle.
It was a familiar tale to start the contest with the Dragons going to the left edge which proved so potent under former coach Wayne Bennett, a Ben Hornby kick to the corner finishing with Matt Cooper going over in the third minute.
The Dragons enjoyed a healthy share of possession, Reynolds doing his side no favours with a line drop-out sailing out on the full with the red and whites crossing on the ensuing set.
Souths didn’t get a crack at the opposition line until the 20th minute, and they made the most of it when Sam Burgess turned new Dragons fullback Kyle Stanley into a speed hump.
The intensity picked up after the break with Souths utilising the power running game they are sure to rely much on this season, Burgess beating five defenders to draw the Bunnies level.
With Burgess’ partner in crime Dave Taylor also causing havoc down the other edge, Hornby was forced to make an impassioned plea to referee Jason Robinson on the back of a string of penalties.
“What are we supposed to do? Look at the size of the bloke, he’s seven foot tall and 120 kilos”
The Dragons regained momentum as Souths’ big men tired, rookie centre Nathan Green losing the ball over the line before former Canberra winger Daniel Vidot crossed for the match-winner 13 minutes from time.
Ken
Guest
In all seriousness I'm having trouble working out who's going to fire this year, personally I see lots of 'maybes' and very few certain contenders. Maybe Souths will, for once, actually live up to their roster and make an appearance in September - that's something I wouldn't bet on though!
Bearfax
Guest
I take it you have a divergent opinion concerning Souths aspirations for the finals young ken. Very brave indeed. No doubt you also have the Titans, Penrith, Sydney City, Parramatta and North Queensland on your betting slip for the 8. Commendable. I like long shots to, though I dont bet on them too often. Bad for the budget.
Bearfax
Guest
Are we talking about Saturn's major moon or the Greek Gods.....no no noooo surely you dont mean to suggest the Gold Coast Titans as a final's prospect. cartwrights not a bad coach and he picked up a couple of potentially good players but they lost their mojo last year Johnno and I dont think its comin' back that soon. Better odds I think with the Raiders as a dark horse given the unrealised talent of their young squad
Bunnies Fan
Guest
What finals? -- Comment left via The Roar's iPhone app. Download The Roar's iPhone App in the App Store here.
Johnno
Guest
Titans.
Ken
Guest
'not counting the finals' - I don't think that will be a problem
Bearfax
Guest
26 rounds I think, not counting the finals Johnno. I'm not a South's supporter but any team with Taylor, the Burgess Bros, Anotasi, Crocker, a fit and disciplined Sutton, Inglis, King, a rising star in McQueen and the briliance of Merrit and Luke has to be a chance, if they can keep their players on the field, of challenging for the pennant. With their new coach I can see them potentially playing Wests in the big one. Of course I'd prefer Manly to be there but I got an inklin' that ain't goin' to happen.
Johnno
Guest
Souths in for a long season I think.
Bearfax
Guest
Early days. Early days. Watch out the rabid rabbit. They'll be no ones bunny this year. Only dangerous opposition will be Injury.
Crosscoder
Roar Guru
Would someone please have a whisper in Isacc Luke's ear,that every lttle bit of aggro,does not need him coming in to play enforcer.The guy can't help himself.
Matt_S
Roar Pro
I hope the Rabbitohs are building for something here!!
oikee
Guest
You try stopping his F*@%king momentom, he is 120 kg sir. Loved Captain Hornby's remark after they got penalised for hanging onto Taylor (coal train) for too long. Scrappy game, i thought St George had them covered.