Through to his sixth grand final as coach, Canterbury mentor Des Hasler was on the mind game offensive right from the opening whistle of his post-match press conference.
Hasler was just 14 words into his first answer when he declared the Rabbitohs favourites for the premiership decider, before performing a brief rendition of “Glory, glory to South Sydney” to illustrate how much pressure the red and greens will be under after 43 years without a flag.
Bulldogs captain Michael Ennis was asked what his chances are of playing next week after failing to take the field for the second half on Saturday with a foot injury.
But Hasler interjected before his hooker had a chance to open his mouth.
“I can answer that,” he said.
In an indication of the cloak of secrecy that will surround Ennis’ health and prospects this week, Hasler took charge of the company line.
“Michael is fine. We pulled him off more as a precaution and he’ll do everything in his power to take his place next Sunday,” he continued.
When Ennis finally got his chance to speak, he echoed his coach’s thoughts.
“I got it caught under a tackle with five minutes to go before halftime. I knew I wanted to get through to halftime to save us the interchange,” Ennis said.
“A week’s a long time in footy so I’ll do what I can.
“I’m not too bad, I’ll be fine. I had the ice on for 40 minutes.
“I’m so proud of the boys.”
In an intriguing sub-plot to the week ahead, South Sydney are also sweating on the availability of their No.9 – with Issac Luke facing a possible sanction for his dangerous throw on Sonny Bill Williams in the Rabbitohs’ preliminary final win on Friday night.
Asked his thoughts on Luke’s chances of getting off, Hasler suggested if the Souths star is free to play the judiciary may have been “lenient with their consistency.”
“It’s not my call but I think if he is graded then there’s probably the possibility of carry overs,” he said.
“If he’s charged they’ll fight it and he’s got a fair chance of getting off. It just depends how lenient they want to be with consistency.
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