The normally expressionless NRL boss Dave Smith should have a huge smile after the season started at Suncorp last night with a bang. Premiers South Sydney treated league fans to a 36-6 romp over the Broncos.
For openers, the Broncos averaged a tick over 33,000 at home last season. Last night there were 36,057 in attendance in very humid conditions.
But the story is South Sydney.
The famous cardinal red and myrtle green club waited 43 painful years before they cracked their 21st premiership last year.
Since then, the Rabbits have won every trophy available – the Auckland Nines, the Charity Shield, and the World Club Challenge. In the latter they thumped St Helens by a record 39-0, playing white hot rugby league in near freezing conditions in the north of England.
And last night was more of the same, hardly the way the Bronco faithful wanted to celebrate the return of their favourite son Wayne Bennett after six seasons and 154 games with the Dragons and Knights.
The maestro will get the Broncos back on track, that much is certain.
But there was one very good reason for the faithful to celebrate last night – Corey Parker’s 300th game.
He’s the 22nd to reach the milestone, only the eighth one-clubber, and second on the list only to the legendary Darren Lockyer, who holds the code’s record with 355.
But last night belonged to Mick Maguire’s Rabbits.
The NRL’s top player Greg Inglis took 48 minutes to score his first try as the new South Sydney skipper, and 10 minutes later he made a typical mid-field burst to unselfishly send youngster Luke Keary on his way to touch down.
He accumulated 133 run metres during the game, looking in good stead for the season despite a glut of football recently. Inglis was crucial in the five-tries-to-one victory.
The icing on the cake was the performance of Souths halfback Adam Reynolds who reminded NSW Origin coach Laurie Daley he’s the main contender with a solid all-round game plus seven successful shots at goal from seven attempts. His last goal was a monster 51-metre centre-field penalty and he deserved the man-of-the-match honours.
The other plus for Souths was former Manly stalwart Glenn Stewart.
He can’t match rugby convert Sam Burgess’ 196cms and 116kgs for size, but Stewart’s 180cms and 100kgs will do very nicely. He was everywhere last night in a tireless performance.
And why were South Sydney so dominant?
“The boys are all great mates, and they really enjoying playing together,” was Maguire’s simple answer.
And the skipper’s warning?
“Last year was last year. To concentrate on the big prize we have to do that every week,” said Inglis.
So good luck to the other 15 clubs, South Sydney is the benchmark in season 2015.
ret
Guest
Well mastermind I remember 1989, and I'll take 2014 (minor premiership or not) anytime. When we had a top 5, the minor premiership gave teams an advantage-today it's really no more helpful than 2nd.
William Dalton Davis
Roar Rookie
I don't think so. Brisbane were buggered and out of fuel by the 30 minute mark. That quick try by the bunnies after half time broke the broncos back and Brisbane couldn't recover. If you break it down the rabbits didn't do a whole lot of defending in that second half which would be a major factor for them not looking as tired as Brisbane. I'm pretty sure that after 50 minutes of play they'd made 60 more tackles due to poor discipline with, and without the ball. Something you just can't do in the conditions they were playing under. Couple this with how involved souths back line were in the second half it kept their forwards pretty fresh. It was a very mature display from the reigning premiers, but it was made a lot easier by Brisbane.
Russell Johnson
Guest
It does put the WCC game with Saints into a different perspective though, doesn't it? WOF'TP
Aaron
Guest
It was exceptionally hot and humid. Touched 40 during the day. I was sweating in the stands so can't imagine how the players felt. Regardless of Broncos training in Brisbane, the conditions on Thursday were quite extraordinary. The rabbits got the better of it because they are simply a fitter and better trained team.
Elma Dudd
Guest
Coke with ice ?
Birdy
Guest
But first a coke to calm down. How good was parra.?
Sleiman Azizi
Roar Guru
What did I say that you had to listen to and get offended over?
Alex L
Roar Rookie
U wot m8?
Elma Dudd
Guest
Or perhaps on a police car up to you birdy ....
Birdy
Guest
Back on my perch but much too nervouse to hit the cup. Go parra
Muzz
Guest
Come back, Birdy, We'd like you to pee in the cup.
Elma Dudd
Guest
Ya too old birdy , gotta be baby balls .
Gary Russell-Sharam
Guest
Brisbane lost it in the forwards not the backs, the bunnies made huge inroads up the middle and the Broncos hardly made a dent.
Birdy
Guest
I'm outa here
Jackson Henry
Roar Guru
I prefer to get all my peeking over and done with in February. Frees up the rest of the year you see (!) (Apologies mate, slack joke but couldn't resist)
steveng
Roar Rookie
And PIGS FLY TOO
Muzz
Guest
Interesting how the home team,who had an intensive pre-season in the heat struggled with last nights conditions. Perhaps the Broncos need to give Mitch Ross a call or maybe ASADA should just do their job properly. Rules for some
Zedman
Roar Rookie
You been hanging with Karmichael G P????
Mals
Guest
Is that you Oikee?
Gaz
Roar Rookie
Mopey indeed. While we may talk of perspective, history and the 2006 premiers I'll show you who they were so you can understand my point. 1 Justin Hodges, 2 Darius Boyd, 3 Brent Tate, 4 David Stagg, 5 Karmichael Hunt, 6 Darren Lockyer (c), 7 Shane Perry, 8 Shane Webcke, 9 Shaun Berrigan, 10 Petero Civoniceva, 11 Sam Thaiday , 12 Brad Thorn, 13 Tonie Carroll. Interchange: 14 Corey Parker , 15 Dane Carlaw, 16 Ben Hannant, 17 Casey Mcguire. These are the type of players you need to win a premiership. So as we put things into perspective we understand the enormity of the situation.