South Sydney coach Michael Maguire still faces a tough choice between starting Robbie Farah or Damien Cook in round one after both starred in the Charity Shield win over St George-Illawarra.
The Rabbitohs ended their pre-season with a decisive 32-10 victory over the Dragons at ANZ Stadium on Sunday, extending their streak in the annual fixture to five games.
And it was the shootout between Farah and Cook that will give Maguire a headache ahead of their mouth-watering round one clash against Farah’s former team Wests Tigers in a fortnight.
Farah impressed in a 40-minute first half stint, kicking astutely and providing good service out of dummy-half, and scoring his first try in Rabbitohs colours in the seventh minute.
But after taking over in the second half, Cook responded with a highlight try assist off the outside of his foot for rookie winger Braidon Burns.
Burns completed a double in similar fashion in the 70th minute, this time off the boot of halfback Adam Reynolds.
In an indication of how Maguire may play his two rakes this year, Farah returned late in the match and played alongside Cook in the middle of the field.
Either way, the hooking tandem is sure to add an extra dimension to a Rabbitohs side that took advantage of a Dragons team that had plenty of looks in attack but little to show for it.
Russell Packer and Nene Macdonald both got on the scoresheet in the first half, however the Dragons rarely threatened after the main break.
Winger Jason Nightingale added a consolation try late.
In a sour note for the Dragons, forward Will Matthews came off midway through the second half with a suspected dislocated hip that could rule him out for an extended period.
The Dragons kick off their season against Penrith at Kogarah on March 3.
Paul
Guest
I don't care what he was like at the Storm (though I know Bellamy didn't make an effort to keep him). At the Dragons he has been rubbish and has only gotten worse as time has progressed. As of now, he is the wort regular first grader in the NRL and will remain so until a coach with a clue takes over and promptly drops Widdop to the NSW Cup. At that point, he will be one of the worst players in the NSW Cup.
KenW
Guest
Yes, I understand that the Dragons have had an acknowledged attack problem over the last couple of seasons and it's tempting to look at trial form and see if it's fixed but really this result doesn't say anything. They let in some soft tries and scored a few tries, missing a couple more while rotating players through positions. No they didn't look especially slick doing it, especially while rotating players through, but it's usually only the greenest of us that looks at trial form and thinks they have the season worked out. Meanwhile the Broncos got done by an understrength Warrington to become the first team to lose in England for half a decade, and the Sharks got done by more against Wigan to double it up. The Sharks only managed 1 try, so if we're going by pre-season form their attack must be far worse than the Dragons who got 3 this week and 4 last week. All that said, I agree with most of the other comments about this specific game. Dragons had more negatives than positives. For the positives though, it seems like Mary might be considering McCrone as a bench hooker if Field (or someone else) steps up. This could be a neat move, I'm quite opposed to him as first choice halfback but he is a strong defender and can provide a bit of playmaking backup
Albo
Guest
I guess they need to try something ! Not sure you can just blame Mary as I fear they just don't have the cattle across the club ranks ! Field looks keen and has pace , but he is very small and who is he to link with ? Widdop seems totally lost these days and needs others around him leading the way for him. But who ? Looking at Ben Hunt's game in England on the weekend, nothing has improved there either, for thoughts of a future Saints saviour ! Lafai & Nightingale offer nothing. Milne & Aitken are their best backs but are usually being starved or asked to do it all themselves. Dugan at least tried to pass the ball a few times but looked all at sea in such a foreign role. The forwards are average at best with no creativity. Frizell & Thompson try hard, but are desperate for an on field leader. Its hard to feel confident of improved Saints performances this year if yesterdays effort is to be any guide.
St Adam
Guest
Jae Field needs to be named at 5/8 with Widdop moving to the 7 jersey to accomodate. Should take captaincy off of Widdop immediately and reduce the pressure on the guy so he can play his natural game. His form now compared to his last year with the storm/first year joining us is very, very worrying. Also, I really hope Mary is not hoping to start the season with the same squad. Lafai over Milne? Rocks in his head surely. Nightingale is passed it now as well and shoud probably be replaced with either Mann (club leading try scorer last year) or the youngster Dufty when he gets back from injury. Something needs to give.
Chook
Guest
Don't agree
PatchMan
Guest
I agree with you 100%! Don't think McGregor will last till rnd 10!
Riggs
Guest
Completely agree with you Haradusan
Riggs
Guest
Yeah, he was terrible in 2012 when he won a premiership. Dragons have not had a half or fullback creating any opportunities the past 2 years and he's not playing to his strength. They'll release him and he'll probably shine at another club under a different coach. All those Dragons "fans" scapegoated Soward when they went down hill (after praising him in 2009-2011) he went to Penrith and takes an injury ridden Panthers one game short of a GF. I don't think Widdop is solely to blame here.
Worlds Biggest
Guest
Farah will be starting end of discussion. They both played well but he wasn't signed to come off the bench. Madge needs to work out how to have both of them on field for longer periods. Braidan Burns took his tries nicely and should have his nose in front now to start in Rd 1. Crighton strong off the bench, would love him starting. The Dragoooons were willing but again look bereft of attacking ideas. Ben Hunt can't join quick enough. Solid performance from Souths but wil need to lift when facing there bogey team in Round 1.
Ben
Roar Guru
I'm all for not blaming the coach for everything. But he's had 2 years at the helm now.... And it looks like he's change nothing.
The Barry
Roar Guru
Yeah you're right. The game plan is rubbish. Their attack unfocused. But Widdop is the main man for their attack. He seems to be content rolling it in for a repeat set but then that repeat set is as unthreatening as the last. BTW - I meant to write the dragons forwards went well
Renegade
Roar Guru
Dragons looking good for the spoon.
Haradasun
Guest
It will be a long season for dragons fans. I think Widdop gets unfairly victimised, he has ability but he is only going to be as good as the attacking structure and coaches plans. Its a team sport last I checked and dragons seem to have no cohesion in attack at all. They just kick for drop outs thats it.
Ben
Roar Guru
I'm thinking MacGregor may be a very short priced favourite to be first coach sacked this year...
The Barry
Roar Guru
That was terrible from the Dragons. Souths weren't outstanding but put on 32 pretty soft points. Dragons were on top for the first 15 minutes of the second half and had good territory but didn't look like putting points on. Most of the forwards we not well. Last tackle options are shockers. Set plays terrible. Attack impotent. Widdop had a good season in 2015. I have no idea what's happened to him.
Pedro the Saint
Roar Rookie
We are in a world of hurt just in the defensive reads alone. they were woeful.
Paul
Guest
H
Paul
Guest
How bad is Gareth Widdop? Worst player in the NRL? Worst of the past decade to play over 50 games?
ScottWoodward.me
Roar Guru
How is it a tough choice? The incumbent NSW hooker v a benchy? If the bookies were betting who will be the starting 9 for Souths in round 1, Farah would be 1.01 and the only way you would not collect is if there was an injury. Cook has very good speed and trialed well, but he has a long way to go to get near Farah.