Opinion
After the Rabbitohs’ embarrassing 50-0 loss last week against the Melbourne Storm, they bounced back in typical fashion after a very dominant first half from the blokes in the red and green.
Cody Walker played his fourth game at starting fullback while superstar Latrell Mitchell had been suspended and Walker really found his feet after scoring a double and having 143 running metres with four tackle breaks and an amazing try-stopping tackle.
Benji Marshall was on fire after throwing two absolute dime passes to Souths winger Alex Johnston and second-rower Keaon Koloamatangi and Taane Milne, making his debut not only for the Rabbitohs but for the season, was impressive on the right wing with 15 runs for 123 run metres with zero missed tackles andno errors.
Braidon Burns looks like he is finding some form especially on defence with a few good tackles but the two big props Tevita Tatola and Thomas Burgess both ran for over 150 run metres and really laid a platform for Souths’ attack.
Damien Cook’s running game was good in patches, which is what Rabbitohs coach Wayne Bennett wants from his little number nine, but Cook,s defence was on display after making 50 tackles with only three misses (but two errors).
Now after the NRL have announced that they are taking head high shots seriously whether they are accidental or intentional and even though I dislike this change because there are way too many sin-bins, I believe Jaydn Su’A shouldn’t have been sin-binned for his effort on Sharks player Aaron Woods, but other people may believe differently.
Jai Arrow continued his form off the bench after playing 54 minutes and with his time on the field he scored his first try in 2021 and the first in his Rabbitohs career. He scored his sixth try in his 90-game career after previously playing for the Gold Coast Titans.
The Rabbitohs will welcome Mitchell back from suspension for their clash next Sunday against the Penrith Panthers in Round 11, which will allow Walker to go back to his best position at five-eighth and Souths attack will return to its best.
The Panthers, who are currently 9-0 with their game against the Titans yet to be played, have proved themselves time and time again this season but also last season against the best teams in the NRL. They find a way to win and win well which should concern Souths fans because their defence has been terrible the last four weeks.
Mitchell returning will certainly improve their play style on attack and defence, but I doubt they will have the firepower to compete with the Panthers. However, I’m expecting Walker and Mitchell to return to their brutal best.
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