It was third time lucky. Three times with the game on the line, Souths sent their play the ball to the right tramline, three times they hit left with men in motion and on the last of them, they made it.
Twice it had been Nathan Cleary who made the spectacular, Sattleresque – son not father – tackle, but he was left despairing in his dive at Isaiah Tass. 20-18 was the final score.
Make no mistake: these are the best two teams in the NRL. If we don’t see this again in the first weekend of October, one of the other 15 will have put on a mammoth effort.
It was a game of excellent quality, with both sides throwing all they had in attack and being met by everything the other had in defence.
Stephen Crichton, who scored three tries and all the Panthers’ points, did not deserve to be on the losing side. Neither did Cleary, who was battered and bruised but came up with what looked like the winning play twice. He went into the game injured and didn’t kick goals as a result, though father Ivan suggested it was minor.
Until Latrell Mitchell intervened, at least. And Cam Murray, Lachlan Ilias, Cody Walker and Alex Johnston, who proved that the famous Souths left edge can do it against the very best, with the game on the line, when it matters most.
Mitchell was worth two tries in a typically heroic showing. It’ll be lost in the rundown from the hour of footy that followed, but his offload that created Souths’ first try was as good a piece of individual daring as you’ll see. Manly had criticised. Not anymore.
Cast your mind back three weeks and Trell Mit was coming in for plenty of fire. Since then, he’s scored six in three, including a hat trick against the Dogs in his 150th and a domineering display tonight.
It’s all well and good having a system that you trust, but it helps having a character who can impose himself on the best team in the league like this.
“He had some real energy about him,” said Jason Demetriou. “He brings us a dimension that’s sometimes unstructured, when he’s playing through the middle with offloads and supporting people, it starts generating some ruck speed and gets us playing on the front foot a bit.”
Demetriou would have been proud of the performance regardless of the result, but Souths are sick to death of being valiant losers against Penrith. Now, they’re not.
The final play, a classic sweeping Souths move, was the sort that they will have practiced a thousand times at Redfern but finally called upon with the game on the line.
“It’s what they practice over and over and over again to get it right in big moments,” said Demetriou.
“Penrith are a team where we can’t hope that one play is going to win the game. We have to thrown multiple plays and move the ball multiple times and keep going not matter how many times they shut us down.
“We have to keep challenging one of the best defences the game has seen in the last decade. We’re not going to one out up the field and hope that Penrith miss a tackle, because they just don’t do that. You need to break it up.
“We’ll get a lot out of it because it’s something we talk about a lot, but to do it in the big games, you really get some confidence out of it.”
It’s a game in which both sides go home happy. Ivan Cleary will be miffed that, for the fourth time this year, his side lost a close one, but proud that they never, ever go away.
“We knew exactly what they were going to do,” said the Panthers coach of the final play. “We kind of covered it but never wrapped the ball up.
“I thought they were really good tonight. Their skill players came up with some big plays. We played them a few weeks back and they weren’t coming up with the plays on that night. Tonight they did at some key moments in the game.
“It could have gone either way but it doesn’t feel any better. Wins and losses come and go, but what you’re made of and the culture of our club, I’m still proud of it and tonight was no different.”
Souths came into this game with a serious plan. They go about the business of grinding differently: where Penrith generate their metres from their backline and save the forwards for tackling, Souths tend to favour their big men in the middle.
Dutifully, they picked a three and a half forwards on the bench – Jed Cartwright has been known to moonlight at centre – and got about winning the middle.
Prior to their opener, it wasn’t necessarily working, with the Panthers gradually winning an extended, near-20 minute long grind, but Souths were constantly trying to throw things at the defence to see what worked.
There were early kicks from both Walker and Ilias that disrupted the rhythm. There was a clear desire to get to their points, even from deep, and put plays on. They were never playing merely to complete sets, but complete they did.
Eventually it paid off. Latrell’s pass that won the field position was the kind that no other player even tries, and likely, that no other team empowers their player to try. Once Souths got to where they wanted to be, they struck immediately through Damien Cook.
It’s not good enough to just try and outgrind Penrith. They’re too good at it and will beat you. Even on their worst day, as Newcastle found out last week.
You absolutely cannot switch off against Penrith. Souths were well on top, ending the first half with Campbell Graham held a yard from the Panthers line. It’s exactly where they would want to be with 60 seconds to play.
Yet this team doesn’t stop. Souths’ defence got them to 39 minutes in front, but for the third time in a row, they went to the sheds level thanks to a Panthers try just before the break.
By the end, though, it was the Bunnies on top. Penrith kept on going to the end because they always do, but the confidence in Souths to keep trying to play their football – not panicking, but playing the way they always do – was the difference.
With six minutes on the clock, Murray turned down an easy two points and chose to run it. They didn’t score. The mentality of doing that, when all logic would suggest edging ahead, was still there at the end. Souths could have tried to set up a two point field goal shot. Instead, they played to their points, put on their move and got a try.
The question that the Bunnies have faced in their lengthy losing streak against the Panthers has always been about their defence. Nobody doubts that the Bunnies can look good in attack, but Penrith are the league’s standard in defence and have been able to stay in it long enough to win in the end.
Tonight, that was different. Souths endured a now-traditional wobble either side of the break and went 13 minutes completely inside their own half, with the Panthers enjoying six sets’ worth of good ball. They came away with nothing.
The Panthers, as mentioned, don’t stop. They conceded a try of their own, but never deviated from their plan and just built and built pressure. South Sydney, still, kept them at bay, but eventually gave themselves too much to do and conceded.
Then, they conceded again through a slightly fortunate bounce that gave Crichton his hat trick. Penrith are relentless and played relentlessly.
On another day, however, the Bunnies would have crumbled. Plenty enough pressure came and there was more than enough reason for it all to go wrong.
It’s times like this that clubs build systems for. Penrith know theirs and won’t deviate because of this or anything. That’s why they’ll be there at the end. Everyone knew Souths had an attack, but tonight showed that they have a defence too.
Normally, the most hyped battle will be two intimidating props bashing going mano-a-mano or two masterful halfbacks leading their sides around.
Tonight, however, the best two players on the field went straight up against each other with Campbell Graham and Sunia Turuva.
It was guaranteed that they would both get plenty of traffic, too. Turuva has fielded almost every kick that Panthers have received all season, partly because he’s new and everyone wants to test him out but also because nobody wants the ball to land on Brian To’o or Dylan Edwards. They might start to think again: 150m with eight tackle breaks will do that.
Graham doesn’t get the kicks, but it’s guaranteed that Taane Milne does given his history of dropping bombs, particularly those kicked by Nathan Cleary.
The centre is the lynchpin of Souths’ backline carries and invariably takes the tough carry after Milne has had the ball dropped on him a great height.
There were plenty of tough, tough runs to be taken and there can be few outside backs in the NRL who so consistently find their front and, usually, carry a few with them. He made 125m with the ball, and almost half of them were post-contact. That tells you plenty about the sort of runs Graham was taking.
It didn’t end well for Turuva, however. He was limping badly at the end after turning badly on an ankle.
blacktown leagues
Roar Rookie
look i have never bagged souths have nothing but respect for what they have achieved but have had a gut full of the constant bagging of my club and will defend them no matter what they started with nothing unlike the broncos and storm who came into the comp with financial backing and competitive teams the panthers and sharks were left to fend for themselves with park footballers to do there best and every thing they have achieved has come thru tough times and like i said will defend there integrity always
steveng
Roar Rookie
Don’t take it too hard BL, I’m calling you names you are so nonsensical, just remember that this form is just banter, and we are really just having fun and a winge, like all on this form are. Yes, we have a go but that is all it is, its nothing serious or to get too hung up about or taken personally or seriously. I can take all that has been dished out and will always do, all's fair in love and war :laughing: Don’t compare the NRL era to the NSWRFL era as its like chalk and cheese, yes the Panthers have had a great go with their side in the NRL era while we haven’t but, you need to put all this into perspective and firstly look at the Panthers demographics and the huge leagues club in that area that the Panthers League club is and the Panthers side has access to, as they have a huge monopoly, while in the inner city area of South Sydney the South Sydney Seniors Leagues club was run ragged and went completely bankrupt and eventually closed down and Souths struggled to keep afloat financially in the 1990s, directly affecting on-field results, with no finals appearances throughout the decade and the future of the famous Club looking bleak with the 21st century on the horizon, which culminated in what happened in 2000. It was only because of George Piggns and South Sydney Juniors (that was a completely different club that had no association with the Souths seniors) that the Souths side survived on skeleton funding, as the NRL evolved and RL Clubs like Penrith boomed. Lets put things into perspective as things started off very badly for Souths in the NRL era and you can’t compare the two.
blacktown leagues
Roar Rookie
ok steveng ill bite first things first i get the point you think im a clown i thought a man of your vintage you are at least 70 would be above that but if we are gonna go down that path i think you and gb talk nothing but rubbish and you failed to address my point you say cleary does nothing but criticise refs and make excuses which is exactly what you do you did not address that issue and if you want to debate records from 67 im more than happy to do both since 67 bunnies 7 grand finals five titles great record panthers 6 grand finals 4 titles great record i think that stacks up quite well for penrith considering souths were at the start of a golden run in 67 and penrith in 67 were basically a second division team newly promoted now nrl era souths 2 grand finals one title penrith 6 grand finals 4 titles not even close cumon call me some more names
steveng
Roar Rookie
Your opening remark imo typifies you “I promised myself i would not respond to steveng or GB” WOW shock horror...and that is really about the point of your arguments, as you probably don't have an opinion! Must typifies what you are all about, as I can just see the nonsense that you would come up with like this “dont forget a son of one of your greatest won a premiership at our proud club” which has nothing to do with anything about our arguments or the points that we are trying to make you clown, I respect Scott Sattler for what he is as a person, don’t bring the Panthers into anything, as that is as far as it gets with Scott, he's got nothing to do with this. Also, I can see what other things you would be and are prepared to argue on and its like these subjects “and if your up for it happy to debate who has the best record in the nrl era” :laughing: hahahaaa :laughing: which is typical of you. Lets debate since 1967 when the Panthers joined the NSWRFL you clown.
blacktown leagues
Roar Rookie
im sorry I promised myself i would not respond to steveng or GB but did i read that right cleary should not make excuses and complain about decisions against his team and give credit where credit is due then the very next paragraph you are complaining about referees and conspiracy theorys against souths look i respect souths and what they have achieved as a foundation club they have a tremendous record and history but i feel you pair should pay a bit more respect to what the panthers have achieved instead of the constant bashing dont forget a son of one of your greatest won a premiership at our proud club and if your up for it happy to debate who has the best record in the nrl era
steveng
Roar Rookie
LP, I did watch the press conference but what really gets to me is that Ivan Cleary has a bad habit of continually haveing an excuse for his teams losses and even when he wins, yes he was dippp.stick.lomatic but, he always has a sly twist at decisions made against his team, imo there is no need for that, especially being a coach of such a successful and great Panthers side like he has, just move on, give credit where its due and have winge in house about those things. The first 2023 game was just as me and GB analyzed it, as Grant Atkins, continually gives the Panthers the rub of the green and ruins great games between our two clubs and stops a great encounter like we had last Thursday from being played and made into such a great contest, it’s been proven statistically and viewing his refereed games, that is what we were pointing out as its statistically before our eyes in black/white and in colour. Anyway, its all good LP, lets see what happens and whatever happens its only a game of RL and all supporters have their own views and opinions and I respect yours.
Nathan Absalom
Roar Guru
They do it because there's no post at the ten metre line, so kickers will line up where they want to kick by where the opposing players are standing. That's why it's always been an automatic penalty instead of allowing players to retreat after the ball is kicked. One of those things that if you ping 'em once they'll all stop doing it, but unfortunately rugby league often thinks "cynical" and "smart" coaching are synonyms.
NSWelshman
Roar Rookie
Sorry mate disagree…..any other player would have copped it except for Goldenchild Cleary. Btw I’m not a South’s supporter…..now reports the poor fella was battling a groin injury during the game. It’s why the Panthers lost lololol. What’s the next excuse?
Short Memory
Roar Rookie
If Panthers fans weren’t gloaters and their team didn’t rely on favours from the referees He says, gloating about a 2 point victory on the back of a couple of dubious refereeing decisions. :laughing:
NQR
Roar Rookie
I totally agree the draw is something you’d fail a 9year old for presenting. I think plenty of supporters are questioning if the competition is run by professional or amateurs.
London Panther
Roar Rookie
I don’t think you actually watched Ivan’s press conference. He was very complimentary about Souths and both he and Yeo said multiple times that Souths were the better side. He did make a comment that he thought your second to last try was dubious but in the same breath then said it was just one moment in the game and that Souths won more of the important moments. There were zero excuses from Ivan in that press conference. From what I can see from the Panther supporters on this site, while disappointed to lose a close game, none have made excuses either and have congratulated Souths on a deserved win. Compare that to some of your comments about the first game of the season when Penrith scored off a controversial play, or some of the hysterics you and your fellow Souths supporters go on about with a perceived bias towards Penrith (oh the irony). So it is great that you have been supporting Souths for many years; I suggest you use some of the perspective that this provides going forward in your posting.
steveng
Roar Rookie
LP, but it come out that way from some of your fans who think that they do "have a god-given right to win every game" listen to your coach Ivan's post game interviews, as he always having an excuse and keeps making excuses every week, win or lose. Btw, I also very well remember when the Panthers and the Sharks joined the NSWRFL comp, as it was a big thing in those days when these two new clubs joined, also remember that it took the Panthers 24 years to win one GF. Anyway mate, I've been there when the Bunnies were on top then went through a much longer stretch when they lost, don't tell me upos and downs, as the Bunnies fans know that very well :laughing: as I've been following the Bunnies since I was a 5 years old kid and as long as I can remember, as my dad was tragic Bunnies fan ...I can remember my dad and his mates going to footy all the time, and talking to me about the Bunnies all the time, and then taking me to my fist GF at the SCG in 1955, when the Bunnies beat the Bluebags (Newtown) :laughing: in a real close 12-11 game, so you have a long way to go to catch up with the Panthers mate :laughing:
Glory Bound
Roar Rookie
How was the Roosters track record last year in September compared to Cody Walker and the Rabbitohs? :laughing:
London Panther
Roar Rookie
I’m a Panther fan and have been since 1986. I know very well what it is like to lose. So when I see my team in a great close game like last night I can accept a loss; we don’t have any god-given right to win every game. And maybe that attitude is why I specifically called out you and GB.
Glory Bound
Roar Rookie
There is a video on YouTube with Cameron Murray explaining the jerseys were in honour of the Australian Navy's submarine service men and women. Which was fitting as the Black Bunnies torpedoed the Sith Panthers dreams last night proving they aren't invincible when they don't have Grant or Klein controlling the game. :laughing:
Robbo
Roar Rookie
They would have if they were manned up - Souths played same play twice in 5 minutes and Penrith didn't learn the first time - 3 on 2 on left side. Unfortunately my Dragons have been doing the same
astro
Roar Rookie
I think Souths have been the most impressive team I've watched all year. Demetriou would be my early 'coach of the year' winner. Souths have had an impossibly tough draw...But whatever their record is, they've looked like one of the toughest teams in the comp and they combine that toughness with real creativity in attack. Statistically, they lead or are close to the top of most attacking and defending categories. Yes, they make too many errors and are prone to losing their cool sometimes, but overall, they look like a very complete side. That spine of Cook, Murray, Illias, Walker and Mitchell is scary.
Albo
Roar Rookie
Bit harsh there Robbo. In the last 5 minutes Souths got lucky with "hail mary" bomb and then scored a brilliant winning try that I don't think any team would have stopped.
Albo
Roar Rookie
Maybe we will get Wighton ?? :silly:
Worlds Biggest
Roar Pro
Phil if you can watch the replay mate, it was superb from both teams. This game will be hard to top for game of the season. Top shelf.