I agree… surprisingly with most of what you have written. The more mins that Cook plays the better for Souths but there is a trade off to the impact value he can create off the bench though if this is not managed. Farah can play a very effective role at Souths I feel now I have seen what he can bring to the team and the attitude I hear he is showing at training and off the field. As I have said Souths should effectively play two hookers with Farah starting at hooker for the first 20 – 25 mins and then dropping back to lock when Cook comes on and playing as a loose forward and in tandem out of dummy half following Cook after he probes the defence out of dummy half.

As for Michael Lichaa (although he had an improved game against the Roosters) he is still not a hooker for mine but a lock forward (in the old style, not the recent trend to convert this position to an additional prop forward to bring size to the middle of the field). Besides, Lichaa wouldn’t fit into Reggie’s bunny suit at Souths so we would have no use for him.

“without a personalised shout out I must not have thought you wanted me to respond.”

Well mate that hasn’t stopped you posting under everything else that I have written when you felt like it. It would be good if we could shift the focus to the game and argue points intelligently and on the facts and remembering it is possible to agree to disagree. Still, it would be nice know the reasoning behind opinions that are posted to understand individual arguments don’t you think?

Cheers about the best wishes for Souths against Manly but is that an olive branch for me or a brick through the window for silvertail47?

Redfern oval was notorious for that “racket” and for the intense pressure that the fans exerted on the refs. It didn’t always change the penalty count but it was tribalism at its best! Fans were only metres from the action and it felt like you could reach out and touch the players on the field. You could actually HEAR their grunts of exertion and the calls and the field. The first time I saw a game at the SFS I felt like I needed binoculars to see who was playing and in terms of on field sounds it felt like I was wearing earplugs. I felt a great disconnect from the game I once knew and even travelling to ANZ Stadium (though a better ground than the SFS) the atmosphere is never the same.

Redfern oval has gone now in any case, the old scoreboard I once remembered which used to block my view of the middle of the field from the flats I lived in behind it is gone. However, I will always cherish the memories of those days and going to the games at Redfern oval in particular and watching the teams warm up in Redfern park outside the main gates before the game. It is a pity so much of the game has now receded behind a commercial curtain that distances the fans from the game.

Thanks to Rhea Bonsey again for this article and giving us oldies here a chance to reminisce.

Cook is an impact player ATM. I wouldn’t want to trade that. Still I would like to see him play more mins so it’s trade off. There is a balance but I have already gone over this.

I have posted at length about this on here guys. I know you are both my closest followers and post on everything I write so perhaps you can re-read what I have already written and answer your own question?

If I remember correctly I think I have asked you both questions in the past that have gone unanswered.

Perhaps you will both be able to articulate your thoughts (with supporting reasons) on my first post at the start of this article.

“Cooks time is now, hes a very fluid hooker and I believe he would work with anyone.”

This doesn’t seem to really explain WHY he is the best option or address any other likely options or why they should not be considered.

The Barry didn’t post his usual “I agree” so I have no idea if he has any original thoughts… on the subject?

Ah the good old days! Thanks for the walk down memory lane. For a moment I was back there again and lost in time.

I remember it all, the team coloured streamers, the first try scorer raffle tickets, the hotdog stands, the black and white programs in plain paper with no glossy finish. The fans banging on the metal signage on fences around the ground and singing out their tribal chants, updates of scores from other games in progress being broadcast around the ground over the PA (and the following communal cheers or boos after the progress scores from each game was announced). Then at the end of the day everyone (particularly the kids) would jump the fence and race to grab the black and white striped cardboard corner posts and people would be patting their heroes on their heavy old woollen jerseys full of sweat! The people were a part of their game and not apart from it.

Growing up in the flats behind the old scoreboard at Redfern oval I went to every single home game and watched the team training during week nights.

It is too bad that the game has become less accessible for fans in these respects and that crowds seem low in numbers since they have been moved away from the smaller suburban grounds. The atmosphere of the grounds from the old days is lost today sadly.

Still, it’s great to remember there was a time when the game felt alive and heroes and legends walked amongst us.

“South Sydney are gone already in terms of making the top eight…”

Well Greg let’s see if we can almost feel the air going out of you if Souths do make the top 8 (or even improve on that).

Bold move making that prediction so early in the season especially when Souths have their own Valentine Holmes in Braiden Burns coming into the team. But then you probably picked the Sharks to win the premiership last year after round 1… did you?

The Dogs played well last night though they had problems in patches. The Roosters are surprising me to tell the truth particularly the Pearce/Keary halves combination. I’m not sure why he didn’t step up to the plate like this at Souths (and if it is because Rusty gave him a lambasting at the start of the year then he is soft IMO).

Last night even Lichaa had an improved game (not great but impressed). The more I am watching Josh Reynolds play the more I am thinking he should be Blues hooker.

Still early days for ALL teams and it is never a smart call to call a team in or out of contention so early in the season.

So Nostradamus who won the 2017 premiership? LOL. Lock in your “prediction” for the 2 Grand Finalists (and the eventual premiers) and let’s see by seasons end if you live up to the name. Cheers ?

Dean, I am sure the Bunnies will still have a very competitive year despite the loss as of Inglis. Now that Braiden Burns has been given a chance I think Souths will have FB covered. Given a few few weeks in first grade to find his feet and build his confidence I get a feeling Nadge will move him to FB when he realises AJ isn’t firing on all cylinders.

Dean, do you support the Rabbitohs mate? I don’t remember seeing any direct reference to the team you support.

Great idea! Then all the TV viewers will switch off. Would you want to watch a game of 13 against 3? Or even 13 against 10 for that matter?

What about the corporate sponsors and all the advertising revenue? Don’t think that they won’t be pissed! Be a realist. it is a commercial decision. The NRL is as much a corporation these days as a sport. The sport is the product but the business looks at the bottom line and the cash flow. No corporate dollars will flow into the game if the NRL followed “The Barry Plan”. They would not be willing to advertise each week if it is a crap shoot as to whether or not there will be a guaranteed audience.

Spot on uglykiwi. THAT is exactly what killed the Bunnies chances when they played the Tigers (as I have posted on at length before).

It will be interesting to see if the Tigers and Dragons can repeat this effort in Round 2. Second phase play is even more damaging to the defence than quick play the balls as it gives the defence no opportunity to adjust or get back in the defensive line.

You see the same thing in SOO when a team lifts and are able to keep the ball on play it is draining on the defence who have to constantly scramble and can’t rest. Good comment mate. I can’t agree with Souths missing the 8 though so you will have to give me that one.

steveng

It’s good to talk to someone else who actually knows something about Rugby League. You are 100% right he is not an 80 min player regardless of how hot a prospect he is. I would be interested in knowing the thoughts of yourself, BigJ, Dean, eels47, silvertail47, pedro the saint and eelsalmighty (just off the top of my head), regarding who you think should be the NSW hooker and why?

But Tedesco doesn’t have any of those achievements? Doh! Irony… gets me every time. ?

I’ll take that of we can get it. Reynolds is key but there is no point in him playing if he isn’t right. Souths don’t want to carry a passenger in two successive games. If there is any doubt then he should get the week off. One more like loss won’t kill the Bunnies chances but losing Reynolds for an extended period of time could.

This game might just surprise a lot of people as both teams were well below their best last week and both have much to prove.

Cook really hasn’t said much more than any other hooker in a similar position would have said. Playing Origin would be the goal of most (if not all) eligible players in the NRL I would imagine, particularly if they were shadowing the incumbent Origin hooker.

In my opinion Cook would be a very dangerous player in SOO but there are big question marks over his defence at that level. At this stage he would be more likely to be considered for a utility role and impact player off the bench than at hooker as I don’t expect Daley to pick his origin hooker from the bench of an NRL club side.

At this point (if he is fit) Peats appears the best option. He ticks all the boxes, defensively, reliable service out of dummy half, a decent running game, a good football brain and he is capable of playing what is in front of him and taking advantage of any opportunity. Most importantly Peats can handle pressure and isn’t likely to blow his teams fifth tackle options on a selfish gamble from dummy half.

The one negative about Peats, when compared to someone like Cook, is that he doesn’t have X-factor. He isn’t the kind of player to spark a sudden dramatic change and lift a teams momentum as Cook did with his run from dummy half and a banana kick to the corner resulting in a try to Braidon Burns against the Dragons.

That said, I will throw another name into the mix… Josh Reynolds. Reynolds started his first grade career at the Dogs at hooker (which is his natural position). He has olso played SOO and has the experience and impact to make a difference at dummy half. Reynolds (as he proved yet again last week against the Storm) is capable of changing the momentum of a game with his energy and drive.

Finally, IMO the player best suited to the Blues utility role off the bench is Jack Bird (assuming he isn’t picked at centre which is the BEST option). IF Bird is picked at centre then Peachey would be the clear best choice for the utility role followed by Cook.

Andrew how many other coaches have won a premiership in BOTH the NRL and SL in successive coaching gigs? How many other coaches have turned around a 9 game liosing streak in to a 4 game (almost 5 game$ “white hot” winning streak? How many other clubs would drop their current coach and jump at the chance to grab Madge if he currently became available?

Of course Madge is a great coach (just as Des Hasler is despite his current detractors opinions. You and I and most other serious and impartial observers of the game all know this is the case.

Beware of Trolls and their “click bait” comments. I think that hook was meant for me but this fish ain’t biting’.

Mate I like Teddy and have a healthy disdain for QLDers as much as any other New South Welshman but No. 1… of ALL time? No chance! Not yet and probably not ever. Slater is WAY ahead of Teddy (he already has the runs on the board and Teddy has just come in to bat).

“Jonathon Thurston slips into the list at No.100”

Now I know you are takin’ the piss!

Thurston and Johns are 1 & 2 (which way round depends on whether you are a BLUE or a MAROON.

“But for some reason Madge seems reluctant to drop them.”

Crowe is behind our juniors and no doubt behind this to some extent as well. I don’t think he tells Madge what to do but I am sure Madge knows his opinion.

“Tyrell & Clarke in again, give the young forwards a go” “Tyrrell and Clarke… to be only used to cover injuries”

Sad but true, but then I have also said this many times already. Tyrrell has had too many serious concussions and should retire for the sake of his health and life after football. He has been a great servant of the club (along with Clark) but should never have been moved from the back row to prop. He is NO prop. The Burgii need to find their mojo fast or Souths go forward will stall. Cherrington and Rochow are going to take time. They have been out of first grade for a LONG time and need to find their feet and get their fitness and conditioning back. Still, I am keen to see Cherrington get a chance after his brief but impressive performance against the Dragons.

Mate they aren’t going to finish last. Don’t throw your money away. Dragons, Knights and Tigers are still the safest best for mine but all three totally out played Souths last week so they deserve that recognition at least. Still, a week is a long time in RL.

“I’d give Burns a run at fullback”

I can’t wait to see Burns get a run at FB but I think he will be under enough pressure taking the step up to first grade as it is and he should play on the wing at first until he finds his bearings. At least give Burns 4 – 5 weeks on the wing to find his feet in first grade. Remember how both Latrell Mitchell and Jaelen Feeney suffered last year as rookies being thrown to the wolves. I feel Burns will be an ideal replacement for Inglis, in time. The key is how much time?

“Cook at dummy half and Farah in at halfback.”

As long as Reynolds proves his fitness he will play HB and IF Walker is moved back to cover the loss of GI then Sutton is the most likely replacement (put Kelly back in the Rabbit suit and have him cheer from the sidelines out of harms way). If Reynolds is not a late inclusion then I would play Sutton and Cook in the halves (the few times Farah has played at HB in the past he has struggled as it is not his position).

“Walker is a must at 5/8 where he plays his best football.”

I couldn’t agree more and I have posted the same many times on this site already, but there aren’t really are a lot of options for Souths at FB ATM without leaving them vulnerable. Souths can either embrace mediocrity and leave AJ there, take a punt and risk having Burns crack under pressure and have his confidence slide (aka Mitchell and Feeney) or go for the best option at present which (much as it pains me), is Walker.

@Eelsalmighty

And I have Hayne in my supercoach team. JH38 won me my first league title (in my debut year) when I captained him through the the SC finals in 2009 and he went on his golden run. Both Hayne and Slater are seriously undervalued in SC this year. Unfortunately there are too many questions over Slaters’ problematic shoulder and though I wish him well o don’t he has much time left in the game because of this. Hopefully the same doesn’t apply to GI.

I know mate and I was applauding one of the exchanges between the two of you when I read it for the first time this morning.

You are the Jedi Master of mind control and the “Barry Smack down” BigJ. You are also one of the few on here not afraid to speak your mind while so many sheep bleat the same tune eager to agree with each other and play follow the leader just like lemmings over a cliff!

Loved your work on the “2017 ladder predictions (Part 1)” story. Can’t wait for “Part 2!” ?

Obviously don’t bother posting answers to the above “NFL challenge” Wikipedia couldn’t take the hits! I don’t want to be responsible for bringing down your favourite resource.

The Barry is also the winner of the “fancy headdress/mardi gras” category and the “Finding Nemo in the sea anemone headdress” category!!

Don’t throw stones Barry, glass houses… LOL

“History became legend. Legend became myth.” – LOTR

Until Hayne becomes part of NRL history he can hardly be called a MYTH Rabbits. Hayne’s problem has always been his focus. He drifts in and out of games and doesn’t always take the initiative when he should. I don’t know him well enough to say he is lazy, so I will give him the benefit of the doubt because (in truth) I am sure that he is not. I think he is an exceptionally gifted athlete and I think he will prove that in 2017.

It is easy to dismiss or laugh off his “achievements” in the NFL but he did what no other NRL player had done in forcing his way into a starting NFL team and, for a brief time, he was the talk of the NFL. THAT is no small achievement.

Most players who return to the NRL after switching codes have always taken a year to acclimate themselves and find their feet again. Give him time, he will come good. It’s too soon to write him off yet.

Some really good points Ginger Meggs. You are spot on and have a keen eye. Madge got the team wrong. The wrong twin got dropped for a start and Tyrrell and Clark are only going to get worse from this point on. Souths needs a transfusion of young blood starting with Angus Crichton, Braidon Burns and Robert Jennings. AJ has lost his spark and needs to find it if he wants to make an impression at FB (I agree though, I don’t think he is the man to wear the number 1 long term in Inglis’ absence). Cody Walker is a MUST at 5/8 for Souths but will probably be the one moved to cover the FB role if AJ fails. I think Braidon Burns would make a gun FB in time but first he should be eased into the team on the wing. After his game against the Dragons he should have been in the team against the Tigers instead of Goodwin. Great game by Goodwin but he is way passed it IMO. Burns would have caught Moses! Also, it’s good to see someone else on the same page about Cody Walker. He is a gun!

Or will he think outside the square for once

Like dropping Goodwin (even after a 3 try haul) and Talakai (even after a descent effort) and promoting Braidon Burns and Robert Jennings in their place… THAT outside the square? I would also like to Anthony Cherrington get a run. I liked what he showed (for his brief appearance) in the Charity Shield. Finally drop Luke Kelly and let Damien Cook take his place at HB and finally play for 80 mins! Sutton can play 5/8 if Walker must be moved to FB. Oh the pain!

In 2006, Tyrrell signed with the South Sydney. Playing as an 18 year Tyrrell came through Souths lower grades until he debuted in first grade for Souths in 2009. I’d say he can claim Souths junior status with that.