A Classic Wayne Bennett Win
NRL Round 1 South Sydney Rabbitohs v Dolphins 7/3/25
Regular visitors to Bunnies TV will notice that my articles have been missing from the site for quite a while. Whilst Kempy kept pumping out work no matter how grim things got, I went AWOL. In all honesty, it just became too difficult as I was running out of things to say.
Like all of us, I found last season incredibly tough. As a supporter from the mid to late 80’s, I’ve seen some shocking seasons but I think last season was the worst for me. Not that it was the worst results-wise, just the fact that we slipped so much given how strong a club we had become. Anyway, like the ultimate fair weather fan I’m back…
Cyclone Alfred Shifts Game
A very strange series of events had seen our game shifted to Sydney and a game that I figured I’d be watching on TV became one that I could go and watch live. The crowd was disappointing (under 7000) but I suppose the venue and the short notice didn’t suit many. It was good for me and my crew of Souths fans though, there were 9 of us at the game. I really like Commbank as a footy ground and Parra isn’t too far for me so it worked out well.
With the endless setbacks that we are now becoming accustomed to as Souths supporters weighing on our minds, season 2025 was underway. A glitch in the set-up saw the ref’s comments broadcast across the PA system. I was hoping this wasn’t some new initiative by the NRL otherwise I may have had to switch to the AFL. Thankfully, it was corrected and all we could hear was the crowd and not the referee’s inane chatter.
Humphreys Kicks On
The match was very much a ‘to and fro’ contest early with no side really doing anything too scary in the way of attack – I thought we were probably a bit better though. We were completing our sets and new half Jamie Humphreys was kicking well – showing more in 10 minutes than any Souths half has in 2 seasons.
Our forwards were willing, with Arrow very noticeable in his contributions. After a set restart, our boys got some forward momentum. A simple shift from Cody to Gray saw Munro go over untouched. We were on the board for season 2025! In even better news, Humphreys converted from the sideline!
Dolphins Get Lucky
The Dolphins hit back after a kick from them that bounced then pinballed around after hitting Davvy Moale in the back. Eventually it landed with the Dolphins and they were able to spin it wide to Isaako who scored. Unlucky for us but I’m sure coach Bennett will want a bit more urgency next something like this happens.
The Rabbits were able to respond in quick time. Another awkward looking kick, this time from Humphreys, was left to hit the ground. The ball bounced off Ty-Ty’s knee and he was sharp enough to pounce on the ball and earn us another 4 pointer. Humphreys did the job again to make the score 12-4 which remained the score at the break.
Overall, I was very impressed with the half. It certainly wasn’t flashy but given where we’d come from and our endless injuries it was a pleasure to watch us play sensible footy and earn a decent lead. No opposition try just before the break either which has been an ugly feature of our game for far too long.
A Plath Four Pointer
Onto the 2nd half and the Redcliffe side began to gain some ascendancy. About 10 minutes in they scored a fairly simple try to Isaako, with our defensive reads reminiscent of 2024. Luckily, Isaako had forgotten how to kick and we stayed in front 12-8. Not for long though as tough forward Max Plath crawled over to get the visitors to the lead. To make matters worse, Isaako finally converted one.
A feeling of dread started to creep into the fans in the stand but Souths began to rally despite a few freakish things causing some dramatic momentum shifts.
The Tass Try
There were times when it looked like the Dolphins were starting to get up on top in the middle but some brutal hits from our boys got us back on track. With 13 to go, Isaiah Tass was in! Yet another quick shift to the flanks with Wighton throwing the last pass to send the Souths crowd into raptures! 16-14 and this is what the score remained till the end.
There were a few nervous moments but I think we did a good job closing it out for a tight win. It was a great feeling to be back on the winners list after such a dismal 2024.
Bennett Brilliance
There’s been a few critics of our luck in securing a home game and the fact that it was very much a conservative performance but through my eyes it was exactly what we needed. It was a classic Wayne Bennett win, something the Dolphins would be well aware of but this time they were on the receiving end. As for our luck, well we’ve had none of it late so we’ll take what we can get.
The adversity continues anyway with Wighton suspended for a game for I’m not exactly sure what and Munro out again for an extended period. I don’t even want to look at the reports on that injury so I can’t imagine how he must be feeling.
Stretch Superb
Onto our players and it was an awesome team performance – I can’t fault anyone. Special mention however to our outside backs who toiled the whole match. Tass, Wighton and Campbell Graham in an amazing return were hard as nails. Was this Jack’s best game in the red and green? It was certainly his toughest. Stretch was superb. Jye Gray probably touched the ball more than anyone and was brilliant.
Our forwards were tireless and ferocious, they may have been out-sized but their willingness to hurt the opposition never ended – Hubner looks a great Wayne signing. Humphreys in the halves was super impressive and will hopefully be that calm, skilful half to complement Cody, something we’ve been missing since Adam left.
I’m happy today. I loved last night’s win and I’m sure you did too! Bring on the Dragons….
A Classic Wayne Bennett Win by Greg Allan for Bunnies TV.
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