Defensive Statement

Defensive Statement

We may have scored 32 points against the team that was the second best defensive side this year, but the defence was the most impressive part of our game on Friday night. 

To think all the points we conceded was off a penalty and a try out wide when Cam Murray was sent to the sin bin. 

Once again we outscored our opponents when down a player. It was like the sin bin woke the players up. 

Broncos All Over Us

Early on in the game it looked like the Broncos were all over us. We were just hanging on. Something we have been great at this year is turning up for each other. When we are struggling it has been our defence that has kept us in games. 

Just when it looked like the Broncos were going to score someone would show up. In the second half when the game wasn’t quite over there was a play that defined the attitude in defence. 

Walsh looked like he was going to score. He was approaching the line at speed. Tass made the tackle and then Latrell came across in cover. Even then it looked as though he was going to just slide over. Then all in one motion Latrell was able grab his arm and pull it up keeping the ball off the ground. Eventually going dead in goals. 

The Attitude

This play is the attitude we have in defence this year. We have seen so many great efforts in defence already this season. Efforts like Lachlan Ilias in round one. Numerous one on one tackles right on the line to stop what looked like being a try. This one topped them all. 

So often in that first half and at times in the second half the Broncos stretched out out wide. Even though some errors cost them, there were players in cover. Our sliding defence has been a highlight this season for us. 

Going into the game the Broncos were the best attacking team in the competition. To keep them to just 6 points shows we made a statement in defence. 

To think we didn’t concede from a kick or right on halftime. Two areas that have been our Achilles Heel this season. 

Impressive Attack

The attack was almost as impressive. Teams seem to make a noticeable effort this year on our left side. The cover on the left. So much so that they have opened up our right. This has made it hard to defend. 

Early on against the run of play when we had our first chance down a player it was a beautifully placed Ilias kick that was pounced on by Campbell Graham. 

Then the moment that broke the Broncos. They were well in the game approaching halftime. At 6 all the game was in the balance. 

It seemed as though we were going to lose the ball attacking their line only for Cook to persuade Cameron Murray to challenge. One look up at the screen and you could see we would win the Captains Challenge and have another set on their line from the scrum. 

One Play

It only took one play. A smart set move where Cook picked the ball up from the back of the scrum and Ilias moved wide to make it look like they were going to spin the ball and use Campbell as a decoy. Only for them to actually pass the ball to Campbell who was too strong to cross for his second try. 

All of a sudden we were heading into the break up 12-6. This despite the Broncos dominating in most of the stats. You could see they went into halftime feeling dejected. 

Domination

The second half was total domination from us. Not once in the second half did it looks as though we were going to lose that game. 

Somehow the boys managed to get under the skin of Adam Reynolds. Early on he looked great. The worst thing he did was try to bait Latrell as that just awoke the beast. I don’t think I have ever seen Adam be like that on the field. It is usually our boys like that. 

One area I was concerned about before the game was our kick defence. Especially against the Broncos. They always seem to be challenging the ball and putting themselves around the contest ready to pounce on any errors. Ironically it was Latrell who exposed them in this area. Benefitting with 2 tries latching on to the loose ball. 

CG3

Campbell Graham was able to get a 3^rd try with a great play where the ball was passed to Taane Milne on the wing for him to pass to Campbell to go over. But it was the next try that was the play of the game. 

This was a play executed with perfection. The way Ilias ran to the line and was able to coax the defender to come in. Then Cody out the back to make it look as though he was getting the ball only for the ball to go to Campbell who turned his back to the defence to pass back to Cody who instead of getting the ball ended up being the decoy to go over untouched. 

Our completion rate the last couple of weeks was where it needed to be. This week it dropped back to where it was the earlier rounds. Something we need to ensure we get right. Although many of the errors did occur late in the game when the game was over. 

The Bench

The swing in momentum this game was from our bench players. Both Tatola and Burgess owned the Broncos pack. Both running for near 200 metres. Junior was so impressive in his return game. Tom continuing on his form of this year. 

Standouts

Campbell Graham was the stand out man of the match though. Through both his attack and defence. He has now made it almost impossible for Freddy to ignore selecting him for Origin. 

Our spine once again took advantage of the packs dominance. Latrell doing what he does. He has scored 70 points in his last 4 games. Ilias playing a perfect support role. Cook keeping the markers on edge. And Cody being the magician he is. 

Taane Milne keeps making it hard for the coach to drop him. He has errors in his game no doubt. Was responsible for their first try by coming in when not needed. After that he hardly put a foot wrong. He continues to make so many strong carries coming out of our own end. Getting our sets off to a great start. 

Cook was unlucky not to have a try. Twice going over only to be denied. I felt as though the second one should have been awarded. Only for it to go to refs call. That try would have seen us move up to second place with points differential. 

A Great Position

Although considering the toughness of the draw in our first 9 games sitting in 3^rd spot with a healthy points differential puts us in a great position to not only push for a top 4 spot, but to be there fighting for the minor premiership. 

This Saturday night we play the Storm up at Suncorp again for Magic Round. This will be the end of a very difficult first 10 rounds. The hardest of any side in the competition. After this we go in what would seem like a softer part of the draw. 

The crowd was amazing. Obviously outnumbered by Broncos fans they couldn’t dominate the crowd noise though. Only 2 of us regulars from The Burrow made the trip. Like always when we get to games on South East Queensland a simple ‘South Sydney’ chant is echoed through the Stadium. It certainly let the boys know there were plenty of Souths fans at the game. 

Magic Round Bound

Another away trip over. Another 2 points packed. Another week before another plane trip up to Brisbane for Magic Round.

Defensive Statement.

By Josh Kemp for Bunnies TV.