Footy’s Back
It’s Friday morning. The day has arrived. The end of the off-season. The footy is back.
Up nice and early to start work to get an early finish before heading up the M1 to Gosford.
As we have seen from previous years we knew the side was going to be a mixture of young kids, depth players with a sprinkle of NRL players.
Players To Watch
As soon as the side was announced there were a few players I was excited to see go around.
The likes of Josiah Karapani, Tallis Duncan, Ben Lovett were just some of the youngsters that I was excited to see how they went. Also was happy to see Jacob Host named after his injury last season.
With work finished for the day it is just after 1pm and time to pick up Tony and his daughter Chloe and head to Gosford. I do like to leave early just to beat the Friday traffic heading out of Sydney.
Get To Gosford
We arrived in Gosford. Found a good parking spot to ensure a quick exit after the game. Then straight to Gosford Leagues Club to keep out of the heat.
The first person I see as soon as I walk in is none other than Charlie (Rabbit).
The clock hits 5:15pm and the gates are open. Time to start to make a move to watch the first game.
Sitting there in the ground it’s hard not to admire the scenery there. It really is a nice stadium to watch the footy at.
As time goes a few familiar faces start to appear. Faces that I haven’t seen since the preliminary final loss to the Panthers.
Bumping Into Brendan
There wasn’t many that made the trip. One who made the trip didn’t have far to travel. Bunnies TV ambassador Brendan Tillitzki.
It’s certainly an exciting time catching up with some of the people that you will be seeing regularly over the next 7-8 months. People who are part of that Rabbitohs family.
The Off-Season Is Over
The sun has finally dropped. The first game finished. Now the time has come. Time to see our boys run around. The off-season was officially over.
Although the result didn’t go our way there was plenty to like from the game. There were also a few surprises there as well.
Teaupa & Carr
The form of Deon Teaupa. Early on setting up the first try and then scoring 2 of his own. Thomas Carr was another who impressed.
Of the players who I wanted to really keep an eye out for I was most impressed with both Tallis Duncan and Ben Lovett. Josiah Karapani has some good strong runs. Would have liked to see him get some early ball.
Blake Taaffe
Blake Taaffe showed his versatility by playing at the back and in the halves. Certainly pushing for that utility bench spot during the season.
Hame & Havilli
One disappointment was the injury to Hame Sele. With losing Havili long term we couldn’t really afford to lose another middle forward so early. I guess though if you’re going to have an injury it is better now than into the season.
Something To Work On
Discipline let the boys down in the last 10 of the first half. Something no doubt they will be working on.
The first trial is all about giving the young kids and the fringe first graders a chance. Getting rid of some of that rust off.
Once that full time siren went it was time to make a quick exit and head back home to Sydney.
Charity Shield
Now it’s time to move to the Charity Shield. Where we will see a much stronger side.
Isn’t it great to have the footy back?
Footy’s Back
By Josh Kemp for Bunnies TV.
Gosford is a lovely ground. You feel you can reach out and touch the players. Mind you I remember one game in 2012 when we played Manly. There was a brisk breeze coming off the water and it was freezing!!!
Best game was in 2001. We were playing Umina and I went to say goodbye to my club as things were looking grim. However, the day before the match we were informed that we had won the court case and so the game became a celebration.