What's going on with South Sydney these days? They were basically a full strength team last night, yet never looked like a threat in attack. Even their defence was questionable at times.
They were only missing one Origin player in Greg Inglis, though young Alex Johnston moved to fullback (where he apparently wants to play long term). That just made way for the experiences Joel Reddy to come back into the side, on the wing - with young & capable Grey on the other wing. It made me realize just how important Inglis is, in regard to sparking something magic and getting the points rolling in. Having said that, Inglis can be lazy and non existent at times, during club games.
Souths seemed to bomb the few opportunities they had. There were several times they got close to the Panthers line and managed to lose the ball. Twice they had the ball intercepted in the Panthers 10m... being a Parra fan, I'm used to watching a team that doesn't know what it's doing - but Souths were painful to watch at times last night.
It looked like the Burges twins were making some effort, but even they made mistakes and seemed to lack some belief in the team. And where were their other star players? I hardly noticed the likes of Issac Luke, Adam Reynolds, Chris McQueen, or Luke Keary. I remember Glen Stewart doing a bit though. He seems to having been a good purchase for Souths, especially considering he's been injury free.
I'm not sure where Souths are headed to from here. I imagine they'll crack the top 8 with the help of Inglis, though I do wonder if they deserve to be there. I think what they most lack this year is the 'X Factor' - Sam Burgess. He's the kind of player who lifts the whole team and motivates them to put in 100%. I saw Souths smash the Tigers last year during Origin period. All 4 Burgess brothers played. It was like the opposite of the game last night. Souths steam rolled the Tigers, but last night they were just so lifeless. It's also worth mentioning the stats from last night. At one point I checked and Souths had completed around 16 sets from 20, with Panthers on 24 from 29. Panthers also had massive possession in the second half (around 70% at one point, for the second half).
Here's a list of their past few games, to put things in perspective. It seems like they've been a bit 'average' or out of form, perhaps comparable to the Dragons recent form? Everyone goes on about the top 8 and if Parra can make it etc, but there are some teams who I think may slip out and help us creep in.... Dragons Souths and Storm have been very average over the last few weeks. It'll be interesting to see how the remaining rounds pan out. There may be some surprise inclusions in the top 8. If not the Eels, then perhaps even a team like the Raiders? I think it comes down to who wants it the most... a hunger which Parra seems to have at the moment. I guess our game against the Tigers will be the next big test - taking it one game at a time.
Round 17: Panthers 20 - Souths 6
Round 16: Souths 20 - Manly 8 (a close game, which a sh*t Manly side let go of in the second half)
Round 15: Bye
Round 14: Tigers 34 - Souths 6 <--------------- WTF
Round 13: Souths 36 - Warriors 4 (A sold out game in Perth, so no ones home game)
Round 12: Titans 16 - Souths 22 (Titans suck in general, but especially at home)
Round 11: Souths 14 - Eels 12 (Eels should have won this, but can't close tight games)
Round 10: Storm 16 - Souths 12
L W - L W W W L
So that's 4 wins from the last 7 games. I suppose they're sounding alright now, with that record... though I reckon their run hasn't been too difficult AND they haven't done too badly with injuries this year.
Anyway, just a couple of thoughts on Souths after watching them get pumped by the Panthers. What do you guys reckon? I imagine they'll make the finals, though I can't see them being much of a threat, but who knows... I can see the Broncos, Cowboys and Dogs being the teams to beat, depending on injuries.
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Perhaps they're too dependent on Inglis to get the points rolling in. Scoring and setting up try's & making breaks. Reminds me of us with Hayne...
They miss Burgess that is very obvious and BA has covered the loss of Hayne better than Souths have Burgess.
Something smells at South Sydney and it's not just the Refern station dunny floor.
They are still a chance to make the four. Reynolds is yet to hit form. Their attack is always going to look ordinary if their relentless forward charges do not crack the opposition. A month ago the Roosters looked very ordinary.
Panthers defence was fantastic and repelled everything souths threw at them. I wouldn't be writing Souths off.
A combination of big heads, and even bigger egos.
The loss of S Burgess and Teo can't be understated. Teo whacking blokes in defence and Sam punching through opposition defences like they were tissue paper. Added Reynolds out for the majority of the year. Keary hasn't stood up to fill the role of dominant half.
When Inglis is playing he only shows up once every three of four games.
They'll make the 8 but don't know where they will go from there.
Think Adam Reynolds is playing injured didn't even realise he was playing last nite, very little involvement in game.
But that's taking away from Penruffs good game, they were quick at everything they did. Have heaps of speed in the backs, something we badly lack, and forwards provided plenty of go forwards. How good was Plum, not a big bloke but played extremely powerful last nite. Cartwright what a ball player, almost single handily beat Parra on his own last time we played them.
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