South Sydney was a foundation member of Rugby League in 1908. South Sydney has won more competitions than any other team since 1908---two things that South Sydney and its fans can justly be proud.
Down the years, Souths have developed a certain quality, a mystic,a character, recognisably South Sydney. Part of those qualities was a touch of arrogance. In 2014 and now in 2015 that arrogance has increased.Can one blame them? They won a premiership, won the Nines,Won the World Club Challenge and won the traditional match against St George. They have won everything that they could in that period. After that success, Souths declared that their aim would be to go through 2015 undefeated. Here their arrogance reached a higher peak. Then came the match with the EeLs.
Undefeated since sometime in 2014, Souths were the natural favourites to defeat a damaged and depleted Eels who were coming off a big loss in New Zealand. Putting aside the technical explanations which I and Dr J provided. Particularly the flaws in Greg Inglis`s positional play in defence revealed to all before the game and revealed to all who saw the game. Arrogance, I believe, provided the tipping point that brought Souths undone. Some examples : GI, now captain, displayed a certain impatience. When tackled,he gets to his feet and pushes away the marker with his undoubted strength. It is illegal to do so. He does it in most tackles. It seems to be saying, how dare you tackle me? Arrogance coming to the fore. Their young 5/8 is only too willing to start some fracas and only too willing to join in an existing blow up. His inability to provide any real help in those situations reveals his arrogance. Issac Luke wants to be one of the resident nigglers of Souths. An arrogance belying his physical attributes. Goodwin did not develop arrogance, he was born with it.
We must not forget coach Maguire. Only too willing to take the high ground whenever a media TV camera comes into view. Agreeing with the comments of those who declare him a great coach---whatever that may be. Performing before the TV cameras at half and full time as he explains to his players, and too many sycophants, how well they had followed his game plan.
Arrogance helped bring about Souths demise against the Eels. That defeat will not do them any harm at all. In fact, I believe that it will be seen as a very good thing, providing they shed some of their arrogance.
As for the Eels, they play West Tigers on Easter Monday. They are a team full of very good young players. Those young players give every indication of believing their own publicity i.e. there is arrogance there.Can the Eels exploit that.?
Replies