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2022 Rabbitohs Pre-Season

callmack1

callmack1

Coach
Messages
12,155
How Cody Walker inspired Shaq Mitchell to return to League: https://www.smh.com.au/sport/nrl/ho...hell-to-return-to-league-20220216-p59x14.html

From the Daily Telegraph,

Fatima Kdouh

February 16, 2022 - 5:23PM

Former South Sydney playmaker Benji Marshall believes Lachlan Ilias’ ‘no bullshit’ approach will help the rookie halfback thrive in the No. 7 vacated by Adam Reynolds.
Rabbitohs coach Jason Demetriou has named all three of the club’s emerging spine prospects in Ilias, Blake Taaffe and hooker Peter Mamouzelos to play against North Queensland in Saturday’s trial.

Marshall backed Ilias, who played one game last year, to cement the halfback role in 2022.

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“From the pressure point of view, he’ll handle it. He’s a kid but he has really a really good head on his shoulders. There’s no bullshit, he doesn’t throw tantrums,” Marshall.

“He’s not the guy who sooks. He just works hard.”

“On the field, I don’t think there is any pressure on him. It’s his first full year so he’ll get some leeway.

“But I honestly believe he’s going to step straight in there, do the job provide good ball for Cody Walker and Latrell Mitchell.

“He doesn’t have to be fancy. It’s not that hard.”

Ilias has already had his game compared to Reynolds, who played 231 games and won a title with the Redfern club, but for Marshall there is one big glaring difference between the two players.

“He’s way taller, Reno [Reynolds] is way shorter,” Benji joked.

“I feel like Lachy is more of a runner of the footy than Reno. What Reno has done is at the elite level, it’s hard to compare them. But what Lachy does well is he talks and he organises well.

“His kicking is solid and he runs the footy. They are the three things as a half that you need have to be threat.”

If the halves combination of Ilias and Cody Walker fails to live up to expectations, Demetriou has another option in Dean Hawkins. Marshall doesn’t believe boom playmaker Blake Taaffe is suited to the No. 7 role.

“I’d give Deano the next crack if it didn’t work out,” Marshall said.

“I probably wouldn’t want Taaffe playing halfback. He’s a free spirit that needs to roam. You either play him at five-eighth, fullback or centre.”
 
callmack1

callmack1

Coach
Messages
12,155
From the Daily Telegraph,

NRL news 2022: Lachlan Ilias garnishes key support in chase for Adam Reynolds’ jumper

Aspiring to become the first player in a decade to be anointed South Sydney’s long-term halfback, rising star Lachlan Ilias knows he has two special mates at his side for the next chapter.

Dean Ritchie

February 17, 2022 - 8:00PM
News Corp Australia Sports Newsroom

Aspiring to become the first player in a decade to be anointed South Sydney’s long-term halfback, Lachlan Ilias say it would “mean the world” to him to follow in the footsteps of arguably the Rabbitohs’ greatest number seven.
And Ilias, 21, won’t have to look too far at the club for support — his two best mates will be right there alongside him.

Souths coach Jason Demetriou will give Ilias first crack at replacing Adam Reynolds — Souths’ halfback for the past 10 years — in his side’s trial match against North Queensland in Cairns on Saturday night.

While favourite to be named halfback, Ilias is predicting a full-blown internal battle to secure the playmaking spot for the club’s round one match against Brisbane.

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Ilias has the backing of his two great mates — Souths fullback Blake Taaffe and 21-year-old hooker Peter Mamouzelos.

“The three of them are inseparable,” said Souths CEO, Blake Solly.

Ilias outlined what the Souths’ number seven jersey would mean to him on and off the field.

“There is a lot of history, not only in the club, but in the number seven jumper at Souths,” Ilias told The Daily Telegraph from Cairns.

“It would mean the world (to be named at halfback), it would mean everything. They are big shoes to fill.

“But it’s more than just wearing the seven jumper. There is a lot of responsibility. You’re not only representing the jumper, but also the club, your family, friends, supporters and members, who are second-to-none in the league.

“It’s much more than just putting on the jumper and playing 80 minutes. ‘Reyno’ did a great job for the club for the past decade and has really left a good foundation.

“All the halves are putting their best foot forward. I wouldn’t call it my jumper. The seven jumper is there for whoever is training well; whoever is playing the best is going to wear that seven.

“It will come down to the team and coaches. Everyone is on the same page. It’s been positive. All the halves — myself, Dean Hawkins and Jack Campagnolo — have all been working really hard. I think Cody (Walker) has been really happy with all of us.

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“We are making ourselves better by pushing each other. We are all in the same boat, we haven’t played many NRL games and are all trying to develop for the season ahead. It’s a good opportunity this weekend for us younger boys to play some good footy and have a good crack.

“Every chance I can get, to play with Pete and ‘Taff’, whatever grade it is, it is always something special to play with your mates who you’ve come to the club and developed with. We’re really close. We have come through together. We hang out together.”

Mamouzelos, listening and learning every week off the club’s premier hooker, Damien Cook, spoke about Ilias’ drive and temperament.

“I will back him 100 per cent. He just slots in and doesn’t look out of place at all. And he plays very much like ‘Reyno’. He steers everyone around the park, is a really good communicator and a really good kicker,” Mamouzelos said.

“To be honest, I know ‘Reyno’ is a really good player, but I think with Lachie, it’s his time now and I think he will come in and do a really great job. There is always going to be a bit of pressure around it. He knows that and all the boys back him. I feel that’s all he really cares about. He doesn’t mind the pressure. We will all get a game together on the weekend.”

Mamouzelos, Taaffe and Ilias first became mates when helping Souths win the 2019 Jersey Flegg grand final.

“We always go for lunch — sometimes at the Clovelly Hotel — or go for a game of golf at The Coast, near La Perouse. Whenever we go for a beer we always call each other. We are pretty close,” Mamouzelos said.

“’Lachie’ always wins golf. He’s a gun, really good. I’m not sure what he plays off but he’s definitely better than me and ‘Taff’. We have good banter, we take the piss out of each other.

“When we first came into grade, we were pretty shy and obviously looked up to a lot of the boys. They were our heroes. We came together because we were too shy to talk to anyone else so we became best mates.”

Mamouzelos said he was anxious to finally play on Saturday after a gruelling off-season.

“I am very hungry for it,” he said.

“I’ve had a good pre-season and Saturday night is another chance to show what I can provide to the team.

“If I’m called in during the season I would obviously put my hand up and do the best job I can for the team.”
 
Rabbits20

Rabbits20

Immortal
Messages
42,378
Matthew McInerney, Matt Encarnacion and Paul Crawley

February 18, 2022 - 6:13PM

News Corp Australia Sports Newsroom8 comments

NRL​

Jaxson Paulo will have first crack at proving why he should replace Dane Gagai as South Sydney’s new starting centre, but he’ll face plenty of pressure from one of the club’s most exciting young backline talents to do so.

Much of the summer in Redfern has centred on who will fill the gaping hole left by captain and halfback Adam Reynolds’ high-profile exit to Brisbane.

But the battle to find a replacement for Gagai, arguably the best centre in the competition, will also be hotly contested over the next fortnight of trial games.

With Campbell Graham locked in on one edge, it leaves the likes of Paulo, journeyman Taane Milne and young gun Josiah Karapani to fight to be in the starting line-up.

Rookie Rabbitohs coach Jason Demetriou, who takes over from Wayne Bennett, declared the club’s first hitout against North Queensland in Cairns on Saturday as the perfect opportunity for the club’s younger and fringe players to impress ahead of round one.

“It’s more about individually getting out there, getting used to some contact, expressing yourself and showing the coach you’ve had a good preseason and you’re ready to put yourself in the frame,” Demetriou said.

Paulo and Karapani have been given first shot at staking their claim to face Brisbane in their season-opener, with Paulo, last year’s grand final winger, with the inside running.

One of only a handful of grand final players to feature against the Cowboys, Paulo has started all 25 of his NRL games on the wing.

Jaxson Paulo, Josiah Karapani, and Taane Milne are competing for spots in South Sydney’s backline this season. Credit: Supplied.


Jaxson Paulo, Josiah Karapani, and Taane Milne are competing for spots in South Sydney’s backline this season. Credit: Supplied.

But in a telling sign of how he intends to use him, Demetriou sees Paulo as a centre.

“It’s a big reason why Jaxson is playing (Saturday),” Demetriou said.

“He’s played a lot of first grade on the wing, he hasn’t played a lot in the centres, although I think that’s his position, I think he’s a centre.

“And he’s been one of our best in the preseason. As has Karapani, those two have been a shining light throughout the preseason.”

While Demetriou likened Karapani to former NSW State of Origin three-quarter Michael Jennings, he noted the differences between him and Paulo.

“Jaxson’s a tall, big body, similar to Campbell Graham, and a good skillset. Karapani is a short, powerful, fast, really good feet and very strong. Reminds me of a young Michael Jennings,” Demetriou said.

“I’m excited to see how they get there, and judging from training (on Friday), I think they’ll go very well.”

Milne has not been named for Saturday’s trial, but has started at centre, on the wing and come off the bench throughout his career.

RABBITOHS

Position: Centre

Contenders: Jaxson Paulo, Taane Milne, Isaiah Tass, Josiah Karapani, Terrell Kalo Kalo, Zane Bijorac, Richie Kennar

The focus may be on who will replace halfback Adam Reynolds, but rookie coach Jason Demetriou also has to replace centre Dane Gagai. A winger last year, Paulo gets a crack in this weekend’s trial.
 
southsport

southsport

First Grade
Messages
9,556
Rabbits20 said:
Matthew McInerney, Matt Encarnacion and Paul Crawley

February 18, 2022 - 6:13PM

News Corp Australia Sports Newsroom8 comments

NRL​

Jaxson Paulo will have first crack at proving why he should replace Dane Gagai as South Sydney’s new starting centre, but he’ll face plenty of pressure from one of the club’s most exciting young backline talents to do so.

Much of the summer in Redfern has centred on who will fill the gaping hole left by captain and halfback Adam Reynolds’ high-profile exit to Brisbane.

But the battle to find a replacement for Gagai, arguably the best centre in the competition, will also be hotly contested over the next fortnight of trial games.

With Campbell Graham locked in on one edge, it leaves the likes of Paulo, journeyman Taane Milne and young gun Josiah Karapani to fight to be in the starting line-up.

Rookie Rabbitohs coach Jason Demetriou, who takes over from Wayne Bennett, declared the club’s first hitout against North Queensland in Cairns on Saturday as the perfect opportunity for the club’s younger and fringe players to impress ahead of round one.

“It’s more about individually getting out there, getting used to some contact, expressing yourself and showing the coach you’ve had a good preseason and you’re ready to put yourself in the frame,” Demetriou said.

Paulo and Karapani have been given first shot at staking their claim to face Brisbane in their season-opener, with Paulo, last year’s grand final winger, with the inside running.

One of only a handful of grand final players to feature against the Cowboys, Paulo has started all 25 of his NRL games on the wing.

Jaxson Paulo, Josiah Karapani, and Taane Milne are competing for spots in South Sydney’s backline this season. Credit: Supplied.


Jaxson Paulo, Josiah Karapani, and Taane Milne are competing for spots in South Sydney’s backline this season. Credit: Supplied.

But in a telling sign of how he intends to use him, Demetriou sees Paulo as a centre.

“It’s a big reason why Jaxson is playing (Saturday),” Demetriou said.

“He’s played a lot of first grade on the wing, he hasn’t played a lot in the centres, although I think that’s his position, I think he’s a centre.

“And he’s been one of our best in the preseason. As has Karapani, those two have been a shining light throughout the preseason.”

While Demetriou likened Karapani to former NSW State of Origin three-quarter Michael Jennings, he noted the differences between him and Paulo.

“Jaxson’s a tall, big body, similar to Campbell Graham, and a good skillset. Karapani is a short, powerful, fast, really good feet and very strong. Reminds me of a young Michael Jennings,” Demetriou said.

“I’m excited to see how they get there, and judging from training (on Friday), I think they’ll go very well.”

Milne has not been named for Saturday’s trial, but has started at centre, on the wing and come off the bench throughout his career.

RABBITOHS

Position: Centre

Contenders: Jaxson Paulo, Taane Milne, Isaiah Tass, Josiah Karapani, Terrell Kalo Kalo, Zane Bijorac, Richie Kennar

The focus may be on who will replace halfback Adam Reynolds, but rookie coach Jason Demetriou also has to replace centre Dane Gagai. A winger last year, Paulo gets a crack in this weekend’s trial.
Click to expand...
Plenty of talent competing for the outside back possies.
.
 
southsport

southsport

First Grade
Messages
9,556
Rabbit57 said:
On the basis of NQL trial. Karapani- maybe at some stage. Paulo. - no. Kennar - no. Need to see how Milne and Tass go.
Click to expand...
Things didn't go well for Paulo but I'm not ready to give up on him just yet, I want to see him play with the likes of Cody and Trell, I was also happy with Kennar and Izaak Thompson is a big unit.
.
 
callmack1

callmack1

Coach
Messages
12,155
What made a big Off-Season call easy for Souths: https://wwos.nine.com.au/nrl/south-...thoughts/54c8d0a1-5b10-4e2b-adea-1586616195bc

From Zero Tackle,

Mitchell refuses to change despite mega ban

South Sydney Rabbitohs star Latrell Mitchell has stated he won't be changing his game style despite criticism following last year's tackle which knocked out Joseph Manu.

Hit with a six-match ban after the Rabbitohs' Round 24 match against the Sydney Roosters for his high shot, Mitchell won't return until Round 3 this year (brought forward to Round 2 on appeal, with the All Stars match now to count as part of his six-game sentence).

Despite this, Mitchell is convinced he does not need to change his game.

“I’ll keep playing the way I do,” Mitchell told AAP.

“I don’t see why I have to. It’s the game of rugby league, I entertain. I sell tickets, so that’s what I aim to do."

“You can have 10 good things, and in a split second, you can do one thing wrong. But that’s how the game is.”

It isn't just the Manu hit that has folks wondering if it's time for Mitchell to reign it in.

If the Manu incident was his first, Mitchell would only have been suspended three matches and available for the grand final that his side went on to lose against the Penrith Panthers.

It was his previous transgressions and the loading they bought that landed Mitchell the three extra matches.

When asked about the judiciary and its processes, Mitchell held back.

“The process is a bit unfair, but I don’t really want to comment on that,” Mitchell said.

“It’s just how the game is and I have got over it. We’ll leave it in the back pocket, it’s a bit of fuel.

“I don’t want to comment (more) on that, that is (for) the NRL.

“They have to take it on board and have accountability for what is going on. I have to keep playing the game and keep entertaining.”
 
H

handyman2190

Bench
Messages
4,037
southsport said:
Things didn't go well for Paulo but I'm not ready to give up on him just yet, I want to see him play with the likes of Cody and Trell, I was also happy with Kennar and Izaak Thompson is a big unit.
.
Click to expand...
Poor jaxson he only just got use to playing wing now he has to try centre,id play karapani centre,poaulo wing.
I hope to god we lock up karapani for 4 years
 
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