A very glorious good morning to all you South Sydney members and fans out there. Rise and shine, it's time to get up and get going as we prepare for all-out war tonight. That's right, it's game day! I've woken up with that intense feeling in my stomach today (you all know what I'm talking about) that tells me this isn't just any old game day. It's more than just a game tonight as we take on our bitter rivals the Roosters.
I've said this countless times before, but I'll say it again. Hate is an incredibly strong word but it's simply not a strong enough word to use when talking about the Roosters. I despise them and everything they're about and everything they stand for. There's 115 years of spite between our sides, genuine hate, genuine animosity, so there's no doubt this is the biggest rivalry in the game. That's why I say this is more than just a game. It's war. Everything is on the line when you play the Roosters. Time to write another chapter in the Book of Feuds.
It's hard to fully know what to expect from the Chooks tonight because they have had a pretty slow start to the year. However, this is typical of them in the past so I don't think we should read too much into that. It really does burn me to say this but I think they'll be up there as one of the best teams this year and I expect them to click tonight. They'll get themselves up for this one. You can't not get yourself up for this rivalry. However, I do expect them to play this one a little differently to normal. Surely, they've learnt by now that they lose their heads whenever they play us. Surely, they've learnt that. I think we'll see a bit of a different attitude from them and that could be dangerous.
In saying that, our boys will be so up for this too. They always are. As I have said, this isn't just a game, and the boys know that, they thrive off that. So, I want them to go out there and show that. Show what South Sydney is all about once again. In previous years, we've struck up a really good balance of being emotional without losing your head and clouding your Footy. That must continue tonight. Just gotta focus on us and don't buy into any of the shit. Show your feelings and your emotions legally. Don't worry about them, just worry about playing our style and sticking to our process. No doubt we need to improve on last week. As JD has said, we must 'step into the fight' right from the opening whistle and make our intentions clear. Our completion rate has got to be a big area of improvement tonight for mine, simply can't be making the errors we did last week, or they will make us pay. And of course, that defence needs to keep improving as it has been. Defend like you did last week boys, if not, better. Contain Tedesco, Manu and Suaalii, limit their impact (which is easier said than done) and that is the key to winning. If we can do that, I believe we have the edge in the forwards so we can get them.
Just fire up everyone! It's only 10am over here but my blood is already boiling. Want this game to kick off right now. Once again, the biggest rivalry is on. Once again, 115 years of hate is going to come to the fore. Once again, another chapter of the Book of Feuds will be written. Once again, a war will be won. Let's make it ours tonight!
