Rise and shine South Sydney supporters, a glorious morning is upon us because today is the day! That day of the week we all long for as game day comes around once again! Our boys go into battle once again tonight against an old foe Manly. There's no understating the enormity of the occasion tonight, it's a huge game. Two strong clubs with a storied history and rivalry that stretches back almost 80 years now, plus, we really need a win to get our Season start back on track. Must win in my eyes.
Adding to the occasion, tonight we honor, remember, commemorate and pay tribute to one of our greats, one of our biggest icons of the club, John Sattler. Tonight is more than just a game. It's going to be an extremely emotional and special night in the history of our club. I hope the boys go out there with Satts in their hearts and get it done for him. Play with extra emotion, passion and effort for Satts.
How ironic that we are playing Sattler's old foe in Manly. We're in for a real challenge in this one because the Sea Eagles have really got their shit together and are flying high. They look fresh, confident, and are playing some incredible Footy. The Sea Eagles will be looking to keep their unbeaten run going and I'm sure they'll come out firing. It's a big game for them too. They've got quality all over the park, pretty much everywhere you look I wouldn't say there's anyone that isn't a good player. Of course, they're headlined by stars in the Turbo brothers and DCE. To beat them tonight, we just have to hold our own in the middle and defend well. Defence is probably the biggest one. Manly's attack is looking red hot so we'll have our hands full on the edges but if we can keep improving our already solid defence and limit them, it will be huge. Gotta D up on Turbo and DCE too, shut them down and defend well across the board, we win. I know it's easy to sit here and say that, but it can be done.
For us, we really need to get our shit together too. This is such an important game and such an important occasion that we must get it right. No excuses, just get it right. I've already talked about defence but the other huge area that must improve is ball control. I want that completion rate up around 80% or hopefully better tonight or we'll be handing the game to Manly. They're too good of a side to not take advantage of opportunities we give them. So hold the ball, limit those opportunities, simple as that. If we can do so, I'm confident we have the attack to crack them. If there's a weakness in this Sea Eagles side, it's their defence. Secondly, it's time for our spine to really stand up and lead the way. Trell and Cody in particular probably haven't been as impactful as we would have liked and with some big forwards out, it's time for them to really take charge and lead the way. Our backs are against the wall in the middle but we can friggin do this!!!!
It's time to get this start to the Season back on track. Even with guys out, if we get our own game in order, I'm confident we can get one over Manly and do just that. Not gonna be easy, it'll take a huge effort, but it can be done, it has to be done. As I said, losing last week means the pressure is somewhat on this week and it's a must win.
Just do it for Satts lads. Channel him. Huge day for our club, back at home. Let's get it done!!