Grand Final - Panthers vs Rabbitohs: Sunday 3rd October 7:30pm @Suncorp Stadium

[Tiger Shark]

All true. Those continual calls going against us just let Penrith apply more and more pressure. We were just looking for breathing space for most of the game as a result.
We were in trouble early on when there were two bad calls against Souths that allowed Penrith to begin hemming us in our quarter for the majority of the first half. That just depleted our blokes of energy from which they never recovered.
The really big ref miss was the high hit on Arrow, from which he never recovered. Kikau may miss a game next year, stiff shit though for this year's GF, but any other game and he has 10 in the bin. The result that one of our most devastating interchange forwards was gone: that just further incurred on the energy stocks of the side.
Mitchell was clearly missed. He can return kicks with decisive and disruptive running. His presence puts oppositions in two minds, thus relieving the focus on Cody. Taaffe didn't do anything much wrong, except being small: which allowed him to be continually carried backwards, and often over the line for a line drop out.
He was not helped by Paulo who didn't come in the stop defenders driving the full back towards his own line.
Yet, Penrith played a smart and limited game. Their kicking was accurate, while their chase was enthusiastic. That cruelled us all night.
In contrast our kicking was not as pin point; while our chase only became desperate when time running out made it desperate.
Cleary having time to do his thing, shows his class; but it also showed how tired our blokes were from having to run it out of their own area. Early clearing kicks in the tackle count may have relieved some of that pressure, helping to save some petrol in the process - as well as causing Penrith outside backs to second guess moving up or hanging back.
In contrast, Reynolds had people in his face every 5th tackle.
It's difference like that win, and lose games.
That such an attacking team like Penrith could not pile on more tries says tonnes about Souths courage and improved defence.
Penrith seemed fresher, despite the bruising 4 previous games. Full credit to their medical staff for giving their players the "pep" needed to front the way they did.
Panther defence was awesome, often twisting and turning our players to prevent any quick play the balls for a roll on.
They played a smart game.
But for a wayward pass, that had it gone to Gags the night would have been ours. But that's dreaming. We did better than most believed, though it could have been even better.
Penrith were a class team all year. Congrats.

That is not 10 in the bin, the only time that's 10 in the bin is when they cracked down for a few weeks.

 

[callmack1]

South Sydney leave nothing in the tank in epic Grand Final: https://www.rabbitohs.com.au/news/2...ng-in-the-tank-in-epic-grand-final-encounter/

Bennett refuses to point finger at Reynolds or injury for key misses: https://www.nrl.com/news/2021/10/03...-finger-at-reynolds-or-injury-for-key-misses/

'I'm not finished yet' but now's not time to make decision - Bennett: https://www.nrl.com/news/2021/10/04/im-not-finished-yet-but-nows-not-time-to-make-decision-bennett/

Grand Final player ratings - South Sydney Rabbitohs: https://www.nrl.com/news/2021/10/03/grand-final-player-ratings-south-sydney-rabbitohs/

Grand Final loss leaves Benji with big call to make: https://www.nrl.com/news/2021/10/04/grand-final-loss-leaves-benji-with-big-call-to-make/

Solution to BIG Bunnies void emerges, Souths star’s split-second disaster - Player Ratings: https://www.foxsports.com.au/nrl/nr...t/news-story/850d4516d0b84697eee4a81936826fec

Cruel sliding doors moment that ended Souths superstar’s year on a note he didn’t deserve: https://www.foxsports.com.au/nrl/nr...s/news-story/1a6e448fbabb7120f1a116e4e5b8df63

South Sydney star Adam Reynolds’ classy response to NRL Grand Final loss: https://www.foxsports.com.au/nrl/nr...s/news-story/4cdd3cf5cb41b56586deeffd90c7152a

Bennett’s Bunnies fell just short of ultimate fairytale. Now a brutal truth will sink in: https://www.foxsports.com.au/nrl/nr...l/news-story/71457e1b579e881f6fe3bef8036e807e

Sad question mark over Adam Reynolds’ late conversion miss: https://www.foxsports.com.au/nrl/nr...s/news-story/173c97a4e00126fcd2f252193f48019f

 

[Tiger Shark]

Also let’s give Cam the props he deserves, massive effort after his head knock of the first tackle, 53 tackles, none missed.

Nearly 20 more than his season average of 36 tackles per game. Seemed it might have been a ploy to make him work in more on the defensive side.

 

[marshall stalin]

I firmly believe Easts should have won yesterday's big game. Again, it was the bad bunker calls that robbed them.
In fact, if refs had been more on the ball over the last 113 years, Easts would be even closer to Souths in winning the most comps.

Stole our area in the 1930's and 50's so i question those comps as i do the 1909 one when you agreed with Balmain not to play the final in protest when the league made it a curtain raiser to a test match - Souths turn up kick off and score and win on forfeit.

Facts are you have seen 1 GF win and not 21 - 1 comp in 50 years- with the players you are losing last night may well have been your best chance to win another comp for some time.

Never mind as the Chooks are revamping the coaching team with Roosters legend Fizty leaving - Jason Ryles is the new defence coach and Boyd Cordner/Jake Friend and Brett Morris have been added to Robbo's coaching team as well.

Onwards and upwards for Sydney's number 1 team- as Roosters legend Ray Sterh often said "Easts to Win"

 

[handyman2190]

We've got some of the best young players coming through though.
.

I know that southy, but because the local comps have been cancelled for 2 years the development both in experience and physical has been stunted, a team no matter how many juniors needs some outside recruitment,eg have we got a centre that can step up? Taffe can play centre but is being touted as maybe playing 7 now, sele is showing why his previous teams punted him, he had these injurys that impact his playing time,host is a good bench player can he be a starter and do the job? There are many questions we will soon see the answers to.

 

[The Silverdale Phantom]

Couldn't bring myself to come on here and post after the game last night, just couldn't.

God that hurts. I'm absolutely shattered, devastated. It's hard to put into words, it really is. I probably shouldn't, but as many of you know, I take losses bloody hard. And well, last night is the hardest to take of them all. Losing a Grand Final has always been the nighmare and it's just become a reality. Our other Grand Finals before 2014 were before my time so this is the first GF loss I've experienced. It's heartbreaking. The worst feeling in Rugby League.

Wanted it really, really bad this year. More so than any other year because of Reyno, Wayne, Benji, Gags and Jaydn but it's not to be.

Gotta say though, I am extremely proud of the boys. That is one of the most courageous Grand Final losing efforts I've ever seen. With the way the game panned out and how much ball Penrith had, we had no right to even be within 20 points of them, yet here we were, right in the game to the final siren and we missed out on a Premiership by two points. Up there with the best defensive efforts I've ever seen. Still, it's a case of what could have been as we failed to ice the moments. There were plenty of shitty calls from the refs but I'm not going to go into that.

So we should all be proud. To make the Grand Final is a massive achievement in itself. I love this team and I love this club. But it's just so heartbreaking to miss out on the dream by a whisker.

Really feeling it today and I'm sure I will for a while to come.

Thoughts with all fans and members of our great club.

Courage buddy courage.

 

[The Silverdale Phantom]

You are embarrassing yourself. Just drop it.

No I’m not embarrassing myself.

On the balance of it all, Souths lost the game on the back of four self inflicted errors.

Cody doesn’t throw the intercept and Souths win.

Graham trusts his inside man, tackles Burto, no try. Souths win

Renno kicks, game tied. Souths linemy

Bennett adopts a more creative approach in attack on the first four tackles, Bunnies chances improve. Souths likely win.

There was no David v Goliath battle, that’s the wrong narrative.

It was a couple of freak decisions, an uncharacteristic poor kick at goal and Bennet thinking the panther fatigue was greater than it was.

I’m not taking anything away from the panther conditioners and ciraldo. But the Panthers had a lot of luck along the way.

 

[southsport]

I know that southy, but because the local comps have been cancelled for 2 years the development both in experience and physical has been stunted, a team no matter how many juniors needs some outside recruitment,eg have we got a centre that can step up? Taffe can play centre but is being touted as maybe playing 7 now, sele is showing why his previous teams punted him, he had these injurys that impact his playing time,host is a good bench player can he be a starter and do the job? There are many questions we will soon see the answers to.

I'm expecting a couple of announcements soon now that the comp is finished for the year.
.

 

[Rabbits20]

I'm expecting a couple of announcements soon now that the comp is finished for the year.
.

Besides Chee Kam and Havili fringe players I’m not I don’t think we have much money spare.

 

[southsport]

Besides Chee Kam and Havili fringe players I’m not I don’t think we have much money spare.

We should have quite a lot imo.
.

 

[stryker]

No I’m not embarrassing myself.

On the balance of it all, Souths lost the game on the back of four self inflicted errors.

Cody doesn’t throw the intercept and Souths win.

Graham trusts his inside man, tackles Burto, no try. Souths win

Renno kicks, game tied. Souths linemy

Bennett adopts a more creative approach in attack on the first four tackles, Bunnies chances improve. Souths likely win.

There was no David v Goliath battle, that’s the wrong narrative.

It was a couple of freak decisions, an uncharacteristic poor kick at goal and Bennet thinking the panther fatigue was greater than it was.

I’m not taking anything away from the panther conditioners and ciraldo. But the Panthers had a lot of luck along the way.

A word to the wise…You have never lost a grand final.
Every game has split second decisions that would alter the course of the result should they change. These are amplified in a GF loss.
The last thing these guys need is some neutral telling them they were unlucky. Even if true it matters not.

Souths over achieved this year and had a red hot crack at the title. They came close to snagging it. They were brave and didn’t give in. Rebuild and go again next year. Thinking about “what if’s” or “if only’s” changes nothing and just sends you mad. Trust me, ‘89 still haunts me at this time of the year.

 

[The Silverdale Phantom]

A word to the wise…You have never lost a grand final.
Every game has split second decisions that would alter the course of the result should they change. These are amplified in a GF loss.
The last thing these guys need is some neutral telling them they were unlucky. Even if true it matters not.

Souths over achieved this year and had a red hot crack at the title. They came close to snagging it. They were brave and didn’t give in. Rebuild and go again next year. Thinking about “what if’s” or “if only’s” changes nothing and just sends you mad. Trust me, ‘89 still haunts me at this time of the year.

I think they would find a modicum of solace and comfort in my expression of resolve and support.

This was a unique and special side that made the smallest of errata under, as you say, the highest of demands known to the game.

There is no shame and they should not feel overcome.

It’s amazing to think that had Cody knocked on instead of thrown the intercept pass, we would not be here giving them a hug.

 

[soc123_au]

Really feeling it today and I'm sure I will for a while to come.

Thoughts with all fans and members of our great club.

I've been lucky enough to see my team win 3 and lose 2. The pain of the losses never really goes away, I still struggle watching highlights from 1990. I suppose the upside is the wins are then even sweeter knowing the alternative.

I've got to say that I've been surprised by how gracious most of you guys have been in defeat. Much like your captain in his speech. Much respect.

 

[callmack1]

Picture special - Souths stars party with proud supporters despite heartbreaking Grand Final near-miss: https://www.foxsports.com.au/nrl/nr...t/news-story/b1320f9ddc276f6a65e800472933e426

The Cody Walker moment when Peter Sterling saw Souths begin to unravel: https://wwos.nine.com.au/nrl/grand-...s-result/ab9c339a-d8cf-4a35-9495-c98c4cda4e85

Peter Sterling says Adam Reynolds is still the player you want with the game on the line: https://wwos.nine.com.au/nrl/souths...halfback/354ad29c-3bd2-4213-aedd-aad9af84da1a

From Zero Tackle,

Goalkicking genius explains why Reynolds’ shot went wide

Though many have suggested that Adam Reynolds' failed conversion attempt to re-tie the Grand Final late on Sunday night was the result of his injured groin, a goalkicking aficionado has suggested this wasn't the case.

Having scored over 2,000 points across his 10 seasons with the Bears and the Bulldogs, Daryl Halligan has proven he knows how to the split the posts with the Steeden.

Add in the fact that he has worked with some of the contemporary greats of the art since hanging his boots up more than two-decades ago and it is clear that the Kiwi international is in the know on the subject.

Speaking with Andrew Webster of The Sydney Morning Herald in the wake of the agonising miss, Hailligan held the view that rather than being hampered by ailments, Reynolds had in fact hit the ball too well.

“In that position [kicking from the touchline], you’ll never, ever be short, so you don’t have to kick it hard,” Halligan explained.

“You want to kick at about 80 to 85 per cent of what you’re capable of."

Given Reynolds' previous penchant for both accuracy and steering the ball from right to left, the Waikato-born Halligan initially held the view that the Souths sharpshooter had done the deed again.

“I honestly thought, halfway through the flight of the kick, that he’d kicked it,” he said.

“It started on the right line. He normally shapes it out and it comes in off the right post. It just lost its shape and stayed a little bit out. I’m not sure if there was any breeze. He got the line right, just not the speed of release off the foot.”

Though able to understand the machinations of the miss, the now 55-year-old didn't want to sound too critical of the heavily inked halfback and even claimed that if it was he over the tee last night, his methodology would have mirrored the departing Rabbit's.

“I would’ve struck it the same way,” Halligan told Webster.

“But I’m too bloody old — it probably would’ve gone under the crossbar.”

Heartbreakingly, the missed shot from the sideline followed by his under-hit two-point field goal attempt will be the last acts of the Redfern-raised Reynolds in the jersey of his boyhood club.

The 31-year-old will join the Brisbane Broncos ahead of next season on a three-year deal worth $750,000 per annum.

The local junior who cut his teeth with St. Peters, Alexandria and La Perouse departs the Rabbitohs as a the club's greatest ever point-scorer after this year eclipsing the previous record set by Eric Simms in 1975.

The Broncos and Bunnies have been tipped to face-off in Round 1 of the 2022 season.

 

[Morehead St]

I think the difficulty was in the early
meters. 3 tackles wasted, a similar pattern of play. Not enough variation. The scene changes when you are in the attacking zone.

Cody missed the read for a set play and Renno missed a kick he nails 90% of the time. The two point fg was a good idea but a bit short.

Pressure on Clearly lacking and something I noticed, the usual energy boost at the end of the first half and start of the second ( a bennett signature) was missing.

People say it was a brave effort, but in reality, I didn’t think you were at your best tonight.

Without the Souths self-inflicted errors, you may have won against a formidable defence.

That’s probably not a popular view, but that is my impression.

No field position, after 30 minutes in, you’re entitled to mix a few things up. I am waiting for it.They were wearing down…but not at the rate expected.

A credit to the Panther player recovery/ preparation staff. They should have been up on the podium too!

Nearly 20 more than his season average of 36 tackles per game. Seemed it might have been a ploy to make him work in more on the defensive side.

Stole our area in the 1930's and 50's so i question those comps as i do the 1909 one when you agreed with Balmain not to play the final in protest when the league made it a curtain raiser to a test match - Souths turn up kick off and score and win on forfeit.

Facts are you have seen 1 GF win and not 21 - 1 comp in 50 years- with the players you are losing last night may well have been your best chance to win another comp for some time.

Never mind as the Chooks are revamping the coaching team with Roosters legend Fizty leaving - Jason Ryles is the new defence coach and Boyd Cordner/Jake Friend and Brett Morris have been added to Robbo's coaching team as well.

Onwards and upwards for Sydney's number 1 team- as Roosters legend Ray Sterh often said "Easts to Win"

"Stole our area in the 1930's and 50's". No Nup Na. You have it all wrong, Mrs. If I steal someone's dog, it will run back to the owner it loves. Randwick, Coogee, etc, love to stay in Red and Green land. The people there consider themselves Rabbitohs. They would never think of being Chickens.
It seems those areas really ran away, rather than being taken.
As for your coaching staff, that is meaningless as the Chickens can only do well when they are allowed to play under a salary sombrero, while all the others perform under a salary cap.

 

[marshall stalin]

That is not 10 in the bin, the only time that's 10 in the bin is when they cracked down for a few wee

"Stole our area in the 1930's and 50's". No Nup Na. You have it all wrong, Mrs. If I steal someone's dog, it will run back to the owner it loves. Randwick, Coogee, etc, love to stay in Red and Green land. The people there consider themselves Rabbitohs. They would never think of being Chickens.
It seems those areas really ran away, rather than being taken.
As for your coaching staff, that is meaningless as the Chickens can only do well when they are allowed to play under a salary sombrero, while all the others perform under a salary cap.

We all know how it happened and all know that Randwick and Coogee are in the Eastern Suburbs

Eastern Suburbs (Sydney) - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

It's been done and dusted the sombrero joke - but then again Souths live in the past - 1 GF win in 50 years - Souths pride of the past and not the present or future - Souths an ever decreasing object in the Roosters rear vision mirror.

 

[marshall stalin]

Picture special - Souths stars party with proud supporters despite heartbreaking Grand Final near-miss: https://www.foxsports.com.au/nrl/nr...t/news-story/b1320f9ddc276f6a65e800472933e426

The Cody Walker moment when Peter Sterling saw Souths begin to unravel: https://wwos.nine.com.au/nrl/grand-...s-result/ab9c339a-d8cf-4a35-9495-c98c4cda4e85

Peter Sterling says Adam Reynolds is still the player you want with the game on the line: https://wwos.nine.com.au/nrl/souths...halfback/354ad29c-3bd2-4213-aedd-aad9af84da1a

From Zero Tackle,

Goalkicking genius explains why Reynolds’ shot went wide

Though many have suggested that Adam Reynolds' failed conversion attempt to re-tie the Grand Final late on Sunday night was the result of his injured groin, a goalkicking aficionado has suggested this wasn't the case.

Having scored over 2,000 points across his 10 seasons with the Bears and the Bulldogs, Daryl Halligan has proven he knows how to the split the posts with the Steeden.

Add in the fact that he has worked with some of the contemporary greats of the art since hanging his boots up more than two-decades ago and it is clear that the Kiwi international is in the know on the subject.

Speaking with Andrew Webster of The Sydney Morning Herald in the wake of the agonising miss, Hailligan held the view that rather than being hampered by ailments, Reynolds had in fact hit the ball too well.

“In that position [kicking from the touchline], you’ll never, ever be short, so you don’t have to kick it hard,” Halligan explained.

“You want to kick at about 80 to 85 per cent of what you’re capable of."

Given Reynolds' previous penchant for both accuracy and steering the ball from right to left, the Waikato-born Halligan initially held the view that the Souths sharpshooter had done the deed again.

“I honestly thought, halfway through the flight of the kick, that he’d kicked it,” he said.

“It started on the right line. He normally shapes it out and it comes in off the right post. It just lost its shape and stayed a little bit out. I’m not sure if there was any breeze. He got the line right, just not the speed of release off the foot.”

Though able to understand the machinations of the miss, the now 55-year-old didn't want to sound too critical of the heavily inked halfback and even claimed that if it was he over the tee last night, his methodology would have mirrored the departing Rabbit's.

“I would’ve struck it the same way,” Halligan told Webster.

“But I’m too bloody old — it probably would’ve gone under the crossbar.”

Heartbreakingly, the missed shot from the sideline followed by his under-hit two-point field goal attempt will be the last acts of the Redfern-raised Reynolds in the jersey of his boyhood club.

The 31-year-old will join the Brisbane Broncos ahead of next season on a three-year deal worth $750,000 per annum.

The local junior who cut his teeth with St. Peters, Alexandria and La Perouse departs the Rabbitohs as a the club's greatest ever point-scorer after this year eclipsing the previous record set by Eric Simms in 1975.

The Broncos and Bunnies have been tipped to face-off in Round 1 of the 2022 season.

I didn't think it would be a goal though as you could tell from the long shot that the angle of the ball on the tee was pointing too far to the right of the post

 

[callmack1]

Dunno about anyone else but I'm still bloody miserable. Have taken the loss pretty hard.

Can't bring myself to watch the replay or do a match report like I nomally would, it hurts too much.

Maybe later in the week.

 

[callmack1]

How Penrith benefited from the Latrell-sized hole in South Sydney’s game: https://www.smh.com.au/sport/nrl/ho...e-in-south-sydney-s-game-20211004-p58x0x.html

 

[Rabbits20]

We should have quite a lot imo.
.

After all the upgrades I don’t think so.