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Rabbitohs hit road as co-owner Russell Crowe reveals importance of bush connection
South Sydney is on the road again as it heads to Dubbo with the Panthers for its much-anticipated blockbuster but, as co-owner Russell Crowe explains, the whole exercise goes way beyond that.
Dean Ritchie
South Sydney co-owner Russell Crowe has revealed why his club has taken Sunday’s blockbuster against Penrith to Dubbo, declaring: “Nothing beats the buzz and excitement of bush footy.”
The Rabbitohs and Panthers will play before a sellout 12,000 crowd at Apex Oval and continue South Sydney’s robust drive to play more NRL games in regional towns and cities.
Souths have taken matches in recent years to Mudgee, Coffs Harbour along with the Sunshine Coast, Central Coast, Cairns and Perth. This is year one of a two-season deal with Dubbo.
“Keeping the connection between the NRL and the bush is very important,” Crowe said.
“At Souths we ensure every year that we sacrifice a couple of home games and get out amongst the grassroots country fans.
“In the recent past Cairns, Coffs Harbour and Gosford regularly and this season Mudgee and Dubbo.
“Being a foundation club, South Sydney, have pockets of fans all over the country and nothing beats the buzz and excitement that a big game in a bush town generates.”
Souths Cares — the club’s charity and community arm — has been working in NSW’s Central West all week.
Among the current and former players working in and around Dubbo this week have been Cameron Murray, Campbell Graham, Jaxson Paulo, Kyle Turner, Ethan Lowe, Tautau Moga, Yileen Gordon and Rhys Wesser.
Souths assistant coach Jason Demetriou also headed west as did chief executive Blake Solly.
“One of rugby league’s great strengths is its support in the regions. I think it gives us a unique advantage over other codes like AFL. That has to be fostered and nurtured and taking great games like this match against the Panthers is one way of doing that,” Solly said.
“We actually asked for this game to be played in Dubbo and Central West. We have a great deal of respect for Penrith and know they do a lot in that same area so it made sense to take two great clubs who believe in bush footy to a place like Dubbo for a great game.
“Souths Cares have been doing community programs in Dubbo and the Central West since Monday in partnership with Wellington Aboriginal Corporation Health Service and the University of NSW.
“We have had seven days of community programs and we will visit 5000 school kids this week, not only promoting rugby league but healthy living and healthy lifestyle.”
The game itself should be an absolute ripper. Collectively, the two sides have lost just two of 20 games this season.
And the key question is: When will unbeaten Penrith get beaten this year?
“That’s the big thing with us — we like to stay calm. When we’re on the training paddock we go pretty hard and rip in,” said Souths prop Junior Tatola.
“But off the field, everyone is calm and collected. We just can’t wait to get out there on Sunday and rip in.
“Obviously Penrith is going really well, they haven’t lost a game, so it will be a pretty big test this weekend. We’re really looking forward to the challenge.”
Souths champion Latrell Mitchell will return for the big game from suspension.
LATRELL BACK WITH A BANG AS SOUTHS GET ALL DEFENSIVE
Only minutes into South Sydney’s opposed training session on Tuesday morning, Latrell Mitchell found himself on a left edge going flat out.
Which, as you know, is wonderful viewing.
Except if you’re, say, NSW Cup winger Steven Marsters.
Who in this particular moment on Redfern Oval, was defending that same edge against the NRL boys.
So no guesses for what happened next, right?
THWACK.
With the sight of Marsters going backwards, airborne, then tumbling, just one of many collisions in a session that left nobody doubting what both Mitchell — and, indeed, his Rabbitohs — intend to bring against competition leaders Penrith in Sunday’s blockbuster at Apex Oval, Dubbo.
After spending the past four weeks travelling, suspended, with Souths to away games at Gold Coast, Canberra and Brisbane, Mitchell finally returns this weekend to a side that, despite winning all but once in his absence, have still leaked like that local barfly with the small bladder.
Starting in Round 7 where they conceded 30 points against the Titans, the Bunnies then gave up plenty more against Canberra (20), Melbourne (50), and Cronulla (22).
Indeed, had the Storm match been a juniors game, it would have been called off with eight minutes still to play — when that sixth Josh Addo-Carr try stretched the visitors lead to 50 points.
All of which brought about that Tuesday session, called specifically by coach Wayne Bennett.
“Because we’ve leaked too many points in recent weeks,” Souths prop Jai Arrow explained afterwards.
“Defensively, we haven’t had the mindset that we had at the start of the year, or spoke about all pre-season.
“So it’s definitely been addressed.
“And something we’ve been working on.
“I don’t know if you saw out there today but we were definitely getting stuck into each other. Basically playing a game at training.”
Rabbitohs No.9 Damien Cook agreed.
“I wasn’t expecting that,” he said afterwards, referencing the intensity of a session which came only three days after their Magic Round win over Cronulla.
“But I think that was the coach getting into us today.
“Lately, we’ve been a bit off with our defence.
“After the first round, we went about six weeks where we defended really well, where the points we leaked were 10 to 12.
“But then there was the Titans game where we leaked a lot of points, then the Melbourne game where we leaked a s***load of points.
“And again at the weekend there was another 20.
So we’re just trying to get our defensive mindset back. And it needs to be done against Penrith, who I think are playing second phase better than anyone else at the moment.”
Elsewhere, Arrow also welcomed everything the returning Mitchell brings to a team.
“Latrell is a class player and, as Wayne Bennett says, a winner,” the prop said.
“He trains to win, plays to win.
“Obviously Cody (Walker) can also go back to his preferred position in the six jumper and Latrell back to No.1 where he was playing great footy until he got suspended.
“But he’s had his four-week holiday and I’m sure he will be ready to go against the best side in the competition.”
Cook agreed.
“Wayne made sure to take him to Queensland with us for Magic Round ... (laughs) he didn’t want him going back to the farm,” he said.
“And now he looks fresh, too, which is good.
“He’s sick of doing the extra conditioning that happens when you’re not playing. He’s buzzing to get back and looked good today.”
Forbes Ferrari versus the Lebanese Lamborghini: Mansour driven to beat former club
By Christian Nicolussi
The Forbes Ferrari up against the Lebanese Lamborghini.
South Sydney kindly reminded Penrith this week they were coming up against Josh Mansour, the popular winger the club virtually cut loose 48 hours after last year’s grand final to be replaced by rookie flyer Charlie Staines.
While Staines is known as “Ferrari” at Penrith, Souths happily gave Mansour his own moniker on social media by labelling him their “Lebanese Lamborghini”.
Mansour is one of the nicest guys in rugby league but politely declined all interviews this week.
His forced exit from Penrith with one year remaining on his deal remains a sore point. Especially after Mansour stayed loyal for so many years, including 2014 when he was in tears and begged Phil Gould to make him any offer, despite a whopping three-year deal on the table from Canberra.
Mansour’s return from a hamstring injury comes just in time to face former club Penrith on Sunday afternoon in Dubbo.
While Penrith’s preference for Staines was what forced Mansour out of the club, the two are unlikely to meet on the field with the Rabbitohs recruit named to number up against Brian To’o.
Staines has scored eight tries in 10 games with 16 tackle-busts this season, and at only 20 was favoured over Mansour as a long-term prospect by Penrith. However, 30-year-old Mansour has run for more metres with 25 tackle busts in just five games this campaign.
Mansour’s Souths teammates are certainly glad he’s wearing the red and green – but are clearly not as sold on his new “Lebanese Lamborghini” nickname.
“‘Sauce’ [Mansour] is a bit more like a rusty old Volvo from the 1990s,” forward Liam Knight said. “Unless he’s chasing a grubber over the tryline, that’s when he really clicks into gear.
“He’s robust and breaks those tackles. He’s certainly up for this weekend. But then again I’ve never seen him down. He’s one of the most positive people who has this awesome energy. He’s just a good bloke.
“I’m sure he’s more excited than most weeks for this game, which is natural against a former club, but Sauce is a weapon. He’s so important for us and we’re happy to have him back.”
Fellow forward Keaon Koloamatangi laughed about Mansour and quipped: “Lebanese Lamborghini? He’s more like a Hyundai. He goes alright.
“The stuff that went on with Penrith, he obviously wants to have a big game. We’ve missed him getting our sets started, and he’ll be great this weekend against a great team.
“He just brings that toughness, he’s so tough to get on his back, and he needs a lot of people to take him down.”
Souths welcome back Latrell Mitchell from a four-match ban while the Panthers, including Dubbo products Isaah Yeo and Matt Burton, are chasing an eleventh straight win in as many games to start the year.
South Sydney is on the road again as it heads to Dubbo with the Panthers for its much-anticipated blockbuster but, as co-owner Russell Crowe explains, the whole exercise goes way beyond that.
Dean Ritchie
South Sydney co-owner Russell Crowe has revealed why his club has taken Sunday’s blockbuster against Penrith to Dubbo, declaring: “Nothing beats the buzz and excitement of bush footy.”
The Rabbitohs and Panthers will play before a sellout 12,000 crowd at Apex Oval and continue South Sydney’s robust drive to play more NRL games in regional towns and cities.
Souths have taken matches in recent years to Mudgee, Coffs Harbour along with the Sunshine Coast, Central Coast, Cairns and Perth. This is year one of a two-season deal with Dubbo.
“Keeping the connection between the NRL and the bush is very important,” Crowe said.
“At Souths we ensure every year that we sacrifice a couple of home games and get out amongst the grassroots country fans.
“In the recent past Cairns, Coffs Harbour and Gosford regularly and this season Mudgee and Dubbo.
“Being a foundation club, South Sydney, have pockets of fans all over the country and nothing beats the buzz and excitement that a big game in a bush town generates.”
Souths Cares — the club’s charity and community arm — has been working in NSW’s Central West all week.
Among the current and former players working in and around Dubbo this week have been Cameron Murray, Campbell Graham, Jaxson Paulo, Kyle Turner, Ethan Lowe, Tautau Moga, Yileen Gordon and Rhys Wesser.
Souths assistant coach Jason Demetriou also headed west as did chief executive Blake Solly.
“One of rugby league’s great strengths is its support in the regions. I think it gives us a unique advantage over other codes like AFL. That has to be fostered and nurtured and taking great games like this match against the Panthers is one way of doing that,” Solly said.
“We actually asked for this game to be played in Dubbo and Central West. We have a great deal of respect for Penrith and know they do a lot in that same area so it made sense to take two great clubs who believe in bush footy to a place like Dubbo for a great game.
“Souths Cares have been doing community programs in Dubbo and the Central West since Monday in partnership with Wellington Aboriginal Corporation Health Service and the University of NSW.
“We have had seven days of community programs and we will visit 5000 school kids this week, not only promoting rugby league but healthy living and healthy lifestyle.”
The game itself should be an absolute ripper. Collectively, the two sides have lost just two of 20 games this season.
And the key question is: When will unbeaten Penrith get beaten this year?
“That’s the big thing with us — we like to stay calm. When we’re on the training paddock we go pretty hard and rip in,” said Souths prop Junior Tatola.
“But off the field, everyone is calm and collected. We just can’t wait to get out there on Sunday and rip in.
“Obviously Penrith is going really well, they haven’t lost a game, so it will be a pretty big test this weekend. We’re really looking forward to the challenge.”
Souths champion Latrell Mitchell will return for the big game from suspension.
LATRELL BACK WITH A BANG AS SOUTHS GET ALL DEFENSIVE
Only minutes into South Sydney’s opposed training session on Tuesday morning, Latrell Mitchell found himself on a left edge going flat out.
Which, as you know, is wonderful viewing.
Except if you’re, say, NSW Cup winger Steven Marsters.
Who in this particular moment on Redfern Oval, was defending that same edge against the NRL boys.
So no guesses for what happened next, right?
THWACK.
With the sight of Marsters going backwards, airborne, then tumbling, just one of many collisions in a session that left nobody doubting what both Mitchell — and, indeed, his Rabbitohs — intend to bring against competition leaders Penrith in Sunday’s blockbuster at Apex Oval, Dubbo.
After spending the past four weeks travelling, suspended, with Souths to away games at Gold Coast, Canberra and Brisbane, Mitchell finally returns this weekend to a side that, despite winning all but once in his absence, have still leaked like that local barfly with the small bladder.
Starting in Round 7 where they conceded 30 points against the Titans, the Bunnies then gave up plenty more against Canberra (20), Melbourne (50), and Cronulla (22).
Indeed, had the Storm match been a juniors game, it would have been called off with eight minutes still to play — when that sixth Josh Addo-Carr try stretched the visitors lead to 50 points.
All of which brought about that Tuesday session, called specifically by coach Wayne Bennett.
“Because we’ve leaked too many points in recent weeks,” Souths prop Jai Arrow explained afterwards.
“Defensively, we haven’t had the mindset that we had at the start of the year, or spoke about all pre-season.
“So it’s definitely been addressed.
“And something we’ve been working on.
“I don’t know if you saw out there today but we were definitely getting stuck into each other. Basically playing a game at training.”
Rabbitohs No.9 Damien Cook agreed.
“I wasn’t expecting that,” he said afterwards, referencing the intensity of a session which came only three days after their Magic Round win over Cronulla.
“But I think that was the coach getting into us today.
“Lately, we’ve been a bit off with our defence.
“After the first round, we went about six weeks where we defended really well, where the points we leaked were 10 to 12.
“But then there was the Titans game where we leaked a lot of points, then the Melbourne game where we leaked a s***load of points.
“And again at the weekend there was another 20.
So we’re just trying to get our defensive mindset back. And it needs to be done against Penrith, who I think are playing second phase better than anyone else at the moment.”
Elsewhere, Arrow also welcomed everything the returning Mitchell brings to a team.
“Latrell is a class player and, as Wayne Bennett says, a winner,” the prop said.
“He trains to win, plays to win.
“Obviously Cody (Walker) can also go back to his preferred position in the six jumper and Latrell back to No.1 where he was playing great footy until he got suspended.
“But he’s had his four-week holiday and I’m sure he will be ready to go against the best side in the competition.”
Cook agreed.
“Wayne made sure to take him to Queensland with us for Magic Round ... (laughs) he didn’t want him going back to the farm,” he said.
“And now he looks fresh, too, which is good.
“He’s sick of doing the extra conditioning that happens when you’re not playing. He’s buzzing to get back and looked good today.”
Forbes Ferrari versus the Lebanese Lamborghini: Mansour driven to beat former club
By Christian Nicolussi
The Forbes Ferrari up against the Lebanese Lamborghini.
South Sydney kindly reminded Penrith this week they were coming up against Josh Mansour, the popular winger the club virtually cut loose 48 hours after last year’s grand final to be replaced by rookie flyer Charlie Staines.
While Staines is known as “Ferrari” at Penrith, Souths happily gave Mansour his own moniker on social media by labelling him their “Lebanese Lamborghini”.
Mansour is one of the nicest guys in rugby league but politely declined all interviews this week.
His forced exit from Penrith with one year remaining on his deal remains a sore point. Especially after Mansour stayed loyal for so many years, including 2014 when he was in tears and begged Phil Gould to make him any offer, despite a whopping three-year deal on the table from Canberra.
Mansour’s return from a hamstring injury comes just in time to face former club Penrith on Sunday afternoon in Dubbo.
While Penrith’s preference for Staines was what forced Mansour out of the club, the two are unlikely to meet on the field with the Rabbitohs recruit named to number up against Brian To’o.
Staines has scored eight tries in 10 games with 16 tackle-busts this season, and at only 20 was favoured over Mansour as a long-term prospect by Penrith. However, 30-year-old Mansour has run for more metres with 25 tackle busts in just five games this campaign.
Mansour’s Souths teammates are certainly glad he’s wearing the red and green – but are clearly not as sold on his new “Lebanese Lamborghini” nickname.
“‘Sauce’ [Mansour] is a bit more like a rusty old Volvo from the 1990s,” forward Liam Knight said. “Unless he’s chasing a grubber over the tryline, that’s when he really clicks into gear.
“He’s robust and breaks those tackles. He’s certainly up for this weekend. But then again I’ve never seen him down. He’s one of the most positive people who has this awesome energy. He’s just a good bloke.
“I’m sure he’s more excited than most weeks for this game, which is natural against a former club, but Sauce is a weapon. He’s so important for us and we’re happy to have him back.”
Fellow forward Keaon Koloamatangi laughed about Mansour and quipped: “Lebanese Lamborghini? He’s more like a Hyundai. He goes alright.
“The stuff that went on with Penrith, he obviously wants to have a big game. We’ve missed him getting our sets started, and he’ll be great this weekend against a great team.
“He just brings that toughness, he’s so tough to get on his back, and he needs a lot of people to take him down.”
Souths welcome back Latrell Mitchell from a four-match ban while the Panthers, including Dubbo products Isaah Yeo and Matt Burton, are chasing an eleventh straight win in as many games to start the year.
