Here. We. Go. We've all been waiting and game day is finally here!! It doesn't get much bigger than this either does it? A top three clash with a fellow Premiership contender, second vs third as we go up against the Penrith Panthers at Suncorp Stadium in a blockbuster clash tonight. In terms of ladder positions, this game doesn't really matter. The Minor Premiership is probably just out of reach for both of us and there won't be a home ground advantage in the Finals so finishing second or third doesn't really matter this year. However, it's much nicer to say we finished second and that spot is up for grabs tonight. It's still a massive game in the context of our Season though because whoever wins will have a big psychological edge heading into the Finals. Therefore, the stakes are extremely high.
After a challenging month or so for the Panthers, I feel like they're starting to warm up again and I have no doubt they'll be back to their best tonight. They hit a bit of a flat spot but I put that down to injury. They're almost back to full strength so they're going to be extremely focussed and fired up for this clash against us. It's a huge game for both teams. They are a genuine Premiership contender as I said, capable of winning it all. You look at their side and there's just strike everywhere. Edwards, Crichton, Burton, Cleary, Luai, Koroisau, Kikau, Yeo, the list just goes on and on. It's our job to stand up and match that with the class of our own. Stopping their forwards should be the first focus. Last time we played them, they rolled right through us which was probably the biggest reason for the scoreline so we can't let that happen again.
For us, there's no doubting that this is our biggest challenge of the year so far. Huge challenge. We've enjoyed the last ten weeks and have been looking fantastic but tonight will show us where we're really at and it will show us whether or not we are a genuine contender. Despite being one of the hottest teams in the comp, I feel like some people around the game are still questioning us. We've been going so well the last ten weeks but we are still yet to do it against a Premiership contender, that's the trick. This run of games doesn't matter if we can't contend with the best. Therefore, this is our chance to make a statement. This could be like the Manly game in 2014 where it's our chance to stand up and say "hey, we're coming for this Premiership." Being full strength will help massively. It's all about defence tonight for me. Penrith are one of the best defensive teams in the comp but I'm confident we have the attack to match them, it's defence that needs to be the focus because they are one hell of an attacking team themselves. Time to stand up and show us what you've got boys.
In recent times, I have started to feel some genuine fire when coming up against the Panthers. I know I've said it a lot but I've developed a bit of a hatred for them. I think we all feel that after how they acted once that full time siren went in the Prelim last year. That was low, extremely arrogant and disrespectful. We are still yet to avenge that. They've had the wood over us in recent Seasons, winning five of the last six and I hate that so much. It's timne to finally stand up to these pricks!! We can do it!
I'm feeling so fired up today and I hope the boys and the rest of the South Sydney fanbase are feeling the same!! Let's get behind our boys! Let's do this!
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