Vs Sea Eagles, Bluetongue Stadium,7.35pm Friday 16th Aug

[Newcastlerabbit]

NRL Junior & Official Cards Not Accepted at Bluetongue Stadium Friday Night
Wednesday 14 August 2013 1:55 PM
NRL Junior & Official Cards Not Accepted at Bluetongue Stadium Friday Night
KARI Proudly Presents
Rabbitohs vs Sea Eagles
Friday 16 August 2013
5.00pm - Gates open
5.15pm – Holden Cup
7.35pm - Rabbitohs v Sea Eagles
Presented by KARI, the Rabbitohs will go up against traditional rivals the Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles this Friday night at Bluetongue Stadium in what is sure to be a finals preview not to be missed.
Earlier this week we communicated that it would be highly unlikely that NRL Junior and Official Cards would be permitted for use as entry to our Round 23 clash with Manly on Friday night at Bluetongue Stadium.
Due to the current demand for tickets and the capacity of the ground, NRL Junior Cards will not be permitted for use as entry on Friday night.
This includes the following passes:

http://staticnrl.sportalhosting.com/site/_content/image/00049835-image.jpg
Avoid the queues, and save time and money by pre-purchasing your tickets today for the biggest game on the Central Coast this year!
Online: Click here.
Phone: 132 849
In Person: Click here.

http://www.rabbitohs.com.au/news-di...pted-at-Bluetongue-Stadium-Friday-Night/81891

 

[Newcastlerabbit]

Jersey Reflects Rabbitohs' Fine Indigenous Tradition
Words: Tom Skolarikis
Wednesday 14 August 2013 4:43 PM
Jersey Reflects Rabbitohs' Fine Indigenous Tradition
The South Sydney Rabbitohs’ Close the Gap celebrations will reach a peak this Friday night, when the team takes the field wearing the special 2013 Indigenous Jersey, designed by former first grader and renowned Indigenous artist, Sid Domic.
Rabbitohs Indigenous stars Nathan Merritt and Beau Champion were particularly pleased with the strip when first introduced to it.
“I really love it,” beamed Champion.
“It’s just a really nice dot-painted jersey that keeps all the elements of the Rabbitohs jersey intact, with the red and green and the rabbit.
“It’s true to the original but has a real Indigenous feel to it, so I’m loving it.”
The Domic-designed jersey is more than just a jersey, but rather a reflection of the Rabbitohs’ long-standing relationship with the Indigenous community, as well as serving to recognise the contribution of current and former Indigenous Rabbitohs to the Club and the wider community.
Domic, an Indigenous man himself is a veteran of 16 first grade seasons, in a career that spanned a number of clubs across Australia and the UK, including the Brisbane Broncos and Penrith Panthers in the NRL and the Warrington Wolves, Wakefield Trinity and Hull FC in the English Super League.
But it is as an artist that the 38 year old has truly come into his own, after experiencing what by his own admission was an awakening to his culture, that eventually lead to him expressing himself in the form of Aboriginal art, culminating in his commissioning as the designer for the Indigenous All Stars strip and now the Rabbitohs.
“As I started to research more about my people, I learned a lot more about myself and found out what a beautiful culture my people have, and that’s how I’ve gotten into art,” said Domic.
“I use my art to tell my stories and I’ve learnt a lot more about myself as a result.”
For Domic, the opportunity to contribute to the Rabbitohs and the Close the Gap message with his artwork has by own admission been an honour, citing the positive community work the Club engages in as well as the Club’s depth of tradition as attractive elements that he wanted to add to.
“To be able to put my name down on something that adds to that great tradition is a real honour for myself,” said Domic.
“The Rabbitohs play a big role in the Indigenous community, so it’s important to me that I’ve been able to help the Club out.”
The now retired footballer hopes that his design serves to raise awareness about the Close the Gap message.
“For me, the design really reflects the story of the club and its Indigenous players both past and present.
“If it raises awareness about the programs that the Club is already doing and already has set up, I think it’s a wonderful way to bring attention to the issues that Close the Gap deals with.
“Just look at the Rabbitohs – they’re over one hundred years old, have supporters who have been there often since birth and have experienced so much, and have programs that contribute to the community – it’s a wonderful culture in itself.”
While the former first grader’s passion is evident, Domic admits that he himself was a stranger to his own culture for many years, but experienced a re-awakening when he discovered Aboriginal art.
“To be honest I didn’t even know who my people were,” admitted Domic.
“People would ask me who my Mob were and I couldn’t tell them, so as I did my art, I researched and I painted and documented it that way. It was more of a tool to learn about myself when I started and now it’s a passion.”
Souths Cares Indigenous Programs Co-ordinator Rhys Wesser, played alongside Domic during his career, with the former Rabbitoh citing that his former teammates design truly acknowledges and celebrates the Club’s and the community’s deep Indigenous roots, as well as its current Rabbitohs role-models.
“It means a lot to this community,” said Wesser.
“It’s definitely important to acknowledge players like Greg Inglis, Beau Champion and Dylan Farrell.
“They play for our club and they wear that badge of honour and that Rabbitoh knowing that that rabbit also has an Indigenous value there. It’s something that’s very unique and something that we should celebrate.
“I wish I had the chance to play wearing it.”
The jerseys will be on sale exclusively at Central Coast Stadium in Gosford this Friday night. Be sure to get in quick as stock is limited! The jersey will be available online through our megastore from Saturday 17 August but only while stocks last.
KARI Aboriginal Resources Incorporated (KARI) was established in 1999 as a not-for-profit community organisation based at Liverpool in Sydney's South West, addressing the needs of Aboriginal communities. Kari are the Rabbitohs' round 23 Close the Gap match day Sponsor. To find out more about KARI, pleaseclick here.

http://www.rabbitohs.com.au/news-display/Jersey-Reflects-Rabbitohs-Fine-Indigenous-Tradition/81914

 

[Different kind of Rabbit]

Friday night's jersey:

Nice...

 

[Newcastlerabbit]

NRL & NYC Previews - Round 23, 2013
Words: Tom Skolarikis
Thursday 15 August 2013 3:34 PM
NRL & NYC Previews - Round 23, 2013
Rabbitohs v Sea Eagles
Bluetongue Stadium
Friday, 7.35pm
The South Sydney Rabbitohs take on the Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles this Friday night in the NRL’s Close the Gap Round, and if the two club’s last outing is anything to go by, the round 23 top-four clash will truly be something to behold.
The Rabbitohs will be bolstered by the return of fullback Greg Inglis and five eighth John Sutton, both of whom will likely move to make up for lost time after spending stints on the sideline owing to injury. But the absence of both high-flying Rabbitohs may have had a positive side-effect on the players that filled their spots. Nathan Merritt and Luke Keary both stepped up to the plate for GI and Sutto respectively, with both adapting well to the extra responsibility, effectively instilling an extra level of belief and confidence in the side.
That belief and confidence will need to be at all time high levels, with the Sea Eagles coming off six straight victories, while also being only three points behind the red and greens on the competition ladder.
The Rabbitohs by comparison have lost three of their last four, with last week’s loss coming against defending Premiers the Melbourne Storm. With a near full complement of players at their disposal this week though, and with everything to play for – including securing a top two finish – the Rabbitohs could be standing on the edge of a revival.
As if all that weren’t enough incentive to show up at Bluetongue Stadium on Friday, the all-important clash will boast some of the game’s best match-ups, including; Adam Reynolds facing off with Daly Cherry-Evans, John Sutton against Kieran Foran, and the battle of the fullbacks – Greg Inglis verses Brett Stewart.
Rabbitohs forward Roy Asotasi spoke to the Rugby League media this week and cited that despite the side’s tough run to the finals, the Rabbitohs are looking to take the positives out of playing the best side’s available.
“It’s good preparation for us,” said Asotasi.
“People talk about how hard the games are going into the semis, but we couldn’t ask for a better run into the finals.”
Recent History
It’s been a mixed bag in recent years against Manly, with Souths winning two of the last five clashes, the most recent coming in the form of this year’s round seven blockbuster at Brookvale Oval. The Rabbitohs came out 20-12 victors over the Sea Eagles, with the game being widely regarded as one of the team’s best performances of the year.
Both teams tore into each other with hurricane fury in the opening exchanges, but the fury wasn’t confined to the play, with Richie Fa’aoso placed on report after two dangerous tackles on Greg Inglis either side of half time.
With the penalty count leaning favourably towards the Rabbitohs and with both sides digging in defensively, Adam Reynolds seized the opportunity to put the red and greens ahead by two points with a penalty goal.
The fury continued though, with Brett Stewart also placed on report after elbowing Andrew Everingham.
The Rabbitohs went into the sheds, bizarrely leading by a soccer-score, 2-0. But if fans thought that the brutal first half was entertaining, things were about to become hotter.
On the resumption, the Rabbitohs immediately stamped their authority on the match, with a decoy run from Chris McQueen allowing Greg Inglis to slice through before racing 60 metres to score.
John Sutton then extended the lead for the Rabbitohs with a little step back inside allowing the five eighth to cross from short range.
But the match was only just about to explode. From the ensuing kick-off, Steve Matai was also placed on report for a high shot on George Burgess, with big brother Sam taking exception to the Manly centre’s actions with a scuffle breaking out in protest.
The Sea Eagles continued to throw everything at the Rabbitohs line, but came up short on a number of occasions, before Souths managed to cross again, this time through Beau Champion off a perfectly placed Adam Reynolds bomb into the in-goal for the Rabbitohs to lead 20-0.
It took Manly almost 62 minutes to cross, with Anthony Watmough finally providing the home-side with points, before Daly Cherry Evans also added a four-pointer of his own to the score-card ten minutes from the break, but the Rabbitohs managed to hold on to take an eight-point victory.
Manly five-eighth Kieran Foran spoke to the Rugby League media this week, citing that the round seven clash against the Rabbitohs was one of the toughest his side had played, and the team will be expecting more of the same come Friday night.
“It was one of the toughest game’s we’ve played,” admitted Foran.
“They’ve got such a big pack too so it’s always going to be physical. I remember a lot of our guys were pretty sore after that game, so it’ll be no different on Friday night.
Keys to Victory
The Sea Eagles are dangerous across the park, but their outside backs consisting of Captain Jamie Lyon and Steve Matai in the centres, along with wingers Jorge Taufua and David Williams are particularly potent out wide.
The Sea Eagles threat doesn’t end there though, with forwards like Brent Kite and Glenn Stewart making all important metres for the visitors this week, expect Lyon and Matai to take advantage of the extra room should the Rabbitohs not contain them in defence.
But the Rabbitohs backline boasts much in the way of experience and speed with the likes of Nathan Merritt, Bryson Goodwin, Matt King and Dylan Farrell lining up to take on the Manly threat, and with a forward pack with proven-yard getting ability in front of them, expect an entertaining encounter.
Expect Manly to try and deprive Greg Inglis of the ball, with the Rabbitohs fullback renowned for his ability to get Souths’ attack rolling, while the same can be said of Manly’s Brett Stewart. Both players will play integral roles in this week’s clash.
Key Matchups

http://www.rabbitohs.com.au/news-display/NRL--NYC-Previews--Round-23-2013/81998

 

[Newcastlerabbit]

Manly clash will be like Origin: McQueen
By By Ian McCullough
AAP
Thu 15th August, 6:09pm

South Sydney back-rower Chris McQueen is expecting a State of Origin-like encounter when the Rabbitohs take on Manly in Gosford on Friday.

After a season where they have looked grand final certainties, Michael Maguire's side have hit a sticky patch with successive defeats to North Queensland and Melbourne knocking them off the top of the ladder.

Manly have won their last six and are the form team in the top eight having chalked up 225 points in their last half-a-dozen matches.

With Canterbury and the Sydney Roosters to play in their last three games, McQueen admitted Souths need to win at Bluetongue Stadium to ease the pressure going into the business end of the season.

However, he said the return of Greg Inglis and John Sutton will give the side a huge lift.

"All our games are important now, we hadn't lost two games in a row until last week and don't want to let it become three," McQueen said.

"We have a tough month of football coming up. All the teams are playing for something. It's going to be a real indication of where we are."

Souths prevailed 20-12 in an outstanding but spiteful encounter at Brookvale in April that saw Inglis dumped on his head twice by Richie Fa'aoso - earning him an eight-week suspension.

Steve Matai was also banned for one game following a careless high tackle on George Burgess and Brett Stewart also was charged for an elbow on Souths winger Andrew Everingham.

And McQueen, who debuted for Queensland this year, said the game was an early taster of what he could expect in Origin.

"It was the hardest game all year," he said.

"It was 2-0 at halftime and neither team wanted to crack. We can expect the same thing this week.

"It was easily the most intense game I have played in outside of Origin, and it will be again."

The absence of Sam Burgess for Souths following his 'squirrel grip' on Will Chambers last week is offset by an injury to Manly back-rower Anthony Watmough.

However, McQueen said the return of Inglis, with Nathan Merritt moving back to the wing, is a massive boost.

"Merro is a great fullback, but he is a different kind of fullback to Greggy," he said.

"(Inglis) adds intimidation factor. In addition to being big, fast and strong I don't know if there's anyone in the whole world who brings the ball back better than he does.

"We've got the depth to cover Sam, we have a big pack and it won't make that much difference."

Veteran prop Roy Asotasi said the team's tough run home before the finals is a blessing and exactly what they need if they are to have any hope of ending the 43-year wait for a premiership.

"We couldn't have asked for a better draw," Asotasi said.

"It will leave us strong heading into the finals. Unfortunately we've lost two in a row, but if we win on Friday then we are right back in form."

http://nrl.com/manly-clash-will-be-like-origin-mcqueen/tabid/10874/newsid/74059/default.aspx

 

[Newcastlerabbit]

http://www.nrl.com/king-ready-for-f...xoNWh1ZDqFUhqme3KkDzcqCrmwsFVdOG/default.aspx

 

[Newcastlerabbit]

Manly in good form but still wary of Souths: Kite
Date
August 16, 2013

Michael Carayannis
Rugby League Writer

Yet to claim a top-four scalp this year, Manly players have spoken about the importance of overcoming South Sydney if they are to make their mark in the NRL.

The Sea Eagles have gone on an unassuming six-game winning streak, beating only one current top eight team.

Three of Manly's six season losses have come to the Roosters twice and to South Sydney. They finished with a 10-all draw against the only other top-four team, Melbourne, this year.

Prop Brent Kite said the side were under no illusion about their recent patch of good form. "I think we are going OK," Kite said. "We are winning, which is a good thing. A few of those wins have come against sides outside the eight and we are aware of that.

"Each week the quality is going to pick up. Hopefully the quality in our game can pick up. We've had some good hit-outs and we're starting to hit our best form."

As Manly's season slowly gains momentum, their counterparts South Sydney have lost their stranglehold on the minor premiership as they battle a tough post-Origin period and injuries. The Rabbitohs are fighting to keep the impetus in their season going, losing three of their past four games.

They will be boosted by the return of Greg Inglis and John Sutton for the important clash against Manly at Bluetongue Stadium on Friday night.

Kite said South Sydney's dip in form, minus their key players, may work in the Rabbitohs' favour should they turn their performances around before the start of the finals in four weeks.

"I've had one eye on Souths and the top teams and their last game I thought they were pretty good and physical, they just didn't quite get the cash," Kite said. "They have to come off the boil at some stage. They probably don't mind - if they can turn it around by the back end of the season - as they are firing these last few rounds."

Manly's last-start 20-12 loss in round seven to South Sydney has been all the talk inside the Sea Eagles camp. Although rookie James Hasson didn't play in that match, he said his teammates had spoken up about wanting to reverse the result.

"A lot of the boys have been talking about it, we are ready to play on Friday night," Hasson said. "[The importance of this game has] been touched on.

"Souths have set the bench mark all year. We have really thought about this game for a while. All of us are really excited."

Meanwhile, South Sydney veteran Michael Crocker is close to finally making his comeback from a long-term knee injury. Crocker, who hasn't played first grade since round three, is desperate not to end his 13-year NRL career on the sidelines. Crocker, 33, is off-contract at the end of this year.

"I'm getting close," Crocker said. "I'm running [and have been] for a couple of weeks."



Read more: http://www.smh.com.au/rugby-league/...souths-kite-20130815-2rzmn.html#ixzz2c53khp37

 

[Newcastlerabbit]

Roy Asotasi wants the same ending as Jaiman Lowe _ a premiership
BY:MARGIE MCDONALD From: The Australian August 16, 2013 12:00AM

MISSION accomplished.International prop Roy Asotasi was wined and dined by South Sydney co-owner Russell Crowe seven years ago to entice him to leave Canterbury and help make the Rabbitohs a premiership force.

Asotasi was one of the building blocks the Bulldogs used to secure a premiership in 2004.

For the past two years, Souths have been in the top four pushing for a grand final berth. This year Souths led the competition for nearly five months until a fortnight ago when the Sydney Roosters edged ahead. So, on that basis, Asotasi feels like he's been doing what he was hired to do.

He's off at the end of the season for a two-year stint with Warrington in the Super League.

"I'm excited about that next chapter to my career but at the same time I only have seven, maximum eight, games left," Asotasi said before a training run at Redfern ahead of tonight's showdown with Manly in Gosford.

"I want to make sure I put as much energy as I can into those games so hopefully the boys

can send me away with a grand final win."

Jaiman Lowe enjoyed that with the Storm last season; Steve Menzies with Manly in 2008, Shane Webcke with Brisbane in 2006 -- the list goes on in the fairytale finish department.

"I think we have the right mix of players in the squad to go all the way, provided we stay out of the judiciary and out of the injury ward," Asotasi said.

"I always think about it (fairytale) and you look at the lucky guys who get to do it like Jaiman Lowe. That's what I'm dreaming of. I hope the dream stays alive."

The fact Greg Inglis and John Sutton are both back from injury answers the prayers of Rabbitohs fans as the team has slipped 1-3 (win-loss) over the past month.

"He's (Inglis) crucial to any team. You've just got to look at us, to Australia, to Origin. He definitely changes the whole outfit of what South Sydney does when he's out there," Asotasi said.

"When he's gone for two weeks people can see what we're lacking. But we've still got to work hard and not make any excuses.

"You look how he returns the ball after a kick. We all get excited to get back there and run with him, knowing you've got a 110-kilo fullback running into the opposition."

Souths won 20-12 the last time they met at Brookvale in round seven.

"It was Origin intensity right to the 80th minute," Queensland backrower Chris McQueen said.

"That was probably the most intense game I've played all year aside from the Origin games. No one wanted to crack first."

Manly has been slightly dented, losing NSW forward Anthony Watmough (knee ligament).

"It's unfortunate, but it could well be a blessing in disguise for Choc," said teammate Jamie Buhrer.

"He's had a big year for us and for the Blues. Maybe a few weeks' rest could be good for him."

Prop forward Brent Kite, who also played alongside Watmough in representative football, said he had always told the dynamic backrower to take a small break.

"He's one of those guys that doesn't like to have a week off," Kite said. "Well now he's injured, he's forced to have one.

"It could work out for him if he gets back before the finals . . . he'll be fresh and ready to give us a big lift."

http://www.theaustralian.com.au/spo...we-a-premiership/story-fnca0von-1226698055296

 

[Newcastlerabbit]

Origin Bunnies aim up
By Ben Blaschke
NRL.com
Fri 16th August, 6:00am

South Sydney back-rower Chris McQueen knows he and other Rabbitohs rep stars must lift
They welcome back Greg Inglis and John Sutton just in time for the finals but South Sydney back-rower Chris McQueen says it is up to the Rabbitohs’ other State of Origin stars – himself included – to take some responsibility as the former competition leaders look to end a run of three losses from four games against Manly in Gosford tonight.

McQueen made his Origin debut for Queensland this season and was one of four Rabbitohs players to represent their state throughout the series alongside Inglis, Ben Te’o and Nathan Merritt, with the 26-year-old admitting it was up to him to put his hand up following his successful Maroons sojourn.

“I think for the younger guys coming through and even for the older guys, they do look to the Origin players to produce when the side isn’t going too well,” he told NRL.com. “I obviously got my first taste of Origin this year so I feel like that’s more my role now. But if that’s what they expect of me, I’m more than happy to take that on.

“I think it’s important that I do take that step now. I mean, I’ve come back from Origin and it definitely gives you more confidence. I think everyone who plays Origin, they come back with a lot more confidence in themselves.

“I think it comes down to knowing that you’re good enough to play Origin. It’s probably the toughest football in the world – there wouldn’t be anything quite as intense as that – so coming back to club football which isn’t quite as intense, it does make a difference.”

While McQueen couldn’t have asked for a better Origin debut as Queensland came from a game down to win their eighth series in a row, he said a premiership with Souths this year would far exceed his achievements in a Maroon jersey.

“My job first and foremost is to play well for Souths and I’ve still got a job to do here,” he said. “Hopefully we can keep going and have a successful year so that’s the main priority for me and it always has been. It was a great feeling to play Origin and be a part of that with Queensland but at the end of the day club football is what we’re here for.”

If anything, McQueen feels he is much better placed to handle the demands of finals football this season after playing his first ever finals game in 2012.

The Rabbitohs fell one game short of the grand final last year after losing two of their three finals games against Melbourne and Canterbury, but with much more big-game experience in the squad he is confident Souths can make a greater impact this time around.

“The thing about last year was that it was my first experience of finals football and that was the same for a lot of the guys here, so I think we can learn from that and take a lot of things into this year’s finals games,” he said. “The finals really are a different game and it’s a lot more like Origin than normal footy during the season. The intensity lifts and everything about the game gets harder. I think we learnt that last year and hopefully this time around we’ll be better for it.”

First priority, however, will be toppling a Manly side that has won their past six games in a row including victory over the Warriors at this very venue last Sunday.

While recent losses to St George Illawarra, North Queensland and Melbourne haven’t been the greatest preparation for the finals, McQueen said the prospect of another tough battle this week would only be of benefit to the Rabbitohs.

“You want to be playing the top teams heading into the finals because it gives you a real indication of where you’re at and what you need to do going into the finals,” he said.

“I think the signs are still good for us. We’ve spoken about the fact that it was probably good for GI and Sutto to have a break and come back refreshed after a tough Origin period – particularly for GI who played such a big role for Queensland.

“And as long as we can fix our starts we should be fine. Against the Cowboys we missed the start and never got back into the game and then against Melbourne again we missed the start, gave them a 12-point lead early in the game and never caught up.

“So that’s the focus for us this week.”

http://www.nrl.com/origin-bunnies-aim-up/tabid/10874/newsid/74061/default.aspx

 

[AceAv]

GL tonight. Might tip Manly on this one, but expect it to go to the wire!

 

[muzby]

geez how'd manly score two home games in a row at the central coast?

 

[Newcastlerabbit]

Toovey slams referees, Souths' 'suspicious' tactics
Date
August 16, 2013 - 11:31PM

Michael Chammas
Rugby league reporter


Manly coach Geoff Toovey has questioned the integrity of the South Sydney players and has also blasted the referees, who he believes "decided the outcome of the game".

A furious Toovey fired several shots at the match officials and Rabbitohs in a heated post-match press conference following his side's 22-10 loss at Bluetongue Stadium on Friday night.

The Sea Eagles coach was critical of Rabbitohs lock Jeff Lima for twisting the leg of Anthony Watmough and also took aim at Greg Inglis for staying down in a tackle to win a penalty after a tackle from Justin Horo.

But Toovey's biggest gripe was with the officials, adamant his team was played out of the game by the referees, claiming "I just think today the officials decided the outcome of the game, not the two teams".

"I think the first half the penalty count was 6-2, so if they're a three time better disciplined side then my team I'll give it away," Toovey said.

It was the decision by the video referee mid-way through the second half to not award a try to Steve Matai which infuriated Toovey the most.

After an on-field call of "no try", the video referee deemed there was not enough conclusive evidence to change the decision and ruled Matai to have been held up in the tackle by Dylan Walker, Dylan Farrell and Greg Inglis.

However Toovey disagreed.

"Let's talk about the real turning point, let's talk about the no try on Steve Matai," he said.

"Unless I'm blind ... I can see the ball on the ground, so what's the decision? Can somebody answer me that, someone? He said held up but the ball is on the ground therefore he's not held up. So why did they get it wrong?

"That's ridiculous. There has to be an investigation into this. Someone has to be accountable for this. And they have to be accountable for the penalty count - it ended up 10-5 and there were a couple of even-ups at the end of the game.

"Aren't we supposed to have the best referees for this game? Were they the best referees we've got? The two blokes in the box couldn't see it. What, they need high definition TV's. Bigger ones? So if it was held up, why can I see the ball on the ground? I don't get it."

Lima was placed on report in the 10th minute for twisting the leg of Watmough, who wasn't expected to play due to a knee injury he suffered just five days earlier against the Warriors.

While the Manly coach tread carefully not to accuse Lima of deliberately trying to hurt Watmough, but he described the tactic as "suspicious".

"Obviously everyone knew Anthony Watmough's knee was injured coming into the game and now it looks like we may miss him because of that," he said.

"I don't know if it was targeted or not but it was suspicious."

Minutes later Inglis appeared to have been hit high in a tackle from Justin Horo and was encouraged by his trainer to stay down to receive treatment, and later received a penalty after it was reviewed.

Toovey was particular critical of what he believes was a deliberate ploy to earn a penalty, which saw Horo also placed on report, and declared he would now coach his players to dive.

"Let's talk about blokes staying down," he said.

"Are we going to go back to the soccer now are we? Every time a bloke gets a hit around the neck or head ... I should tell my players to stay down and wait for a penalty. Then the trainer runs out and tell you to stay down and we'll get the replays going.

"I'm just going to tell my players to stay down now. Players are going to do whatever they can to win, but it's up to the officials to make judgements on those things."



Read more: http://www.smh.com.au/rugby-league/...ous-tactics-20130816-2s2tf.html#ixzz2c9BD3G1T

 

[Newcastlerabbit]

Rabbits Defeat Manly in Gritty Win
Words: Tom Skolarikis I Photos: Nrlphotos.com
Friday 16 August 2013 3:24 PM
Rabbits Defeat Manly in Gritty Win
The South Sydney Rabbitohs have gotten back into the winners circle with a gritty 22-10 victory over the Manly Sea Eagles in front of a record 20,060 crowd at Gosford’s Bluetongue Stadium.
The Sea Eagles burst out of the blocks at a frenetic pace, with the visitors capitalising inside the first three minutes through Daly Cherry-Evans, who sliced down the sideline before passing on to David Williams who planted the ball down over the line. Lyon converted to give Manly an early six nil advantage.
The pace of the game continued – and so did the brutality from the two sides’ round seven clash – with Rabbitohs lock Jeff Lima placed on report for an alleged cannonball tackle on surprise Manly inclusion Anthony Watmough. No love was lost just minutes later when Manly’s Matt Ballin also gave away a penalty for a dangerous tackle.
The Rabbitohs hit back when Chris McQueen plucked an Adam Reynolds kick out of the air close to the line, crossing just next to the posts for the Queensland Origin representatives’ third try of the season. Reynolds converted from close range to level the scores up at six apiece.
The Manly side kept the pressure up on the Rabbitohs, testing Inglis under the high ball as well as putting pressure on Issac Luke at the play the ruck, and their persistence eventually paid off with a try to Jorge Taufua. Lyon sprayed the conversion for the north-siders to lead 10-6.
Rabbitohs fans held their collective breaths though after the try, with Greg Inglis writhing on the ground, clutching at his knee after attempting to stop the try. Mercifully, after receiving treatment on the ground, Inglis rose to his feet to take his place at fullback again.
Souths seemed unperturbed though, forcing two repeat-sets on the Manly line with just over five minutes of the half to go. But the red and greens were unable to convert the opportunity to points despite some promising attacking raids – the team going into the sheds with the Rabbitohs trailing 10-6.
On the resumption, the teams went tit for tat. But Manly continued to put the Rabbitohs under pressure with Manly winger David Williams narrowly missing a try thanks to one of his boots going into touch – Greg Inglis producing a great cover defensive tackle.
Souths showed flashes of brilliance by stringing some fluent backline movements together deep in the Manly half. But poor ball-handling robbed the side of opportunities.
Manly took advantage of the errors, with Steve Matai crossing for what looked like a certain try, but some brilliant scramble defence from Inglis, Dylan Farrell and Dylan Walker was enough to keep Matai short.
The Sea Eagles managed to force the Rabbitohs in-goal, but a clever Adam Reynolds drop out saw the ball sail over the sideline, giving the red and greens possession before forcing their own repeat set at the other end of the field.
The result paid dividends with Nathan Merritt finishing off a wonderful backline movement before touching down for his 150th NRL try, locking the game up at 10-10.
Reynolds lined up the crucial pressure-kick from the sideline, slotting it straight through the posts to take the lead with just under 20 minutes to go.
The Rabbitohs relentlessly attacked the Manly line with wave after wave of Burgess’ wearing the Sea Eagles defence down, and Greg Inglis was the man to make the difference, pouncing on an Issac Luke grubber kick to make it 16-10. Reynolds converted from next to the posts, giving the Rabbits an eight point lead.
Manly wouldn’t give up though, with the visitors coming close through Jamie Lyon. But instead of points, the Sea Eagles found themselves being bundled over the sideline on the following play, with the Rabbitohs taking possession with just under five minutes remaining.
The Rabbitohs drifted across-field through Issac Luke before passing on to Walker who drew in Brett Stewart who in turn passed to Dylan Farrell to wrap it all up for the red and greens at 22-10 to provisionally equal with the first placed Roosters on 36 competition points.
Rabbitohs 22 (Nathan Merritt, Greg Inglis, Dylan Farrell tries; Adam Reynolds 3 goals)
Defeated
Sea Eagles 10 (Jamie Lyon, Jorge Taufua; Jamie Lyon 1 goal)

http://www.rabbitohs.com.au/news-display/Rabbits-Defeat-Manly-in-Gritty-Win/82110

 

[Big Sam]

What a marvellous night. Completely dominated a side that had a lot of momentum coming into the match.

Bluetongue's a great ground to watch league at too.

 

[muzby]

is inglis ok?

it looked like he suffered nerve damage or something after horo got his shoulder.. his eye started twitching once he got up..

almost looked like he was winking..

 

[jamaman]

Souths showed that Manly are pretenders!
They have no forwad grunt! just second rowers running around backs most of the time.

 

[Newcastlerabbit]

Rabbitohs set ground record at Bluetongue.

 

[Big Sam]

is inglis ok?

it looked like he suffered nerve damage or something after horo got his shoulder.. his eye started twitching once he got up..

almost looked like he was winking..

He went to the Dean Young school of acting.

 

[Mustard Keppers]

He got collected on the chin by Horo. It's a penalty.

Toovey is the game's worst sport. The coach sets the standards for the players so no wonder his team for the most part are so grubby and mean spirited.

Adam Reynolds two minutes of brilliance turned the game and Inglis landing the ball on Merritts chest after a couple of poor passes earlier was comforting to see. Lot of confidence to be gained from crossing their line a couple of times not off the back of kicks.

Season defining win.

 

[Big Sam]

Toovey is the game's worst sport. The coach sets the standards for the players so no wonder his team for the most part are so grubby and mean spirited.

Toovey was angry during the warm-up. The guy needs to calm down.

Maguire and Robinson are showing you can be a successful coach without being a angry prick.