POST GAME Round 8 - Broncos vs Rabbitohs

[Brent81]

In presser Bennett says its his calf not his knee.

Let's not get too down just yet.

 

[Broncoman]

That game was bullshit but a win is a win and a 22 point win just makes our points differential look better and better so I'm glad to take it. Souths were just dirty as **** and playing dirty was the only way they could put us of our game, how Surgess wasn't sin binned our put on report was a joke. Really liked how Wallace stood up from the bench and delivered some good meters and showed how important to the team he is. Might have to put Waddel on the bench as I don't think Nikorima is capable of playing a full 80 minutes, will be challenge without McCullogh. Oates is a genius.

2 things I want to mention

- How Burgess wasn't put on report at least was a joke if most other players did the things he did tonight they would have to explain themselves and would probably face suspensions. Personally I think the NRL refs and NRL officials are just scared of suspending their glamour boys and media favourites. Would be good if a ref put those guys like Burgess, Thurston and the like in their place for once. No player no matter how good or loved they are is bigger than the game and they shouldn't get a free ride through life.

- Kevin Walters' commentary towards the end was just laughable. He said that the Rabbitohs can hold their head high as they performed well and the score didn't reflect how well they played. Buddy, they would've only completed half their sets, none of their forwards stood up, only dirty play gave them a sniff, they never looked like winning it apart from that brief period and they lost by 22 points and conceded 5 tries.

 

[bazza]

Just a few points I took away from this game:


- I think McCullough is a huge loss moving forward. Others may often criticise McCullough but I think his absence will prove just how important he is to the team and the players around him. Hopefully for Nikorima's sake he can step up and play longer minutes and cover as best as he can.


- I also thought the loss of Glenn should not be understated. Our execution on the left wasn't as efficient as it usually is, and I'm not sure if that can be used as an excuse for Reed's average showing (probably not, but I'll give him the benefit of the doubt), but at times Reed got the ball with the defence sliding on him pretty quickly, whereas I think the lines Glenn usually runs creates that time and space for Reeds to put Oates away. I felt he didn't pass to Oates as he felt the defence was on to him quite quickly from the inside (but other times he definitely should of passed and chose to keep the ball in hand for no reason).


- Our young forwards stood up and showed the sort of aggression I haven't seen from them before. They all made solid first contact in defence and kept the momentum flowing when replacing Blair and McGuire. Wallace made very strong carries out of our end and hit hard in defence. Ofahengaue is improving with each game and is really relishing the extended minutes. He was immense and really took it to the Souths pack in defence. Came up with a few solid shots and was very unlucky to be put on report. I think Napa has showed the way to get the better of the Burgess boys, and our forwards got in Sam's face and under his skin. Ese'Ese was solid in limited game time. He had a few strong carries and will get better with more game time.


- We are definitely under utilising our dynamic right edge, which contains the likes of Hunt, GIllett, Roberts and Kahu. I think we can have two of the most potent edges in the comp if we stopped going to our left as much as we do and actually gave the right side an opportunity to shine. As effective as the left edge has been, we are getting slightly predictable constantly running the out the back plays with Boyd on the left.


- I have seen an improvement in our overall kicking game from both Milford and Hunt, but there is still room for improvement. I'm not sure if anyone else has noticed, but in the Knights game I felt as if Milford was getting a little "kick happy" close to the opposition try line, instead of just passing through the hands, and I feel that crept into this game as well. There were a few times where he kicked in behind the line, when we could of just passed instead. We did get a few line dropouts so its not necessarily a bad play and if used occasionally is a good way to catch the opposition out. I think we just need to find the right balance there.



All in all we didn't play our best game execution wise, but the pleasing this is our energy in defence was impressive. Our senior guys played well like usual, but what impressed me was the young guys stepping up. When things started getting a little heated, our forward pack rose to the challenge and started whacking the Souths pack harder. Our first contact in defence was very strong and we kept driving them back. We're also making a habit of finishing strongly.

 

[Fernando]

Our attack was pretty ordinary - but still managed 30 points - but our defence was BRUTAL! I loved it and it seemed like the Bunnies had no option but to stay down and hope for a penalty.

 

[bazza]

Another thing is I'd prefer if Oates stood a further two or three metres deeper to compensate for Reeds lack of speed. That way Reed can hog the ball and fluff around all he wants and then when he realises he doesn't have an opportunity for himself he can hand it on to Oates who is still behind Reed, and Oates can still run onto the ball instead of over running it like he usually ends up doing when he takes one or two steps forwards with his long strides.

I'd also like Milford to link with Hunt on the right side, either as a first or second receiver with the other then having the option of playing short to Gillett, across the face to Roberts, behind to Boyd or a long cut out to Kahu.

 

[talanoa]

Jordan Kahu to left centre, Eden to right wing, ez.

Who you thinking for Macca replacement mate? Berrell or Waddell?

berrell is garbage, waddell is much better and im reasonably confident wayne will go with him.

 

[Big Pete]

ANZAC Week clash at Suncorp - easily a must-go game no matter what. I've loved the atmosphere ever since I went to my first iteration against Penrith (Round 7 2006 but hey who's counting) and the boys always seem to lift for it.

I thought that may have been the Broncos best defensive performance of the season. They made it their mission to hurt the Rabbitohs tonight and they succeeded. All of them...except for Reed. I've got a soft spot for Jack, the way he always comes back early from injuries and competes for everything - hard not to like him but that effort on GI? I don't get it...did he think he was playing stuck in the mud or something? Where was Reed's foot-work? He got spooked plain and simple and now GI gets another try against the Broncos on the record books. I've hated seeing it there since 2005...can we just buy him to save us from that dishonour all the time? For the record, not about to throw Reed out to sea for that performance or put all the eggs down that left-side basket. He survives...for now but one good stint from Kahu could be the end of him.

I loved the application from the boys and thought they were hard done by with the refs. Just seemed as if Maxwell caught wind of the penalty count and anything that looked close to a penalty was given. Lots of them were nothing incidents and if the NRL tries to justify them by handing out suspensions the Broncos should call them out on their BS.

Back to the game, the opening period was frustrating but the Broncos were creating so many opportunities it just seemed like a matter of time. Sure enough, fresh legs Nikorima makes a great dart out of the scrum and the Broncos go in. Actually, the scrum plays really impressed me tonight. Milford darting down a short-side, the Roberts kick, Nikorima's effort - I hope Vossy keeps his mouth shut about them because the Broncos are making them one of the exciting set-pieces in the game.

...now that I think about it, the Cowboys scored a try in the grand final off a scrum. Seriously Vossy somebody throw that up on the Sunday Ticket, see what sort of smarmy reply you get.

Not only was it a nice set piece, I liked the horses for courses approach. Souths aren't the most mobile pack, so throw one of your quickest guys at them and catch them by surprise. Bravo Wayne.

Then the second try, the Hunt try - two halves running off each other like it's 1990 and Brisbane are scoring tries for fun. Loved it, speed men around the ruck targeting the hulking mobile pack.

I asked a few weeks back who would be better between two of the greatest NYC prospects I've seen - Hunt and Taylor. I asked it to open a few people up, get tongues wagging but never answered it. Without making a spectacle of myself, I only see one guy holding up the premiership trophy and they're not going to be from Robina - I can tell you THAT much.

Hunt was really good. Souths clearly did their homework on Milford and stepped to Brisbane. "What now Ponies?" Sure enough Hunt takes them on and reminds them all that the only punchline is Souths 2016 chances. Or Luke Keary's Origin chances. Poor ol' Luke, I actually like him and think he'd be a great fit somewhere else. However, he clearly isn't wanted at Souths. The tribe has spoken, the Burgess boys aren't inviting him over for tea and biscuits and he looks like a guy who isn't wanted. Go to Melbourne or to the Bulldogs - you'll be good champion.

Speaking of champions - if Josh McGuire and Corey Oates aren't in the Test team I'm giving up on Mal. I don't even care if the Kangaroos win, these two are easily the form players in their respective position, have proven themselves on countless occasions and they have it. I didn't think Josh McGuire could get any better. I know a lot of you love him and I think he's a bit alright myself but I didn't think he would be Shane Webcke, Petero Civoniceiva or Glenn Lazarus levels of good. Big runs, Gillmeister tackles, offloads and some banter, if he isn't there Mal is sabotaging the team.

And Oates...

I've told this story before but when I was doing my homework on Brisbane up and comers circa 2011 I remember reading about this kid called Oates. Every team he played in, he was apart of their try-scorers list. It was incredible, he must have crossed the line in at least 20 of the 24 games I looked through. Then I saw him and he was even better, scoring tries, chasing blokes down, try-saving efforts...at a time where everyone was going on about Caleb Timu, Oates was the star to me and I'm so happy he's giving the Rugby League World a view of what he's capable of.

I'll admit, I was with the touch judge, there was no way a human could score that try. Well folks, Corey Oates ain't no human. If we don't conceal his identity, he'll be an Avenger by 2017 - he's SUPERHUMAN. He can score a try and I really hope injuries don't derail him. Please footy gods - you owe us after Jharal Yow Yeh. Mofos...they played that game again this afternoon. Watching Yow Yeh chase down kicks he had no right getting to, Souths getting all the calls and Gillett leading a one man army...that game took something out of all of us as fans I reckon.

Also props to the other forwards. Wallace was awesome off the bench, easily his best game since the early rounds of last year. Big Joe continues to assert himself and he has all the makings of a long term rep forward. They impressed me and if they can continue to play like that they'll have a huge impact towards the Broncos chances.

God-speed Macca, Milf's kicking game is fantastic and the pre-game ceremony was fantastic.

Great night I hope you all enjoyed yourselves.

 

[Super Freak]

 

[Super Freak]

That touchie was directly in line with that, looking right at it and still said no try..

 

[Super Freak]

The Queensland fullback battle heats up, Nikorima gets his chance at big minutes, and Oates scores a contender for try of the season. The key talking points from a heated contest as Brisbane prevail over South Sydney at Suncorp Stadium.

Friday night's fiery affair

The two teams discovered a real hatred for each other throughout the match, with both forward packs trying to assert their dominance over the other. Referee Jared Maxwell issued a number of warnings to both captains as several flare-ups crept into the game. Sam Burgess went on report for a late shot on Brisbane forward Joe Ofahengaue, with the hit sparking an all-in brawl. Somehow no punches were thrown, but both teams were certainly keen to go on with the hostilities. Moments later, Broncos prop Adam Blair hit Rabbitohs halfback Adam Reynolds with a late shot to the jaw. Reynolds had to be assisted from the field and Blair went on report. South Sydney teammates were fuming at Blair, with the 30-year-old seemingly going out of his way to attack the jaw of Reynolds.

Mass changes for Maguire

The Rabbitohs made a host of changes before kick-off and it was the sign of a team down on confidence. It was a sign coach Michael Maguire is still undecided on his best line-up, naming a completely different 17 on Tuesday afternoon.

George Burgess and Kyle Turner were late withdrawals with injuries that were known days before kick-off. Damien Cook started at hooker and Cameron McInnes, who was named in that position, went back to the bench. Paul Carter was recalled to the starting line-up and the 23-year-old was one of the Rabbitohs' best.

Kirisome Auva'a, who was named at centre, dropped back to the bench after the inclusion of Dane Nielsen. Nielsen made his Souths debut, with the 30-year-old now having represented five NRL clubs. Moving Auva'a to the bench proved to be a masterstroke from the Rabbitohs mentor. Centre Hymel Hunt injured his pectoral muscle early in the match and was gone for the rest of the game. Auva'a easily slotted into the centres avoiding a potentially disastrous situation if he hadn't been included on the bench. Auva'a played a key part in the match, preventing a certain Corey Oates try when he ran back in defence and batted the ball out of Oates's hands.

Battle of the Queensland fullbacks heats up

The two favourites for the Maroons fullback jersey went head-to-head at Suncorp Stadium and although Brisbane won the war, Inglis won the battle. The Souths captain tried hard all night, running for 156 metres and featuring heavily as the Rabbitohs continually pushed hard to take the ball out of their own end. South Sydney struggled for possession all night and Inglis was kept very busy at the back. His positional play is second to none and if he wasn't at fullback then the score may have been a lot worse for the Rabbitohs. He capped off a great performance with a try in the 52nd minute, his seventh in six games against the Broncos. Although Inglis performed well, Boyd was as consistent as ever at the back for the Broncos. Boyd does the small things well for his side, organising their attack and defence when they need it most. He is the unsung hero of the Broncos side and he is arguably the safest fullback in the competition. Whoever Queensland coach Kevin Walters picks will do the job well for their state.

Nikorima gets his chance

Andrew McCullough injured his knee severely in the 24th minute and was gone for the game, presenting Kodi Nikorima with a chance to shine. Nikorima is highly regarded at the Broncos and many believe he deserves to be a starting hooker. In the 34th minute, he proved why. A standard scrum formed 15 metres out from the Souths line and it looked as if Brisbane would implement a backline move that would end in the hands of winger Jordan Kahu. Nikorima had different ideas. He packed the scrum at lock and the ball was fed through to him. He then grabbed the ball and darted down the short side, catching the Rabbitohs napping and running through a gap to score next to the posts. Nikorima might be the x-factor Brisbane need to go one better in 2016 and he will now get his chance to prove his worth with McCullough looking likely to be out for a period of time.

Oates for Origin

Corey Oates has been in the State of Origin discussion all year and he may have just cemented his spot for Queensland with one unbelievable play. Oates scored a try that involved perhaps one of the greatest put-downs in recent history. It's a try that needs to be seen on NRL.com to be believed. Running for the corner with defenders all over him, Oates dived and somehow kept his body from going into touch. He defied gravity, keeping his left hand out of touch and planting the ball with his right. He managed all this with Rabbitohs winger Aaron Gray hanging off him. It was a move that perhaps only the 21-year-old Oates could have pulled off and he deserves his chance at Origin level. He now has to be the favourite to snag one of the vacant backline spots left by injuries to Billy Slater and Will Chambers.

Broncos v Rabbitohs: Five key points - NRL.com

 

[uptheguts]

I thought it was a pretty good game from most of the boys. Our brutal defence really did cause a lot of those errors from Souths. Our halves again we're very good in attack. But, tonight Reed was really our weak link. He had plenty of reasonable ball, but did nothing with it at all on most occasions.tWe know his is on the slow side ,but he sure as heck has got to run the ball faster then he did tonight to stay in this team.

I liked the way our young forwards,Wallace and Offa , stood up to the Burgess boys tonight.

Hope Macca is not out for too long. At least it's not a dam ACL.


Corey ,again was inspirational. ( I meant Corey Parker but could equally apply to Oates)

I also thought Sam was pretty good and would like to see him get more game time.

 

[ningnangnong]

That touchie was directly in line with that, looking right at it and still said no try..

Every one of us in the match thread said it was a no try too - you can hardly blame her, she has a split second to make a decision, and to the naked eye it looks impossible for him to still be in the field of play.

 

[ningnangnong]

I don't like bagging out the referees, but I am getting really sick of these 'square up' periods that inevitably happen in the second half. We have the best discipline in the competition, and the penalty count always ends up lopsided in our favour by half time... yet come the second half, we seemed to get penalised for every single tiny misdemeanour, whilst the opposition goes unpunished.

Last night was particularly bad - Souths couldn't hack our footballing ability, so they resorted to cheap, dirty tactics in an effort to get under our skin, and it looked like it was working for a period there. The refereeing was wildly inconsistent in that second half IMO, it genuinely seemed like they were trying to referee Souths back into the game. Perhaps I was being dramatic, but after some of those (non) decisions last night, I was contemplating why I bother supporting this game... it was embarrassing. This is coming for someone who tries to always give the refs the benefit of the doubt - couldn't do it last night though.

As for the match, bloody hell I continue to be impressed by our lads. Everything has already been said, so I'll just touch on two things:

- It's taken a few rounds, but Benny Hunt is getting back to his best. That run on the fifth tackle where he stepped about three players then kicked across for Oates was classic Hunt. Nothing better than seeing a running halfback in action.

- Milf's short kicking game was impeccable. Inch perfect placement each time, and he forced a number of goal-line drop-outs as a result. Hopefully he can continue to improve this aspect of his game, as I feel we've lacked a quality short kicking game ever since Lockyer retired. Repeat sets are huge for wearing out the opposition, and a massive opportunity for points for a clinical team like ours.

 

[abashii]

You can't spell Burgess without grub.

 

[gordjw]

[MENTION=1899]Big Pete[/MENTION]: Keary to Melbourne, I don't think the universe can handle that level of smug!

 

[JoeldTrafford]

That touchie was directly in line with that, looking right at it and still said no try..

I was absolutely positive it was a no try. Big fool of me to doubt the finishing ability of Corey Oates.

 

[austin71]

Great to get a win and sit 4 points clear for now. Hopefully Parra and the Sharks lose so we can start to put a distance between us and the field.

 

[jarro65]

Proud of the gutsy performance last night. Souths tried hard to unsettle us, particularly the younger forwards, but the boys stayed solid under the pressure.

Wallace was my pick for forward of the match ..... we actually seemed to match, if not up the intensity when he came off the bench.

Jofa also had a mighty game and is starting to show some real consistency in his performances.

Hopefully Macca isn't out for long as it really does throw out the dynamic of having Kodi ckme on and tear it up off the bench.

Great win