Rabbitohs were more disciplined and well-drilled, Roosters need to learn lessons

WE'VE now had a week to get over the disappointment of losing the opening round against Souths.

Sonny Bill Williams

WE'VE now had a week to get over the disappointment of losing the opening round against Souths.

The return of Sonny Bill Williams didn't quite go to script. Let's face it, after the first 20 minutes it was all South Sydney.

The Rabbitohs put in a clinical performance and ran away with the match with a deserving 28-10 victory.

After starting the game on fire and dominating the early exchanges, the Roosters reverted to their old ways when the blowtorch was applied.

The more disciplined and well-drilled Rabbitohs fed off the massive penalty count and handling errors.

Not even the Roosters Team of the Century could have overcome a 10-4 penalty count, which was 6-1 at half time.

In fact, things weren't all that bad with the score at 16-4. We were still a chance with some decent ball.

It was a disappointing way to end after such a big build-up.

Predictably, Souths fans have flooded talkback shows celebrating their best premiership chance since 1971, when colour television had not yet reached our shores.

They think they are certainties for this year's title.

Despite the blowout score line I truly believe there is a good football team there.

Many fans have already pressed the panic button but with time and luck with injuries, we will see more wins than losses.

It has s been a few seasons since we have enjoyed such luxuries.

The Sonny Bill Williams roadshow continues and it's now time to put this behind us and concentrate on the Warriors.

The Roosters have struggled in New Zealand of late and with so many Kiwis in our squad, it is hard to work out why.

The Warriors are coming off a belting by Parramatta and will be fired up in front of a full house at Eden Park.

If both sides continue where they left off, this match could break the record for most penalties and errors in the one match.

NRL officials would be well advised to take some extra whistles as they could get a workout.

So, for now let Souths bask in their glory. As the saying goes: "It's not where you start, it's where you finish."

The Roosters will be back, that you can be certain of.

A win this Saturday will begin the healing.

Easts to win.