Braidon Burns scores double as Rabbitohs down Dragons 32-14 in Charity Shield
IT was the moment when Robbie Farah was emphatically put on notice — and a rookie Rabbitoh also put his hand up for a Round 1 berth.
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IT was the moment when Robbie Farah was emphatically put on notice.
Fifteen minutes into the second half of Sunday’s Charity Shield, South Sydney hooker Damian Cook produced a moment of pure magic.
He scooped the ball up from dummy half and, with a burst of speed, cut through some lazy St George Illawarra defence. Cook then put up a beautifully weighted kick from the outside of his right boot which allowed winger Braidon Burns to catch the ball and score to put the Rabbitohs well on their way to a 32-14 victory.
It was a skilled and clever play from a player who won’t just sit back and watch Farah walk into Redfern and take over the dummy-half role.
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Cook’s play was a gentle reminder that he is still around amid all the Farah hype.
Farah though, also looked impressive. He made an early and significant impact, burrowing over for a try out of dummy half in just the 10th minute.
Although it still looks strange seeing Farah in different colours, he certainly looked refreshed, focused and enthusiastic after his change of club.
Farah will likely start round one at hooker but Cook showed he has sublime skills to challenge for game time.
There will be one winner in the battle between these two players — South Sydney. Farah and Cook played key roles in Souths’ win in the 35th Charity Shield played before 12,516 fans. In the last 15 minutes, both players were on the field at the same time.
Reminded of Cook’s special play, Maguire said: “He’s good ‘Cookie’. He’s a talent who can play a number of positions as well. So can Robbie.
“Both of the boys contributed quite a lot to that performance. It’s a great place to be. Robbie has got experience and has been doing it for a long time. ‘Cookie’ is growing every single day.”
Rabbitohs skipper Sam Burgess added: “Robbie with the full team (playing) did a good job. Cookie’s little kick, a touch of brilliance there.”
Burns scored twice to ensure his name will be heavily discussed when Maguire picks his side for round one.
The match was entertaining but Souths were too strong, scoring three tries in each half.
St George Illawarra competed at times, although scoring points could again be an issue. Their kicking game also needs improvement.
The Dragons were rusty but, ultimately, the Charity Shield is still a trial game. Predictably, Saints fans tore into their side on social media during and after the game but Dragons coach Paul McGregor was upbeat.
“It was a good hitout for a final trial,” McGregor said.
“We gave everyone a good opportunity to play some footy.
“You don’t like a performance when you’re beaten by that scoreline but it was about giving people opportunities and leaving players out there for longer minutes. It was the first time that group played together. We created a few opportunities but didn’t finish them.”
There was an old-fashioned flare-up before halftime, reviving memories of yesteryear when these two teams went to war pre-season during the 1980s.
The drama started after Souths skipper Sam Burgess was penalised — dubiously — for a high tackle.
St George Illawarra bench player Will Matthews was taken from the field in the first half with a dislocated hip.
Souths always appeared in control despite the Dragons getting to within six points at halftime.
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