Rabbitohs too good for listless Bulldogs as they sink to four-straight losses

JERRY Seinfeld was performing next door to ANZ Stadium on Thursday night — but the joke was on Canterbury after they sunk to four-straight losses.

A dejected James Graham during the Bulldogs clash against the Rabbitohs.

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JERRY Seinfeld was performing next door to ANZ Stadium on Thursday night but the joke was on Canterbury.

The Bulldogs were terrible — not that there’s anything wrong with that.

They couldn’t make the finals anyway.

While Seinfeld went through his routine at nearby Qudos Bank Arena, Canterbury were producing a show about nothing as they lost for the 10th time in their past 12 matches.

Their season simply can’t end quickly enough.

Souths humbled a listless Canterbury 28-14. The Dogs were never really a threat.

Victory took the Rabbitohs to 20 competition points, still well short of semi-final football.

Josh Reynolds suffered a calf injury.

Defeat kept Canterbury anchored on 18 points and coach Des Hasler will face another week of questions and scrutiny.

And things only got worse for Canterbury.

Midway through the first half, they lost departing star Josh Reynolds to a calf injury. He did not return.

Reynolds will have scans but may have played his final game for Canterbury. He looked a dejected figure in the ­dressing room.

Sam Kasiano has a chest injury — he too may have played his last match for Canterbury after signing with Melbourne.

Hasler described his team’s ball control and errors, particularly after scoring tries, as “unacceptable”.

“At a first grade level, that standard of football, is unacceptable,” Hasler said.

“It’s been a tough season. I’ve got to say we looked a bit flat. We refused to buy into managing a game possession-wise.

“I thought we were our own worst enemies. It was always going to be a tough game. We came up with undisciplined passages in our play. Basic errors.”

The game overall was a stinker played before an awful crowd of 8247, although Souths did have some exciting moments. It is amazing to think these two clubs contested the grand final just three years ago in front of a pulsating crowd of 83,833.

Aaron Gray scores for the Rabbitohs.

Former Souths forward Mark Carroll questioned the Burgess brothers this week about being “too big”.

The Englishmen struck back, running for a combined total of around 370m.

They also made 57 tackles. That was for you, Spudd.

Asked had he forgiven Carroll, Sam Burgess said: “Spudd can say what he likes. It just frustrates me, I thought he was a friend.

“Anyway, those things happen. Let’s move on. I’m really proud of the boys ­(George and Tom).”

Souths coach Michael Maguire added: “They (George and Tom) have been put under a fair bit if pressure — I was really happy for them tonight.”

Canterbury struck first in the second half through a try to halfback Chase Stanley.

Sam Burgess leaves the field with an injury.

It came off a ricochet from a Matt Frawley bomb. Stanley’s conversion cut Souths’ lead to six points.

Canterbury’s comeback was brief when fullback Alex Johnston scored his second try of the night in the 46th minute. It pushed Souths back out to a 12-point lead.

The game was over in the 49th minute when Souths centre Aaron Gray scored his first try of the season.

The scoreline was getting away from Canterbury but they kept fighting.

“The reality of the situation is there for all to see,” Bulldogs skipper James Graham said. “If I knew the answer, I’d tell all the boys. I can’t figure it out at the minute.”

Full-time SOUTH SYDNEY 28 (A Johnston 2 B Goodwin A Gray tries A Reynolds 6 goals) bt CANTERBURY 14 (J Graham C Stanley tries C Stanley 3 goals) at ANZ Stadium. Referee: Gavin Badger, Gavin Reynolds. Crowd: 8,247.