NRL 2018 season review: South Sydney Rabbitohs’ ruthless attack leads to successful year
EVEN the most optimistic had Souths scraping into the finals as the best case scenario to begin the season, but they evolved into genuine title contenders off the back of a relentless attacking unit. SEASON REVIEW.
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SOUTH Sydney had an incredible season that came to a disappointing end at the hands of their arch rivals.
Even the most optimistic had Souths scraping into the finals as the best case scenario to begin the season, but they evolved into genuine title contenders early on.
Coach Anthony Seibold was exceptional at the helm in his first year at the club, and the side played a refreshing brand of rugby league that made them one of the most exciting teams in the competition.
The men from Redfern scored the most tries in the competition, and just as impressively had the fourth best defensive record.
WHERE THEY FINISHED
Third (preliminary finals)
WHAT WENT WRONG?
The Rabbitohs had very little to be disappointed with in 2018, but they did have an issue with their ball control.
They made the second most errors of any side in the NRL, just one mistake behind Cronulla. Despite having stellar years overall, Sam Burgess and Angus Crichton led all forwards in the NRL for errors with 28 a piece, five ahead of third place.
It came back to bite them in their preliminary final loss to the Roosters with the forward pairing, along with George Burgess, making vital errors at key stages in the clash.
WHAT WENT RIGHT?
Anthony Seibold and the attacking unit. South Sydney took a gamble on putting a first time NRL coach in charge of such a famous club. Seibold repaid the faith in emphatic fashion. One of his first major decisions was to utilise Damien Cook as an 80 minute hooker while dropping Robbie Farah to reserve grade.
Cook’s season needs no major explanation, with the livewire hooker in contention to take home the Dally M Medal as the NRL’s best player.
What was most refreshing was Seibold’s attacking structure he employed with his side.
The eyes up style suited the likes of Cody Walker and Alex Johnston perfectly.
It was Walker’s ability to dig deep into the opposition defensive line that held the key to the Rabbitohs’ success with ball in hand.
Seibold went away from the safe robotic style of block plays we’ve seen for many years, and the decision had the club on the cusp of a premiership.
For that Seibold should be applauded - he’s shown far more experienced coaches in the game that sides can succeed with expansive, higher-risk styles of play.
STATS THAT SUM UP THE SEASON
Linebreaks: 153. A monstrous 27 ahead of the second placed Sharks.
KEY MAIN AREA THEY NEED TO IMPROVE
Ball control is one of the few areas needing improvement at the club, however it’s not an issue that’ll alter training habits too substantially.
Despite being 28-years-old, Cody Walker will take plenty from his underwhelming first finals campaign - he can lead this side with Adam Reynolds to greater heights next season.
HIGHLIGHT OF THE SEASON
The Round 21 win over Melbourne was the moment South Sydney really announced themselves not just as title contenders, but premiership favourites.
The Storm shot out to a strong early lead and were expected to close out the game as they’ve done in such clinical fashion for many years.
The men in red and green weren’t having any of it, with a relentless Damien Cook leading a second half charge to come away 30-20 winners.
LOWLIGHT OF THE SEASON
The 12-4 preliminary final loss to the Sydney Roosters was a tough watch for fans. It was a night where just about everything went wrong for the Rabbitohs.
Plenty of credit must go to the Roosters’ resilient defensive line, but South Sydney failed to cross the white line the entire game in the final game at the Sydney Football Stadium. The forward pack couldn’t hold the ball, while the electric backline lacked cohesion in their movements. It was a bitter end to a tremendous season.
BIG NAME RECRUITS
Kurt Dillon (Cronulla Sharks, 2020)
BIG NAME LOSSES
Jason Clark (Warrington Wolves), Angus Crichton (Sydney Roosters)
2019: BEST POSSIBLE SCENARIO
While it’s hard to imagine following such a great year, South Sydney still look a team on the up.
They have the ingredients to win the title next season, with Cameron Murray an exceptional replacement in the back-row for the departing Angus Crichton.
2019: WORST POSSIBLE SCENARIO
With such bright prospects anything less than a grand final would be considered a disappointing year.
COACH SAFETY RATING
10: As long as he’s happy in Redfern, Anthony Seibold won’t be leaving anytime soon.