What is the salary cap?
The salary cap is a set limit that each Club can spend on its top 25 contracted players.
The Salary Cap serves two functions within a competition. The first is to assist in “spreading the playing talent” so that a few rich Clubs can not simply out-bid poorer teams for all of the best players.
The NRL believes that if a few Clubs were able to spend unlimited funds in such a way, that it would both reduce the attraction of games to fans, sponsors and media partners, due to an uneven competition, and drive some Clubs out of the competition.
Another reason for having the cap is to ensure that Clubs are not put into positions where they are forced to spend more money than they can afford in terms of player payments, just to be competitive.
What happened at the Craig Wing signing announcement?
At a flashy media conference was held at the Virgin Blue Lounge at Sydney Airport on Wednesday 20 June, Craig Wing, Peter Holmes à Court and Russell Crowe announced that Wing would join the Rabbitohs from 2008 for four seasons.
Wing signed his NRL playing contract at the announcement, a compilation of Wing’s Rugby League career from his time as a junior at the Coogee Wombats through to playing first grade with the Rabbitohs during his first stint at the Club in 1998 and 1999 through to representing NSW and Australia was played on plasma screens throughout the Lounge, banners proclaiming messages of ‘Welcome Home Craig’ were displayed, and a throng of media and well-wishers were in attendance on the day.
“To be able to bring home one of the best players the South Sydney Juniors have ever produced is a testament to where our Club is placed at the moment,” Rabbitohs CEO Shane Richardson said.
“Craig is one of the most talented players in the game today and can play in a number of the key positions on the field, be it five-eighth, halfback or hooker. He’s even represented in the centres, so he is the ultimate utility player with the experience that we need to guide our side around the field each week.
“It is also a tribute to Craig that he has asked to return to the Rabbitohs after many years of success with his current Club, and we look forward to welcoming him back in to a red and green jersey for the 2008 season.
“The Roosters rushed out an announcement earlier this week that had a number of mistakes in it and claimed that Craig was a promising junior when he joined them. In reality he was already a seasoned first grader with the Rabbitohs when he was forced to leave.”
Wing said he was looking forward to returning to the Rabbitohs.
“I’m very excited about it, actually I’m trying not to get too excited about it,” he said.
“When I was a child the Rabbitohs were always the team I wanted to play for and it is great to be going back. I’ve been to a lot of places all over NSW and Australia doing promotional work and everywhere I go people are always asking me ‘when are you going back to the Rabbitohs?’ so it’s great to be finally able to answer that question. Returning to Souths has always been an option and I can’t wait to start but I have my commitments to the Roosters and my team mates this season first.”
South Sydney Juniors President Keith McCraw said he was elated that Wing had chosen to return to the Rabbitohs.
“I had the pleasure of flying to Auckland to see Craig Wing make his first grade debut in 1998 for the South Sydney Rabbitohs,” Keith McCraw said.
“After two fantastic seasons with the Rabbitohs Craig was one of the few players who remained loyal to the Club until the court decision was handed down. On behalf of the South Sydney Juniors I am delighted to welcome Craig back to the club with open arms.”
What’s happening with South Sydney Leagues Club?
The former South Sydney Leagues Club building and car park, covering 12,000 square metres, was purchased by the Football Club in February 2007, and a new company called High Concept Commercial was formed to redevelop the building in partnership with Albert Bertini’s Trivest group.
Trivest specialises in adaptive re-use of city fringe commercial buildings and has been very successful in the development of buildings in Alexandria, Pyrmont, Surry Hills and Ultimo.
South Sydney Leagues Club will retain ownership of 1,500 square metres on the first floor, by strata title, in the new Rabbitohs building, with brand new licensed club premises.
The Football Club will have new management and player facilities in the building, which will be finished in 2008 along with the new South Sydney Rabbitohs’ training facility at Redfern Park, being built by the City of Sydney.
Other prospective tenants for the remaining 10,000 square metres in the building, which include a small, express style supermarket, a small public gymnasium and commercial offices.
Rabbitohs’ Executive Chairman Peter Holmes à Court, said: “We will develop a state of the art commercial facility for South Sydney, providing first class amenities for the Football Club, Leagues Club members, general public and commercial lessees.
“This building will return as the hub of social activity in the Redfern area and we are delighted to be developing an icon property in the city fringe, with other High Concept projects currently being considered”, he added.
The Football Club will benefit from the rental payments to be generated by the leasing of the commercial space and funds generated by the newly refurbished building.
Do you like the new Rabbitohs merchandise?
The Rabbitohs developed a completely new line of merchandise for the 2007 season, including training, playing and supporters gear.
Everything from caps including the white Rabbitohs caps worn by Russell Crowe and Peter Holmes à Court in the first episode of South Side Story, jerseys, t-shirts, singlets, shoes, flags, hoodies, tracksuits, jumpers, jackets, business ties and socks, coffee mugs and body boards have been redesigned and sold by the South Sydney Football Club.
Russell Crowe and Peter Holmes à Court played an active role in helping to design the new merchandise that is available for sale from the Rabbitohs stores.
What is the Legends Lounge?
The Legends Lounge is the premium corporate hospitality area offered by the Rabbitohs at home games. The Legends Lounge offers five-star hospitality and premium seating while mixing with a diverse network of successful business people.
The Legends Lounge is hosted by Rabbitohs legends, high profile supporters and current Rabbitoh Players, with stage presentations, interviews and an atmosphere that is both relaxing yet professional.
An event in itself, the Legends Lounge is an excellent opportunity to invite clients, colleagues or friends to.
Source: www.souths.com.au
What is the Churchill Club?
The Churchill Club is one of the Rabbitohs’ corporate hospitality areas held at home games, named after one of the Rabbitohs legendary players in Clive Churchill. The Churchill Club is hospitality designed for the Club’s business partners who want a more informal day at the footy while still enjoying fantastic corporate facilities.
The Churchill Club offers superb seating, a relaxed atmosphere to talk-the-talk and enjoy the company of other keen Rugby League viewers. Churchill Club partners enjoy gourmet finger food, ample beverages and a visit from a Rabbitohs player or legend.
Source: www.souths.com.au
What happened in round 14?
The Manly Warringah Sea Eagles defeated the South Sydney Rabbitohs 14 points to two in horrible weather conditions at Brookvale Oval on Friday 15 June, with 7,341 fans braving the rain.
All of the points were scored in the first half, with the Rabbitohs unable to crack the Manly defensive wall.
The Rabbitohs got away to an early lead via a Nathan Merritt penalty goal in the sixth minute of play. The Rabbitohs were making good metres and had the Sea Eagles under plenty of pressure.
Two minutes later the Sea Eagles managed to make their way up field, with the video referee awarding a try to Manly stalwart Steve Menzies. A Matt Orford crossfield bomb did the trick, with Menzies cleaning up the loose ball. Jamie Lyon converted to give the Eagles a four-point lead.
The Rabbitohs continued to apply the pressure, but the points weren't forthcoming. Ben Rogers made a wonderful stepping run inside the Eagles' 20 metre area, and David Fa'alogo was denied a try when referee Steve Clark ruled a Rogers pass forward when at best it could be deemed marginal.
Manly extended their lead to six with a Lyon penalty goal in the 28th minute, and four minutes later noted try scorer Brett Stewart crossed to give the Eagles a 14-2 lead at the break.
Dean Widders and Ben Rogers were looking very dangerous with the home side's defence unable to handle their footwork. Roy Asotasi and David Fa'alogo were making good metres, but some poor passing and handling left the Rabbitohs tryless at the halftime break.
The Rabbitohs didn't open the second half very well with Reece Simmonds knocking on the kick off, the kicking game lacking execution and the handling poor in the wet conditions.
The Sea Eagles' Lyon was denied a try by the video referee in the 49th minute when he knocked on in goal, and were again shunned when Ben Rogers grounded a ball in goal before Chris Hicks could get his hands on the ball.
The Rabbitohs repelled wave after wave of Manly attacks on their line, with the Eagles being given many repeat sets due to poor handling and ill discipline. The Rabbitohs fought back and nearly scored in the 69th minute when five-eighth Rogers made a long break up the left hand side to be cut down just five metres short of the goal line.
The Rabbitohs threw the ball around in the final couple of minutes trying to break the Manly defence, but it was not to be with the Eagles running out 12 point winners.
Ben Rogers looked most dangerous for Souths with the Rabbitohs defending very well in the second half.
The Rabbitohs went on to play the Cronulla Sutherland Sharks on Sunday 24 June at 2pm at Telstra Stadium.
Manly Warringah Sea Eagles 14 (Steve Menzies, Brett Stewart tries; Jamie Lyon 3 goals)
defeated
South Sydney Rabbitohs 2 (Nathan Merritt goal)
What happened at the David Peachey retirement announcement?
At a packed media conference held at the National Rugby League’s headquarters in The Entertainment Quarter at Moore Park in Sydney on Thursday 5 July, David Peachey announced his retirement from top level Rugby League at the conclusion of the 2007 season, choosing to pursue a career with Souths Cares, the Rabbitohs community initiative.
“Peach is an inspiration, simple as that,” Rabbitohs CEO Shane Richardson said.
“I remember when Peach first came to Sydney as an 18-year-old to the Sharks and he made an instant impact at the Club.
“It has been the same here at South Sydney. His play on the field and his work off the field is a testament to the man he has become and the family which surrounds him.
“I’ve seen Peach grow from a boy to a man over the past decade-and-a-half and the respect he commands in the community today is just reward for the work he has put into Rugby League and indigenous communities alike.
“I’m now looking forward to watching Peach finish his career in style this season, and then working with him in the administration side of the Club next year. His role will be to work with our indigenous players, help develop our aboriginal community programmes through Souths Cares, and to work with our corporate partnerships team on game day speaking with sponsors and clients and helping them get the most out of their sponsorship dollars with the Club.”
Peachey said that he is extremely grateful for the opportunities his career has provided.
“Rugby League has given me everything,” Peachey said.
“From my time as a junior in Dubbo, to Richo (Shane Richardson) bringing me to Sydney to start my career, to finishing here at the Rabbitohs, Rugby League means the world to me.
“I’ve been lucky enough to represent my country and state, play over 250 games at the top level and to have met many wonderful people over the past 14 years.
“I’ve tried to give as much back to the game and the community as it has given me, and now that I move into the next stage of my career I want to keep giving back through Souths Cares and the David Peachey Foundation.”
Peachey said his family has been instrumental in his success.
“My uncles Marshall, Martin and Michael Peachey have helped me enormously in my career, they have been the biggest influence,” Peachey said.
“Hopefully I’ve had an influence on some young players throughout my career the way they have influenced me.”
Souths Cares Manager Simon Dirs already works closely with Peachey due to the community partnership between Souths Cares and the David Peachey Foundation and said he was delighted to be strengthening that relationship.
“David will be our ambassador and will co-ordinate all of our indigenous programmes,” Dirs said.
“He will be heavily involved in all aspects of Souths Cares from existing programmes through to the development and implementation of new ones. His involvement in Souths Cares will be very much a daily, hands-on one that will include regular visits to school and community organisations, motivational speaking to students and mentoring young indigenous players at the Club.”
Tributes flowed in for the legendary David Peachey:
“Peach is an inspiration, simple as that. His play on the field and his work off the field is a testament to the man he has become and the family which surrounds him.” – Mr Shane Richardson, Chief Executive Officer South Sydney Rabbitohs.
“The effect David Peachey has had on the younger players at our Club has been quite phenomenal. He is a calming influence, a rock they can go to, and someone that they respect. I’ve enjoyed playing against and coaching David and I’m glad he will continue to have a role with the Club next season.” – Mr Jason Taylor, Head Coach South Sydney Rabbitohs
“The community work that I do has all been inspired by David Peachey. He was the one that started all of that for indigenous people and I’ve tried to follow in his footsteps. He’s achieved a lot for a skinny boy from Dubbo and he’s been an inspiration for countless indigenous kids right across the country.” – Mr Dean Widders, South Sydney Rabbitohs player and aboriginal role model
“I would like to wish David all the very best in his retirement from rugby league at the end of this season. Since his debut in 1994, David has had a long and distinguished career playing over 250 first grade games, representing Australia in a Super League test match and NSW in State of Origin and the Super League. David is second only to Andrew Ettingshausen in the number of first grade games with the Cronulla Sharks. Since joining the South Sydney Rabbitohs last year, he has provided direction for the younger players in the club and demonstrated that he had not lost his attacking flair or defensive toughness. He is a truly dedicated and committed player. I would also like to commend David for his valuable work with indigenous youth in the wider community and through the David Peachey Foundation. Along with all Australian rugby league supporters, Janette and I wish you well for the future.” – Mr John Howard, Prime Minister of Australia
“David Peachey is one of those inspirational players that stand out in any era not just for his incredible skill and natural flair but for his commitment to the community. Seeing him end his playing career is certainly a little sad but knowing he has inspired thousands of youngsters and that he continues to do so is great compensation for Rugby League fans.” – Mr David Gallop, Chief Executive Officer National Rugby League
“David Peachey was always a player who delivered value for money to spectators. He could be exhilarating, frustrating and dazzling and the game might only be 15 minutes old. What you were always guaranteed, was a passionate player who was giving it his all, and doing everything humanly possible to break open the game for his team. I’ve admired his loyalty and longevity and sensed he was a father figure to many of his team mates. Perhaps his greatest legacy to the game will come via his own Foundation that aims to unearth the next generation of indigenous kids from outback and rural Australia. May you continue to instill the love of the game to the many kids with similar dreams and aspirations that you once had.” – Mr Steve Waugh, former Australian Cricket Captain
“David Peachey stands as an icon within both the sport of Rugby League and the Aboriginal community. His achievements on the field in his career over the past 14 years will stand the test of time. David brought to the game flair, flamboyance, passion and commitment. These attributes were also displayed in his long standing commitment to Aboriginal people and children across the state. David can be judged as possibly the role model of role models for Aboriginal children, particularly those from his beloved Dubbo in Western NSW. He has lived the message of “Be Smart, Stay Clean, Live the Dream” which he now uses as a creed for Aboriginal children. David has consistently delivered to Aboriginal people, often at his own expense, engaging in a raft of programs, in the main without fuss or fanfare. His willingness to assist a worthy cause is well documented and respected amongst Aboriginal people. David has been an outstanding player achieving the highest accolades the game has to offer, his achievement and influences off the field within Aboriginal communities go beyond those game based achievements. As his playing career draws to a close within the NRL, a new door opens for David. He is a true Ambassador of the game of Rugby League and Aboriginal people. David has shown what is possible when you follow your dream.” – Mr Paul Conlon, General Manager National Aboriginal Sports Corporation of Australia
“My greatest memories of ‘Peach’ are a try he scored in the semi final against the Broncos in ’96 at Aussie Stadium. We had a set play where ‘Peach’ chimed into the backline and then offloaded to ET, but the defence stuck to ET and Mat Rogers who was on the wing had missed the kick. ‘Peach’ headed back in field and had enough pace to beat all of the cover defence to score. It was an amazing try. My other memory is in ’99 when we won the minor premiership and my assistant coach put together a highlights video of all of our good tries throughout the season. We watched it on the bus on our way out to Telstra Stadium for a training session before the semi final and all the guys said ‘Is this the David Peachey show?’ We knew he’d had a good year but the number of tries he was involved in was quite phenomenal.” – Mr John Lang, David Peachey’s original first grade coach at the Sharks
“He’s one of those bigger than life sort of characters, someone that’s always got a smile on his face and that’s what I’ve always loved about ‘The Peach’. Whenever you see him he’s always got the big grin from ear to ear, he gives you the big high five and you really feel welcome and I think that he’s been able to personify that in everything he’s done. From little kids all the way through, everyone loves ‘The Peach’.” – Mr Andrew Ettingshausen – Sharks teammate 1994-2000
What happened at the Bra Boys movie premiere?
The entire South Sydney Rabbitohs playing squad and coaching staff attended the Bra Boys movie premiere at Sydney State Theatre on March 7, walking the red carpet helping to promote the movie and the story of the Maroubra surfing group.
Rabbitohs co-owner Russell Crowe narrates the film and player John Sutton features in the movie.
What was the Snoop Dogg video?
World-renowned rap artist Snoop Dogg became a fan of the Rabbitohs through his friendship with Rabbitohs owner Russell Crowe. Snoop also became a fan of speedster Nathan Merritt due to his ability to score tries and really put on a show.
To show his support, Snoop Dogg recorded a message of support for Merritt which was shown on the big screen at the Rabbitohs home game at Telstra Stadium against the Canberra Raiders in round nine.
What happened when American Chopper joined the Rabbitohs?
The Teutul family made famous by US television show American Chopper visited the Rabbitohs and their owner Russell Crowe as part of a three-part series on Australia.
Paul snr, Paul jnr and Mikey visited Russell on his farm before heading to the Central Coast of NSW to train with the Rabbitohs squad prior to their match with the Newcastle Knights at Bluetongue Stadium in Gosford.
The Teutuls took part in some training drills with the team and also took part in a defensive training session, feeling the full brunt of some of the Rabbitohs players’ tackling techniques.
Crowe gave them all Rabbitohs jerseys to take with them, adding to the Rabbitohs growing list of celebrity supporters.
What happened when the team travelled to Melbourne?
The Rabbitohs travelled to Melbourne on the Wednesday before playing the Melbourne Storm on the Saturday to do some media and promotional work, helping to spread the Rabbitohs brand and the game of Rugby League in the what is traditionally an Australian Rules Football stronghold.
The team dined in some fancy Melbourne restaurants, having shots taken by some of Australia’s leading photographers and paparazzi, before taking part in a modeling photo shoot whilst watching some of the country’s leading comedians.
It was something different for the team, helping to break up the monotony of continually training for the 25 week season, plus pre-season and finals.
What happened in round 21?
The Penrith Panthers defeated the South Sydney Rabbitohs 32 points to 16 at CUA Stadium in Penrith on Saturday 4 August in front of 10,845 fans.
The Panthers won on the back of clever running from hooker Luke Priddis, a smart kicking game from Craig Gower and Peter Wallace, and weight of possession.
The Rabbitohs fought the whole way but couldn't control the ball at key times, particularly in the second half.
Two of the game's young up-and-coming stars in Fetuli Talanoa and Michael Jennings scored doubles.
The Rabbitohs didn't start the game as planned, getting caught in the in-goal from the opening kick off. From the ensuing set, the Rabbitohs held out the Panthers in their now trademark way on their own line.
The Rabbitohs struck first with winger Fetuli Talanoa scoring in the fourth minute. Roy Asotasi ran a run-around play with John Sutton on the left, drawing the defence and creating some space for Talanoa down the left hand flank. Talanoa carried two defenders over the line and scored a 'benefit of the doubt' try in the corner. Nathan Merritt's conversion attempt from the touchline hit the posts for a four-point lead early.
The Rabbitohs held the Panthers out again on their own line in the 15th minute and two minutes later former Panther Ben Rogers crossed for the Rabbitohs. He beat three defenders from 10 metres out, spinning out of the tackle of rookie fullback Jarrod Sammut to score. Merritt converted to give the visitors a 10-nil lead after 20 minutes.
The Rabbitohs' defence held strong again in the 26th minute, repelling three raids on their line, but the strength of halfback Craig Gower got the Panthers their first points in the 30th minute when he crossed on the right hand side of the field. Sammut converted to take the scoreline to 10-6 in favour of the red and greens.
The Panthers struck again four minutes later through Kiwi international Frank Pritchard. Sammut offloaded to Pritchard who stormed through to score, levelling the scores at 10-all.
The Rabbitohs fell asleep in the final 15 minutes of the half when they seemed to be cruising. Roy Asotasi was making good metres and getting quick play-the-balls, with Ben Rogers, Dean Widders and Eddie Paea all looking dangerous in attack. Issac Luke and Asotasi were strong in defence for the Rabbitohs. For the Panthers, returning hooker Luke Priddis and Gower were running the show, with Pritchard making metres out wide.
The Rabbitohs bombed a chance to score in the 42nd minute after Rogers made a long break from deep in his own half. The ball was spilled and the opportunity lost. The Panthers then bombed a chance of their own in the 46th minute with some poor handling.
Talanoa scored his second try of the night with an 85 metre intercept try. Talanoa snapped up the looping Peter Wallace pass and raced the distance, saluting the judges 10 metres out from the line with his hand in the air. Merritt converted from in front to give the Rabbitohs six-point advantage.
The Panthers struck back immediately through Matthew Cross who scored to right of the posts. Sammut converted to level the scores at 16 with 26 minutes left in the game.
The Panthers hit the lead for the first time when Michael Jennings scored in the 60th minute off a loose Wallace cross field kick. Sammut missed the conversion giving the home side a four point lead, 20-16.
In the 61st minute, both Shannon Hegarty and Shannan McPherson looked to be put on report for a lifting tackle on Mark O'Halloran.
Jennings crossed again in the 64th minute when Nigel Vagana raced out of the line looking for an intercept. Sammut converted to give the Panthers a 10-point lead with just 15 minutes left on the clock.
Hooker Issac Luke crossed the line for the Rabbitohs in the 78th minute with the video referee deliberating for several minutes before denying the try, ruling it was knocked on over the line.
Maurice Blair crossed in the final minute with Jarrod Sammut converting, giving the Panthers their sixth win of the season.
The Rabbitohs made too many errors and didn't amass enough possession to be able seal the game. Dropped balls at key times cost them, despite having the Panthers on the back foot quite a few times during the match. The Panthers made the most of their second-half opportunities and it paid dividends.
The Rabbitohs moved on to play the St George Illawarra Dragons at WIN Stadium next Saturday 11 August at 7:30pm.
Penrith Panthers 32 (Michael Jennings 2, Craig Gower, Frank Pritchard, Matthew Cross, Maurice Blair tries; Jarrod Sammut 4 goals)
defeated
South Sydney Rabbitohs 16 (Fetuli Talanoa 2, Ben Rogers tries; Nathan Merritt 2 goals)
What happened in round 23?
South Sydney moved a step closer to their first finals appearance since 1989 on Monday 20 August with a gutsy come-from-behind 24-18 win over Manly at Telstra Stadium.
The Rabbitohs conjured up a valiant fight back after being down 18-6 to defeat one of the NRL premiership favourites - a win coach Jason Taylor claimed was due to persistence.
The Rabbitohs now sit in outright eighth on the NRL competition ladder with two rounds to play before the finals.
“The boys really persevered with something that we came here to do,” he said.
“It could have gotten away from us but it didn’t and I am very proud of them. We just hung in there and kept going for the whole 80 minutes and got the win in the end. We just kept at it and eventually it was very very satisfying. If we play well we know we are a chance of beating any team.”
The Rabbitohs were down 6-0 early and 18-6 at halftime before two tries in four minutes dragged them back into the contest in arguably their greatest win this year.
Things looked ominous for the home side when Brett Stewart slipped over for a try after just four minutes in his trade mark manner on an angle near the line. And when Jamie Lyon kicked the conversion, Manly led 6-0.
But the Rabbitohs hit back shortly after when Yileen Gordon latched onto a Jeremy Smith cross-kick and Joe Williams evened things up at 6-all with his successful conversion attempt.
Stewart then laid on a converted try for Chris Hicks on his own angled run near the line and the visitors led 12-6 after 19 minutes. When veteran Steve Menzies scored again for Manly from the next set of six the second placed Sea Eagles led 18-6 and looked to have more points in them.
But then the game settled into a somewhat slow rhythm for the next half hour with neither team totally dominating the contest.
That was until Issac Luke darted over from dummy half in the 50th minute and was awarded a benefit of the doubt try by video referee Graeme West. Williams landed his second conversion from as many attempts and lined up another successful conversion just two minutes later after he put John Sutton in a half hole for the big second-rower to reach out and score.
With the scores locked at 18-all the final 24 minutes will be remembered as among the most important of the Rabbitohs season.
South Sydney dominated their more fancied opposition in the final stanza of the game and when Fetuli Talanoa chased down a Ben Rogers kick to score and put the Rabbitohs ahead for the first time in the match 22-18 the crowd of 12,087 went into red and green raptures. Williams converted for the full-time score of 24-18.
“We were disappointed at half-time,” Taylor said.
“We were a bit rattled because we could have got across the tryline. But we knew if we just stuck to what we were trying to do it would happen for us and it did. It was a great win.”
At the post-match press conference Manly coach Des Hasler paid tribute to the Rabbitohs’ toughness.
“Souths played very well, their fans should be happy,” he said.
“It was a very good win for them, they just kept coming.”
The Rabbitohs then played the Tigers at Leichhardt Oval on Sunday August 26th at 3pm, followed by the last round clash with arch-rivals the Roosters on Saturday September 1 at 5.30pm at Telstra Stadium.
South Sydney Rabbitohs 24 (Yileen Gordon, Issac Luke, John Sutton, Fetuli Talanoa tries; Joe Williams 4 goals)
defeated
Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles 18 (Brett Stewart, Chris Hicks, Steve Menzies tries; Jamie Lyon 3 goals)
What is the Book of Feuds?
The Book of Feuds is a book detailing the history of matches played between the Rabbitohs and that weekend’s opponents. A version has been written which is read to the players before they play that team.
It was an idea from Rabbitohs owner Russell Crowe to give the players an idea of the history and rivalry between them and their opposition.
Russell Crowe reads the passages, although captain David Kidwell, coach Jason Taylor and author Mark Courtney have also contributed to the readings throughout the 2007 season.
What happened in round 24?
The South Sydney Rabbitohs moved into seventh position on the NRL ladder with a resounding 37-12 victory over the Wests Tigers at Leichhardt Oval on Sunday 26 August in front of 20,232 fans.
The Rabbitohs secured their 12th victory of the season against the Tigers, jumping the Tigers on the competition table and putting themselves in a great position to secure their first finals berth since 1989.
The Rabbitohs scored six tries to two to record a rare victory at the Tigers spiritual home in Leichhardt.
In what could only be described as a physical start to the match, both sides traded heavy defence in the opening sets in an old-fashioned softening-up period fitting of today's match venue. In the fourth minute, Rabbitohs fullback Nathan Merritt left the field with a leg injury, leaving the Rabbitohs with only three on their bench. The Rabbitohs were dominating play early and points would surely come.
The first points came in the 14th minute of play when South Sydney junior John Sutton scored on the right hand side of the field. Long breaks from Fetuli Talanoa and Jeremy Smith set up the field position and a penalty gave the Rabbitohs a repeat set of six. On the third play of the set five-eighth Joe Williams went to the right to Sutton who touched down for four points. Williams converted to give the Rabbitohs a six-nil lead.
Six minutes later Jeremy Smith crossed practically untouched. Just 10 metres out from the line he stepped off his right foot twice and strolled past three defenders to score. Williams converted to give the Rabbitohs a 12-nil lead after 20 minutes.
In the 29th minute of play, South Sydney junior Yileen Gordon scored a fantastic individual try in a display of strength and power. Again 10 metres out from the line, Gordon scooted out of dummy half, beating one defender and carrying two over the line with him to score on the left hand side. Williams kept his 100% record with the boot giving the visitors an 18-nil lead after 30 minutes.
Centre Nigel Vagana bombed a certain try for the Rabbitohs when he dropped the ball over the line with no one in sight of him. The Tigers posted their first points in the final minute of the first half when Benji Marshall made a long break and found Daniel Fitzhenry in support to score under the posts. Marshall converted to take the teams to the break at 18-six in favour of the Rabbitohs.
The Rabbitohs dominated the half in both attack and defence, and if not for a couple of lapses with the ball-in-hand the lead could have been even greater. Fetuli Talanoa, Yileen Gordon, Shane Rigon and Issac Luke were making great metres out of dummy half and John Sutton was doing as he pleased on the right hand side of the field. Luke Stuart and Roy Asotasi were also making metres in the middle of the ruck and Jeremy Smith, often standing at second-receiver, had the Tigers' defence in two-minds. The Tigers dropped their intensity markedly in the second 20 minutes of the first half and the Rabbitohs maintained their pressure. It looked as though the Rabbitohs kickers were targetting Benji Marshall in the air, with Marshall swapping wings in defence and the Rabbitohs' kickers following him from the left hand side to the right hand side.
The Rabbitohs didn't start the half well with loose balls costing them possession in good field position. Their defence held strong in the early exchanges, keeping the Tigers out well inside their own half.
South Sydney's persistance paid off in the 51st minute when Dean Widders scored on the left hand side of the field. First-receiver Joe Williams ran at the line and picked out the gap for Widders to crash over from five metres out. Williams converted to give the Rabbitohs a 24-six lead with 29 minutes left in the game.
Three minutes later the Rabbitohs struck again through captain Roy Asotasi. Joe Williams ran through the line and turned it inside to Asotasi who scored under the posts. Williams converted to give the Rabbitohs a 30 points to six advantage.
Asotasi was denied a second try just three minutes later when Jeremy Smith put him away but was judged to have knocked the ball on, into an opposing Wests Tigers player.
The Tigers gave their fans some hope in the 60th minute when winger Taniela Tuiaki ran 50 metres up the left hand touch line and around under the posts to score. Marshall converted taking the scores to 30-12 in favour of South Sydney.
The Rabbitohs ran in their sixth try when Yileen Gordon scored his second of the afternoon in the 64th minute. The ball was thrown around through many sets of hands and finally found itself with Dean Widders. Widders beat two defenders and grubber kicked to the corner for Gordon to touch down centimetres in from touch. Joe Williams converted from the touchline to give the Rabbitohs an unassailable lead with 15 minutes left on the clock.
Despite leading by 24 points with only eight minutes left on the clock, the Rabbitohs showed great desperation in defence to keep the Tigers out. Nigel Vagana made up for his previous mistake by tackling Chris Lawrence over the line and jolting the ball free in the tackle to save a try.
Joe Williams kicked a field goal in the 74th minute to extend the lead to 37-12 in the dying minutes and to seal their 12th win of the 2007 season.
The Rabbitohs moved on to play the Sydney Roosters next Saturday night at 5:30pm at Telstra Stadium in the Club's final home game of the season.
South Sydney Rabbitohs 36 (John Sutton, Jeremy Smith, Yileen Gordon, Dean Widders, Roy Asotasi tries; Joe Williams 6 goals; Joe Williams field goal)
defeated
Wests Tigers 6 (Daniel Fitzhenry, Taniela Tuiaki tries; Benji Marshall 2 goals)
What happened in round 25?
The Rabbitohs missed a chance at a possible top four spot on Saturday 1 September, losing 26-12 to arch-rivals the Roosters at Telstra Stadium.
Souths’ first finals appearance in 18 years was secured the night prior when the Knights defeated the Tigers but the Rabbitohs were unable to force their way further up the NRL ladder in going down to the Roosters.
In front of 32,126 fans the Roosters led 10-0 after 10 minutes on the back of tries to Joel Monaghan and Braith Anasta.
Monaghan’s try came in just the fourth minute after Paul Mellor dropped a Braith Anasta cross-kick and the Roosters three-quarter scooped it up to score. Anasta then crossed for the Roosters second try on an angle from first receiver five minutes later.
After that blitzkreig opening the Roosters continued to dominate the Rabbitohs for most of the half.
That dominance allowed Roosters winger Amos Roberts to claim two tries in the last five minutes of the first half and the visitors headed to the break with an 18-0 lead. The first was from a chip and chase, the second from an Anthony Tupou offload.
The closest the Rabbitohs came to scoring in the first half was when Shane Rigon was held up in the 22nd minute after trying to dive over from dummy half.
The Rabbitohs lifted their intensity in the second half but their attack continued to misfire.
Craig Fitzgibbon put the Roosters further ahead in the 62nd minute with a penalty goal to stretch the lead to 20-0.
Redfern bound utility Craig Wing then sealed the Roosters win when he went on a 25m dash from dummy half to extend the lead to 24-0 and when Fitzgibbon added the extras the Roosters led 26-0 after 68 minutes.
It took until the 71st minute for the Rabbitohs to score their first try when Fetuli Talanoa crossed and Joe Williams converted for a 26-6 scoreline.
Rigon then successfully forced his way over from dummy half five minutes later and Williams again converted for a 26-12 scoreline and that was the way things stayed for the remained of the contest.
The last ten minutes though were not without incident. Rabbitohs back rower David Fa'alogo was sin-binned for striking Anasta in the 69th minute before Anasta was sin-binned himself in the 79th minute for striking Jeremy Smith.
Rabbitohs coach Jason Taylor said his team failed to match the Roosters early and that trend continue for much of the match.
“We didn’t have any energy early,” Taylor said.
“The Roosters were up for it early and the disappointing part was we knew they were going to throw everything at us. I don’t think it was the fact that we were already in the finals played a part in our performance. I think it was more last week against the Tigers, we just thought all we had to do this week was turn up and we would win. But in the NRL as soon as you starting thinking like that you will get beaten.”
Sydney Roosters 26 (Amos Roberts 2, Joel Monaghan, Braith Anasta, Craig Wing tries; Craig Fitzgibbon 3 goals)
defeated
South Sydney Rabbitohs 12 (Fetuli Talanoa, Shane Rigon tries; Joe Williams 2 goals)
What happened at the past players’ reunion?
The Rabbitohs invited all of their past first grade players to the final game of the season against the Sydney Roosters as a celebration of their past achievements and the dawning of a new era at the Club.
Almost 100 of the Rabbitohs finest players attended the reunion, with the former greats being paraded on the field prior to the first grade game so they could receive the deserved accolades of the 32,000-plus fans who were there to cheer on the Rabbitohs.
Players from as early as 1939 through to the new millennium were in attendance.
What was the final make up of the 2007 premiership ladder?
What happened in the qualifying final?
The South Sydney Rabbitohs bowed out of the 2007 premiership race with the Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles winning the third qualifying final 30 points to 6 in front of 19,785 fans at Brookvale Oval at Saturday 8 September.
The Rabbitohs fought bravely throughout the match but a slick Sea Eagles side made the most of their opportunities to earn a week off in the second week of the finals.
The game started at 100 miles per hour with both teams ripping in early. The Rabbitohs got the better of field position in the opening exchanges courtesy of some solid hit ups from the forwards and some infringements by the Sea Eagles.
The Rabbitohs posted first points through five-eighth Joe Williams kicking a penalty goal in the eighth minute of play.
The Sea Eagles were denied two tries by the video referee, with desperate South Sydney defence and some Rabbitohs luck holding them out. In the 12th minute Steve Menzies was tackled centimetres short of the line and one minute later Brett Stewart was denied when the ball hit the referee in the in-goal area.
Menzies wasn't to be denied for much longer, crossing the stripe in the 16th minute. He split Joe Williams and Ben Rogers in defence to score a good individual try. Matt Orford converted to give the Eagles a six-two lead.
In the 18th minute Rabbitohs hooker Shane Rigon was knocked out when his head came into contact with Jason King's arm whilst affecting a tackle. The Rabbitohs endured a mountain of pressure in the first 25 minutes of the game, and then they started to apply some pressure of their own. In the 28th minute, centre Nigel Vagana smashed Manly replacement forward Jack Afamasaga on his own line, jolting the ball free and saving a certain try. David Kidwell made his return to the field in the 29th minute, showing plenty of aggression with his torrid defence and powerful runs.
Neither side could cross for the remainder of the half, leaving the scores at six points to two at the break.
For the Rabbitohs, John Sutton was looking particularly dangerous on the right hand side, and Roy Asotasi and Luke Stuart were making good metres up the middle. Issac Luke added some spark when he entered the play, Michael Greenfield got through plenty of work and the Rabbitohs were doing well to only be down by four points at the break. They gave the Sea Eagles too much ball and too much field position, putting themselves under pressure.
For Manly, Adam Cuthbertson was making good metres and Matt Orford looked dangerous with ball in hand.
The Rabbitohs started the second half in fine fashion, scoring in the 44th minute through veteran winger Paul Mellor. Joe Williams called the ball left then kicked right towards Mellor's wing, with Mellor leaping over the top of Michael Robertson to score.
Manly struck back seven minutes later when second-rower Anthony Watmough scored to the right of the posts. Menzies offloaded and gave Watmough some space, slipping on the outside of Issac Luke to cross. Orford converted to give the home side a six-point advantage with 28 minutes left on the clock.
In the 58th minute of play, Matt Orford went down he ran into the back of Ben Rogers. Rogers was penalised for a late tackle, when clearly Orford ran into him. The penalty was given on the back of a touch judge report which seemed to come from crowd reaction more than the incident itself.
On the back of this penalty, the Sea Eagles scored through fullback Brett Stewart. The field position given from the penalty and the following repeat set gave the Eagles the perfect opportunity to score and they took it. Matt Orford converted to give the Sea Eagles an 18-six lead with 17 minutes left on the clock.
In the 65th minute, Manly winger Chris Hicks was doubled over in a tackle and suffered what looked like a dislocated right ankle. In the 68th minute, the Rabbitohs' defence held up a flying Steve Matai, only to have Brett Stewart score his second try two plays later off an inside ball from Steve Bell. Orford's conversion extended the lead in 24-6 with less than 10 minutes on the clock.
The Rabbitohs continued to defend bravely for the final 10 minutes, holding out a number of Manly raids on their line, before Steve Menzies scored his second try with only one minute left on the clock. Brett Stewart made a break down the right hand side and kicked inside to find Menzies. Orford kicked his fifth conversion to take the final scoreline to Manly 30 - South Sydney six.
The loss meant the Rabbitohs would go no further in the 2007 premiership, finishing as one of the lowest two teams to be defeated in the first week of the finals.
Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles 30 (Brett Stewart 2, Steve Menzies 2, Anthony Watmough tries; Matt Orford 5 goals)
defeated
South Sydney Rabbitohs 6 (Paul Mellor try; Joe Williams goal)
Versus (US) Schedule (ET/PT)
11/7/07 10:30pm – 11pm
11/8/07 1:30am - 2am
11/11/07 3:30pm - 4pm
11/13/07 11:30pm - 12am
11/14/07 2:30am - 3am
11/14/07 10:30pm - 11pm
11/15/07 1:30am - 2am
11/18/07 5:30pm - 6pm
11/28/07 4:30pm - 5pm
Star-TV (Canada) Schedule (ET)
27/11/07 9pm - 9:30pm
28/11/07 3am - 3:30am