Let's dive into the stats post-game to see where the Rabbitohs got the points against the Titans, with round five of 'By the Numbers.'
Possession
The Rabbitohs got off to a flyer in the first half coming out with a 20-point lead at the break. After completing 50% in the second half last weekend, they really tightened up the ball security completing at 89% for the game. While the Rabbitohs only made three errors during the entire match, the Titans had over 10. The old saying 'whoever holds onto the footy wins the game' rings true.
Key Player: Latrell Mitchell
Latrell Mitchell had one of the best halves of any individual this season in that opening 40 minutes. When looking at his run metres, while he only ran for 19 metres in the first half (and doubled those metres in the second), it was in the other stats columns where he really showed his value as an attacking weapon.
Everything Latrell touched turned into four points and his ability to still cover kicks and clean up the scraps shows he is maturing with the subtleties required when playing at the back. Mitchell also came up with a brilliant trysaver in the 59th minute after Anthony Don looked certain to cross. The Rabbitohs recruit also flicked a brilliant pass off to Alex Johnston to cross for his second, in the final few minutes of play!
Playing Flat and Fast
Another player who really came into his own was Damien Cook. He utilised his explosive running game to perfection and it also resulted in a couple of ‘six-agains.’ The way he also got forwards onto the front-foot such as Thomas Burgess really added that spark and leg-speed back into the South Sydney power-game, which has been lacking in recent weeks.
Cookie ran for over 100 metres while his opposing number nine had less than 10 metres. His partner in crime, Thomas Burgess ran for a whopping 203 metres from just 18 runs!
