The South Sydney Rabbitohs have defeated the Manly Sea Eagles 14-0 in what was an error-riddled affair played in monsoon-like conditions.
The weather certainly played a part in the low-scoring nature of the contest, with both sides struggling to control possession at crucial times.
It was the Rabbitohs however, who best played to the conditions, with Jye Gray having a huge influence at the back.
The diminutive fullback was extremely busy, running for 152m and scoring the first try of his NRL career in the 20th minute.
Daimen Cook was instrumental too out of dummy half, setting up two out of the three South Sydney tries.
The Rabbitohs opened the scoring through Richie Kennar, who crossed in the ninth minute to put his side ahead 4-0.
A quick play-the-ball from Michael Chee Kam close to the line sent the Manly defence into a state of disarray, with Cook proving crafty enough to capitalise as he put Kennar through a yawning gap on the right.
Jye Gray was next to put points on the board, combining with Cody Walker at the end of a slick backline move for his first try in the top grade.
Souths had several other opportunities to add to their lead before the break, none more promising than a near miss right on half-time.
Walker was at his scheming best on this occasion, throwing a gorgeous cut-out ball to an unmarked Alex Johnston, who got to within an inch of the line before being stopped by Tommy Talau in cover.
It was certainly a thrilling way to end the half, despite the missed opportunity, with Souths looking dangerous and ahead 8-0 as both teams went to the sheds for a break.
The second half transpired in similar fashion to the first half, with both sides struggling to make the most of their opportunities in attack due to the slippery conditions.
Jai Arrow was forced from the field in the 56th minute for an HIA after his head slammed into the ground as a result of a tackle from Tofafoa Sipley.
This paved the way for debutant Liam le Blanc to come off the bench and take Arrow’s place for the first taste of NRL football in his young career.
The rest of the second half saw Souths spend plenty of time defending their own line. Manly had many opportunities to score, however they were simply unable to breach the Red and Green wall that was South Sydney’s defence.
The Rabbitohs then confirmed the result in the 78th minute, with Keaon Koloamatangi diving on a Damien Cook grubber to score the third and final try of the game, with Souths picking up their fourth straight victory, and keeping the Sea Eagles scoreless for the first time since 1949.
Match Snapshot
· Richie Kennar opened the scoring for South Sydney in the ninth minute of the game
· Jye Gray got on the score sheet next with his first ever try in the NRL 20 minutes in
· Souths lead 8-0 at the break after nearly scoring through Alex Johnston on the stroke of halftime
· Jai Arrow left the field for a HIA in the 56th minute, with debutant Liam le Blanc coming off the bench to take his place
· Souths defended admirably through the second half to keep Manly scoreless, and sealed the result through a Keaon Koloamatangi try in the 78th minute
Play of the Game
This week’s play of the game goes to Jye Gray and Cody Walker, who combined beautifully to orchestrate the second try of the match – and the first of young Gray’s NRL career. A big shift to the right saw Walker with ball in hand and the Manly defence on the retreat. Walker sent the ball out the back to Gray, who found himself on the outside of his opposite man. From there, it was a simple case of too much speed, with Gray able to find the line to put his side ahead 8-0.
What’s Next?
The Rabbitohs will have their second bye of the season next week, before travelling to Commbank Stadium to play the Parramatta Eels on Thursday the 4th of July.
