South Sydney Rabbitohs win 2014 Grand Final in 43 years defeating Canterbury Bulldogs 30-6.
At 9.58pm on Sunday night, John Sutton did what many fans thought they would never see. The Rabbitohs captain held aloft the NRL trophy. A crowd of 83,833 watched South Sydney score a bruising 30-6 win over Canterbury at ANZ Stadium.
Judging by the emotions on television, it was worth it.
His opposite, Canterbury coach Des Hasler, may have lost but he did a remarkable job guiding his side to another grand final — a fifth in eight years for him personally.
But it was all about Souths. The club was broke, kicked out of the competition and had no future. It was a rugged decider, as both teams ripped into each other mercilessly. That was never more evident than when departing Souths star Sam Burgess fractured his cheekbone in a vicious head clash with fellow Englishman James Graham. Bloodied, Burgess went on to play every minute and win the Clive Churchill Medal. That's the spirit we all love to see in sports.
“How good,” Burgess said afterwards. “What a year. It’s been a long time, let’s enjoy it.”
The Rabbitohs completed 21 of 22 sets in the first half and struck first in the 20th minute through rising winger Alex Johnston. They extended their lead to 6-0 through a 26th minute Reynolds penalty goal.
The Rabbitohs surged through the middle of the Canterbury ruck and the Dogs didn’t have a genuine tryscoring chance in the first half.
But it wasn’t all one-way traffic. Just after the break, the Bulldogs levelled up the scores through a Tony Williams try.
After a good old-fashioned arm-wrestle, George Burgess struck with a stunning solo try.
He took the ball at first receiver and steamrollered four defenders to score.
Holding a 14-6 lead late in the game, Rabbitohs centre Kirisome Auva’a scored in the 73rd minute to put the game out of Canterbury’s reach.
Well done to Souths, the much better side and a deserved win.
The highlight for me was what a gracious, gentleman Sam Burgess was in his acceptance speech of the CC Medal.
Robert Di Carlo
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