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27 August 2002 South Sydney has struck another recruiting blow by landing St George Illawarra leading tryscorer Lee Hookey for the next two National Rugby League seasons. The Dragons were forced to part ways with Hookey because their top six players – Trent Barrett, Jason Ryles, Shaun Timmins, Luke Bailey, Lance Thompson, and Amos Roberts - are committed to approximately half the club’s $3.25 million salary cap for the 2003 NRL season. The former Souths junior – who had a year to run on his St George Illawarra contract - can play a number of backline positions and is likely to form an exciting tryscoring partnership with current Brisbane Broncos flyer Chris Walker in 2003. “It’s great to have Lee back home,” said Souths coach Craig Coleman, who coached Hookey as a teenager in 1998 and 1999. “He’s one of the best juniors Souths have produced, and is currently one of the NRL’s top tryscorers. http://www.ozleague.com/news_article.asp?id=45344 24 August 2002 Penrith 28 South Sydney 12 PENRITH skipper Craig Gower has declared he will see out his contract with the Panthers following his side's victory over South Sydney at NorthPower Stadium. Advertisement Gower, 24, has a get-out clause in his contract which enables him to leave the club at the end of 2003 if he's unhappy with its recruitment of players. But the halfback, who scored a 62nd minute try in the victory to help the Panthers leapfrog North Queensland into 13th spot on the table, said the issue had been "heavily" blown out of proportion in the media. "That clause was put in when I didn't know where the club was going," said the former Test player, who had it inserted when he signed a new four-year deal with the club in 2001. "It was one of those things that my manager thought was best for me and that was the reason why." Asked whether he had any thoughts on leaving the club, Gower replied: "No thoughts." He did talk to the Bulldogs last year when he was re-negotiating his contract and is probably thanking the heavens that he stuck with the Panthers. The match was initially billed as the battle to avoid the wooden spoon before the NRL stripped 37 points from the Bulldogs for salary cap rorting, confining the disgraced club to bottom of the table with three rounds remaining. The Rabbitohs had their chances to win the game, trailing 16-12 following an Owen Craigie penalty goal in the 60th minute, but mistakes let them down at crucial times. http://www.dailytelegraph.news.com.au/common/story_page/0,5936,4965357%255E5927,00.html 24 August 2002 The South Sydney team tonight remained confident they could reverse their recent form and repeat the dose they gave the Panthers earlier this year when they meet at Northpower Stadium on Saturday night. In their Round 17 clash, the Rabbitohs came from 10 nil down at halftime to win 23 - 16 in an enthralling encounter. That night at Penrith Stadium, five-eighth Owen Craigie was easily the best player on the field. He will be looking to repeat that form when he squares off against an in-form Ryan Girdler. Officials from the Rabbitohs are hoping for a crowd of over 12,000 will be on hand for the game this weekend. The response from the people of the Central Coast has been enormous and many fans are travelling up from the South Sydney Leagues Club courtesy of buses provided by the club. http://www.souths.com.au/news/news.php?ID=124 22 August 2002 John Sattler, who more than anyone epitomises the South Sydney spirit, has lept to the defence of his beleaguered Rabbitohs as the famous club's on-field woes go from bad to worse. Sattler, who had his jaw smashed but played on in the 1970 grand final victory over Manly, has vowed to stick by the club during the teething period which has caused the "pride of the league" to leak 50 or more points in each of their last three games. 'I don't think anybody expected them to set the world alight,' Sattler says. 'It was stated early in the bit we were a chance of making the eight, but I think that was a bit too drastic.' 'They're back there, and I think some of the players that they've bought will make a hell of a difference next season.' The Rabbitohs' honeymoon is well and truly over, and after massive consecutive losses to the Wests Tigers(50-4), Parramatta(54-0) and St George Illawarra (58-16), and the admission by club president George Piggins the club is in crisis, the blowtorch has been turned on the players and coach Craig Coleman. Sattler, though, has backed the former half-back as the right man to take the reborn Rabbitohs into their next era. 'He's had little to play with, and I just think that he's been the ideal sort of bloke to have there for Souths coming back into the premiership, because he has got the pride in the joint,' says Sattler. 'And he's no dunce as far as coaching goes. I just think they've got to give them a little bit of a go. Even though they've had their bums kicked, they've done some real good things in most games. I'll stand by them'. http://www.souths.com.au/news/news.php?ID=123 South Sydney chairman George Piggins still hopes that the club can avoid the NRL wooden spoon in their first season back in the premiership. The Rabbitohs, who have compiled a promising roster for NRL season 2003, are looking to avoid being belted for the fourth match in a row when they play the Penrith Panthers on Saturday. The Panthers are the only team Souths can catch for the wooden spoon, but after conceding 162 points in their last three outings - they have scored just 20 - the Rabbitohs have to radically improve or face another drubbing. “We'd like to think that we can get away from the wooden spoon and change it into a winning circle, if we could,” said Piggins, who has involved himself in the Bulldogs salary cap fiasco by claiming that rorts are widespread. http://www.ozleague.com/news_article.asp?id=45288 South Sydney legend John Sattler has come out in support of beleaguered Rabbitohs coach Craig Coleman. Coleman’s position is under threat because Souths have conceded 162 points and scored just 20 in their past three NRL contests - hidings against Wests, Parramatta and St George Illawarra - teams that are in the bottom half of the NRL standings. It has been speculated that Coleman will be sacked as coach of Souths if he fails to win one of their remaining two NRL matches, against the Penrith Panthers and North Queensland. Sattler thinks Coleman can turn things around, especially after the Rabbitohs strong recruiting drive for the 2003 NRL season, and hopes that he will be given the go ahead for next year. Souths have signed Kangaroo representative Bryan Fletcher and Maroons star Chris Walker for next season, veterans Willie Peters and Shane Walker, and young talent in Justin Smith, Ashley Harrison, Ahmad Bajouri, and Mark Minichello. http://www.ozleague.com/news_article.asp?id=45293 A REQUEST from South Sydney chairman George Piggins for a salary cap probe into the Parramatta and Newcastle clubs was denied by the NRL yesterday. The NRL also sent out a general warning to all league players and officials to PETER FRILINGOS Chief Rugby League Writer: Piggins had sent a letter to NRL chief executive David Gallop containing evidence he believed merited investigation. Gallop then presented Parramatta CEO Denis Fitzgerald and Newcastle's Ken Conway with the claims from Piggins. "George Piggins sent in quite general allegations about two clubs," Gallop said. "He said Newcastle and a club with a rugby union affiliation had breached the cap. "But there was very little real detail. We contacted both clubs and they categorically denied the allegations. To look into it any more would require a lot more substance and I have informed both clubs of our position. "I have written to George Piggins telling him that unless he can provide more substance to the allegations there is not a lot more we can do." Yesterday Piggins was sticking to his guns claiming cap breaches were occurring in other clubs. http://www.dailytelegraph.news.com.au/common/story_page/0,5936,4948477%255E2771,00.html 21 August 2002 Despite conceding over 150 points in their last three outings and sitting firmly on the bottom of the NRL ladder, Souths Chairman George Piggins believes the Bunnies can avoid winning the wooden spoon this season. Piggins concedes a loss this Saturday at NorthPower Stadium against Penrith would be devastating, however he is confident they can snap their losing streak. We talk to Piggins about the Bunnies season to date, their recent poor form, morale within the club, the clubs desire to avoid the wooden spoon, their decision to play at NorthPower Stadium this Saturday and he talks about the importance of defeating Penrith this Saturday. http://www.nrl.com.au/s2002/news/static/article_4323.asp 20 August 2002 The Bulldogs were not the only National Rugby League club to exceed salary caps, South Sydney Rugby League Club chairman George Piggins said today. Piggins said big money was ruining the game and called for better measures to protect clubs from going broke. Piggins said he was confident in saying other clubs exceeded salary caps after glancing at documents during his club's recent two-year court battle to compete in the NRL competition. "We've just come through a two-year court case and there used to be documents in court and you glance at them and things like that," Piggins told ABC radio. "And some of the things I glanced at, I'm pretty confident in saying there's other clubs involved." The NRL has not ruled out expelling the Bulldogs from the 2002 competition after the club yesterday admitted to salary cap breaches of $1 million over the past two years. Piggins said new measures were needed to protect the sport. http://www. 19 August 2002 The horror run of the Rabbitohs continued yesterday when they were beaten 58 points to 16 by the St George Illawarra Dragons at WIN Stadium in front of 12,122 fans. The hint of an upset was snuffed out early by the Dragons when hooker Mark Riddell barged over from dummy half in the third minute. His sideline conversion of his own try made the score 6 nil, and there were ominous signs for the Rabbitohs. A try to Mark Gasnier in the ninth minute and the writing was on the wall for the Rabbitohs. The Rabbits showed some pluck for the next 20 minutes. On the 16 minute mark, Andrew Hinson scored following great lead up work from Jamie Fitzgerald, who handled twice, and tireless secondrower Luke Stuart. The two sides then traded tries, with the Rabbitohs winger John Olzard crossing for his first try in only his second first grade game. Redfern bound Willie Peters got a try just before the break to make the score 22 points to 10 and, with the breeze at their backs in the 2nd half, it looked like it was going to be a competitive game of football. That was not to be. The Dragons came out and scored 3 unanswered tries in the space of 13 minutes and the game was over. The only thing left to save for the Rabbitohs was the embarrassment of another 50 point loss. They couldn’t do it. Andrew Hinson pulled back an intercept to score under the posts, but then Lee Hookey scored 2, Willie Peters scored his second and centre Shaun Timmins rounded out the tries to leave the Rabbitohs defeated 58 points to 16. When asked about the wooden spoon being his for the off-season, Rabbitohs Coach Craig Coleman thought that it would all come down to this week against Penrith. The most disappointing aspect from Coleman’s point of view was that the fans didn’t get to see the good performances they had hoped to. “They like to see wins or losses by not as big a score. Up to the last three weeks we had put in very good performances” said Coleman. http://www.souths.com.au/news/news.php?ID=118 THE once-great South Sydney club has missed 121 tackles and conceded 162 points in the most embarrassing three-week period of its illustrious 92-year history. Souths were yesterday thumped by St George Illawarra in Wollongong and have now, for the first time in their history, conceded 50 points in their past three matches. The Dragons piled on 11 tries to post 58 points after Parramatta put on 54 points the previous week and Wests Tigers ran in 50 before that. The big win eases some pressure on coach Andrew Farrar but the Dragons are concerned about their captain Trent Barrett being placed on report for an alleged head slam on Souths winger John Olzard in the 46th minute yesterday. "I thought I got him in the shoulder and was disappointed it was placed on report," Barrett said. A suspension to Barrett at this crucial period of the season would be disastrous for the Dragons. "From what I saw I don't think there's anything in it," Farrar said. In more drama, South Sydney forward Adam Muir may also face a head-slamming charge after an incident on St George Illawarra's Lance Thompson just three minutes after the Barrett trouble. http://www.dailytelegraph.news.com.au/common/story_page/0,5936,4927647%255E2771,00.html 15 August 2002 St George Illawarra 58 South Sydney 16 ST George Illawarra thrashed South Sydney to keep its semi-final hopes alive in today's National Rugby League clash at WIN Stadium. But the Dragons will be sweating on the fate of skipper Trent Barrett, who was placed on report by referee Matt Cecchin for a head slam on Souths winger John Olzard in the 46th minute. The home side led 22-10 at halftime and scored almost at will after the break, running in 11 tries, with hooker Mark Riddell having a barnstorming match. The Rabbitohs have now leaked 162 and conceded 50 point scorelines in their past three matches and coach Craig Coleman must be praying for this season to end. The Dragons have now moved into ninth spot on the ladder and have the luxury of a bye next week before two tough games in the lead-up to the finals, against Sydney Roosters and Newcastle. http://foxsports.com.au/common/story_page/0,5000,4924309%255E5927%255E%255Enbv,00.html 15 August 2002 South Sydney coach Craig Coleman is aware that the Rabbitohs are favoured for the 2002 NRL wooden spoon, but remains positive that his side can salvage some pride over the last three weeks of the home and away season. Coleman – warned by club chairman George Piggins to lift his game or face the sack - remains upbeat and believes his side will be competitive this Sunday against the Dragons, who are hoping to extend Souths woes and stay in the hunt for a finals berth. The Rabbitohs have conceded 104 points in their past two matches and have scored just four, but Coleman is confident Souths can turn things around against their traditional rivals St George Illawarra. “St George - Souths games are always hard fought and we expect no different this week,” said Coleman, who is contracted through the 2003 season with the Rabbitohs. “We're heading to WIN Stadium to do the best we can. “If you can apply yourself and give a little bit extra, anyone can cause an upset." The Rabbitohs – who have the bye in round 26 – are duelling with 2001 wooden spooners Penrith, and the North Queensland Cowboys for positions at the foot of the NRL ladder. http://www.ozleague.com/news_article.asp?id=45222 14 August 2002 South Sydney coach Craig Coleman says fans should not be expecting instant success from the club and the team needs time to develop. The club is currently last on the table in its first year back in the National Rugby League after two years out of the competition. Coleman says fans should be proud that the club fought against its exclusion from the league and won the court case. He has a year to run on his contract but is under pressure to improve the team's performance. He says he would like to be given the time to do that. "It was never going to be instant success, we all knew that," he said. "But a lot of people that want to put the knife in, you know, we're saying that at the same time, but when someone's down they want to kick you." http://www.abc.net.au/news/sport/rugbyleague/2002/08/item20020814142135_1.htm Adam Muir says he wants to put some pride back in the red and green jersey after capping his remarkable about-face with selection in the South Sydney side for Sunday's clash with arch rival St George Illawarra. And if Muir achieves his weekend goal, it could come at the expense of Andrew Farrar's coaching career at the Dragons. Farrar yesterday conceded his position was under threat as a result of the National Rugby League club's indifferent form, which has them precariously placed three points out of the top eight with four rounds remaining. "It goes with the territory. If you don't get results, you're under pressure," Farrar said on 2UE. "I have never backed down from anything in my life and I'm not about to now. Pressure has been brought to bear by the results." Muir knows all about pressure after announcing his retirement last week before changing his mind a day later. The South Sydney club captain has been named on the bench by coach Craig Coleman, with Andrew Hart retaining the on-field captaincy. "I guess for everybody in the club we want to get some pride back," Muir said yesterday. The ex-Test forward, who has announced he will retire at the end of the season, trained with his teammates yesterday and Coleman said the week off had done him good. http://www.nrl.com.au/s2002/news/static/article_4252.asp DUMPED South Sydney captain Adam Muir was last night reinstated to the Rabbitohs team to play St George Illawarra - on the interchange bench. Muir walked out on Souths last week only to return the following day and is now hoping to help the embattled club restore some credibility and avoid the wooden spoon. "It's good to be back, there were no guarantees I was going to play first grade again so I'm happy about being selected," Muir said. "It's pretty tough at the moment, the club is really hurting and the players are really hurting from what has happened over the past couple of weeks. "People are saying that we are playing without pride in the jumper but that is just rubbish. All the boys have spoken about the disappointments and we are ready to move on. "We all know what is at stake against the Dragons and I think you will see an improved performance." Souths coach Craig Coleman has made four changes to the team beaten 54-0 by Parramatta on Saturday. http://foxsports.com.au/common/story_page/0,5000,4897798%255E5927%255E%255Enbv,00.html PHIL Gould has denied he left South Sydney in the lurch after playing a leading role in signing players for this season. NSW's most successful Origin coach and one of the men at the forefront of Souths' fight for readmission to the NRL joined the Roosters as coaching director after recruiting almost 20 players for the Rabbitohs. League's rumour mill is working overtime and Gould is being accused of bailing out on the Rabbitohs to join their bitter rivals at Bondi Junction. While they won't go on the record, some players are saying they joined Souths in the belief Gould would be part of the coaching team. "I was never going to have any role in coaching Souths," Gould said. "Tugger was always going to be the coach. "At the time Souths didn't have a chief executive appointed and the club had been out of the loop for a long time. "I knew the player managers well, I knew what was available and what their value was. "I was in a position to help the club recruit without overspending so I spent a month with them late last year. http://www.dailytelegraph.news.com.au/common/story_page/0,5936,4897091%255E2771,00.html 13 August 2002 Chairman George Piggins talked with chief executive Paul Dunn and coach Craig Coleman to put across the board's views, which Dunn relayed to the players. Piggins said he believed Coleman still had the support of the players, but mooted the idea of a suggestion box so they could air any grievances in anonymity. "As I said, I was in no doubt that everyone was still going to have their job," Piggins said. "But there'll be a lot more pressure on everyone if we have another three weeks (like the past three), and that includes myself. "It's just we realise we were in a bit of a slump and we have to get out of it. "Somewhere along the line it's probably a mental thing with the players. "They have to start taking some of the responsibility as well as the management. "It's got to be relayed to the players that you are on the ones on the paddock and we expect more." http://au.sports.yahoo.com/020813/1/2q58.html South Sydney coach Craig Coleman was yesterday put on notice to win at least one more match this season or risk the sack. While the club has no plans to change coaches before next year, Rabbitohs president George Piggins warned Coleman after a meeting yesterday that his position would come under intense pressure if his team lost its remaining three games. The initial purpose of the two-hour discussion, which also involved Souths chief executive Paul Dunn, was to set a performance criteria for next season, but Piggins left no doubt last night that Coleman had little time to turn things around. "That goes without saying," Piggins said. "The players don't want to start next season on a six-game losing streak. "But let's just hope that Craig can win some of these games and get the pressure off because there's pressure on him and there's pressure on everyone at the moment." With the likes of Chris Walker, Ashley Harrison, Bryan Fletcher, Willie Peters and Justin Smith joining the club next year, the Rabbitohs are expecting an immense improvement in on-field fortunes after seemingly heading for the wooden spoon this year. But it is unlikely Coleman will be given long to turn the side into a competitive force next season, with support from the club's sponsors and fans already waning after their disastrous performances of the past two weeks, conceding 108 points. "Some people might think that he's entitled to run until the end of the season but it will be what's in the best interests of the club, and whether Craig's a mate or not I don't think that matters," Piggins said. http://www.smh.com.au/articles/2002/08/12/1029113896116.html South Sydney players have been told in no uncertain terms to start showing some pride as the club attempts to salvage something from the last month of its National Rugby League season. Chief executive Paul Dunn and coach Craig Coleman met with chairman George Piggins for two hours on Monday morning when they were told the club's board, fans and sponsors were unhappy with recent results. And Dunn relayed that message to the players this afternoon in the wake of successive hidings from Wests Tigers and Parramatta. Piggins denied anybody's job was under threat as a result of the club's late-season capitulation, but reiterated the pressure would continue to build unless results improved. "As I said, I was in no doubt that everyone was still going to have their job," Piggins said. "But there'll be a lot more pressure on everyone if we have another three weeks (like the past three), and that includes myself. "It's just we realise we were in a bit of a slump and we have to get out of it. http://onesport.nzoom.com/sport_detail/0,1278,123553-2-19,00.html South Sydney players have been told in no uncertain terms to start showing some pride as the club attempts to salvage something from the last month of its National Rugby League season. Chief executive Paul Dunn and coach Craig Coleman met with chairman George Piggins for two hours this morning when they were told the club's board, fans and sponsors were unhappy with recent results. And Dunn relayed that message to the players this afternoon in the wake of successive hidings from Wests Tigers and Parramatta. Piggins denied anybody's job was under threat as a result of the club's late-season capitulation, but reiterated the pressure would continue to build unless results improved. "As I said, I was in no doubt that everyone was still going to have their job," Piggins said. "But there'll be a lot more pressure on everyone if we have another three weeks (like the past three), and that includes myself. "It's just we realise we were in a bit of a slump and we have to get out of it. "Somewhere along the line it's probably a mental thing with the players. "They have to start taking some of the responsibility as well as the management. "It's got to be relayed to the players that you are on the ones on the paddock and we expect more." The Rabbitohs have capitulated in their two most recent outings against the Tigers and Eels, conceding 104 points. http://www.nrl.com.au/s2002/news/static/article_4242.asp BESIEGED South Sydney coach Craig Coleman last night spoke for the first time about the 48 hours of drama which has engulfed his club. Coleman, Piggins, chief executive Paul Dunn and sports psychologist Paul Smith held a two-hour crisis meeting from 9.15am yesterday at Souths Leagues Club. Piggins demanded answers following two dismal performances where the Rabbitohs have been beaten by a combined total of 104-4. Dunn then addressed the players under the Erskineville Oval grandstand at 4.30pm yesterday where he spoke of pride and spirit. Piggins claimed Coleman's job was safe - for now. But he then said: "Tugger's contract will be honoured but if we continue the recent performances we've dished up, Jesus Christ wouldn't be safe at Souths." Coleman told The Daily Telegraph last night about pressure he has endured since Souths were defeated 54-0 by Parramatta last Saturday night. http://foxsports.com.au/common/story_page/0,5000,4891222%255E5927%255E%255Enbv,00.html 12 August 2002 Souths president George Piggins has met with coach Craig Coleman and chief executive Paul Dunn in the wake of the club’s woeful recent results. The Rabbitohs were spanked 54-0 by Parramatta on Saturday night, a loss that followed another sound thrashing at the hands of fellow cellar dwellar Wests the week before, and Piggins told reporters the players will be told by Dunn that they need to perform better. "Somewhere along the line it's probably a mental thing with the players," Piggins said. "They have to start taking some of the responsibility as well as the management. "He'll (Dunn) let them know what's required of them. It's got to be relayed to the players that you are on the ones on the paddock and we expect more." Piggins added that unless the team starts at least performing at its best in the last weeks of the season, regardless of whether it wins or not, no member of the club, including himself, is safe from scrutiny. "There'll be a lot more pressure on everyone if we have another three weeks (like the past three), and that includes myself," Piggins said. "As I said I was in no doubt that everyone was still going to have their job. http://www.sportal.com.au/league.asp?i=news&id=29612 SOUTH Sydney chairman George Piggins will haul coach Craig Coleman and chief executive Paul Dunn to a crisis meeting today following two embarrassing defeats which have severely damaged the club's credibility. The Rabbitohs have been beaten by a combined score of 104-4 in their past two matches including a 54-0 loss to Parramatta on Saturday night. Piggins told The Daily Telegraph last night that Coleman would not be sacked but said the coach's future would be reviewed should the club start next season poorly. "We have a crisis here and we have to look at it and work on it," Piggins said of today's meeting. "The last two losses have brought a lot of pressure to bear on Craig and the whole administration. "It's no good getting four or five rounds into next year and we're still copping poundings like this. "If the fans start calling for someone's head we have to be realistic. "People will say I'm putting pressure on Craig but there has to be a cut-off point. You have to do something after two losses of this magnitude. "I can assure our supporters and sponsors that something is being done. "We have to ask how far can we go and what is in the best interests of the club." http://foxsports.com.au/common/story_page/0,5000,4880701%255E5927%255E%255Enbv,00.html SOUTH Sydney fans have clearly lost patience with the players and coaching staff. After being understanding about indifferent form early in the year when the Rabbitohs were readmitted to the big league after a two-year absence, supporters have had enough. That's the only conclusion that can be reached after reading comments from club loyalists on the Rabbitohs' official website yesterday. Here's a cross-section of what the fans had to say the morning after the thrashing by the Eels. "I feel that Craig Coleman's continual comments/excuses that we will do better next year when the new players arrive are hurting the team. It is like your boss at work telling you that you are hopeless at your job but keep doing it until your replacement gets here." http://www.dailytelegraph.news.com.au/common/story_page/0,5936,4881412%255E2771,00.html 11 August 2002 The Eels’ floundering season has been re-ignited with a 54-0 pummelling of a second-rate Rabbitohs line-up at Parramatta Stadium. Relief was the big word after the match as the Eels registered their first win since a round 13 defeat of the Brisbane Broncos at ANZ Stadium. But the overdue two competition points may have come at a cost with stand-in captain Brett Hodgson leaving the field in the second half with a suspected dislocated shoulder and hooker Daniel Irvine suffering a possible broken leg. The Eels stayed true to their poor form of recent weeks with some disjointed attack early, but their scrappy beginning was soon forgotten as they steadily gained confidence with each try. They went to the break leading by 22-0 and went on with it in the second half to give their poor attacking percentage a major boost. http://www.sportal.com.au/league.asp?i=news&id=29553 Finally, just when another loss would have put them out of the top eight, Parramatta cracked it for a win last night. But it came at a dreadful cost with fullback Brett Hodgson and hooker Daniel Irvine suffering potentially season-ending injuries. Hodgson has a suspected dislocated shoulder and Irvine a suspected broken ankle. Parramatta, who had lost six straight before this game, didn't have to play fantastic football to win so easily. South Sydney were woeful and wouldn't have troubled any team in the NRL. Melbourne's win over North Queensland earlier in the day put them one point ahead of Parramatta on the competition table and with StGeorge Illawarra playing the Northern Eagles today, the Eels would have been making way had they been beaten. Souths began the game well enough and found themselves deep in attack a couple of times during the early stages, but as soon as Parramatta posted the first try it was the beginning of the end. http://www.smh.com.au/articles/2002/08/10/1028158032986.html The Parramatta Eels have won their first NRL contest since beating the Broncos in Brisbane in round 13 by hammering Souths 54-0 at Parramatta Stadium. The Eels, despite their horrendous injury toll, made light work of wooden spoon bound Rabbitohs who continue their terrible run to end the NRL season. Parramatta, even understrength was a cut above Souths, the easy victory moving them back into seventh position on the NRL ladder. Brad Drew, playing at halfback, made the transition from hooker look easy, his kicking and passing game laying the platform for the Eels dashing win. Fullback and stand-in captain Brett Hodgson, who scored 18 points in 50 minutes, may be lost for the season after suffering what looked to be a dislocated shoulder. Back to back penalties from referee Shayne Hayne gave Souths first opportunity to put points on the board, but the weakened Eels defence- without captain Nathan Cayless and front row partner Michael Vella- was able to keep the tryline clear. Souths, as has been the case all season, struggled with their kicking game and missed a couple of very good opportunities to force the Eels to defend for consecutive sets of six. http://www.ozleague.com/matchreport.asp?matchid=106857 Parramatta recorded its biggest ever win over South Sydney - a 54-0 drubbing - to notch its first victory in two months in tonight's National Rugby League match at Parramatta Stadium. But Parramatta's injury woes continued with hooker Daniel Irvine suffering a suspected broken ankle shortly before halftime and stand-in captain Brett Hodgson leaving the field in the 56th minute with a shoulder injury. Hodgson, wearing the captain's armband in the absence of inured prop Nathan Cayless (hamstring), had a personal haul of 18 points before he went off. The Eels, whose last victory came against Brisbane in round 13 in early June, are now two points clear of the eight-placed Northern Eagles on the ladder but face competition leader the Bulldogs on Friday. Tonight's victory was an enormous confidence booster for the Eels and surpasses the club's 50-10 triumph over the Rabbitohs at Redfern Oval in 1978. The home side led 22-0 at halftime and Hodgson scored four minutes after the break to extend the lead to 28 points following his successful conversion. http://www.nrl.com.au/s2002/news/static/article_4225.asp Parramatta 54 Souths 0 PARRAMATTA's record win over South Sydney has gone a long way to restoring the confidence of a team in the doldrums but it came at a heavy price with NSW State of Origin fullback Brett Hodgson suffering a dislocated shoulder. Hodgson, wearing the captain's armband in the absence of injured prop Nathan Cayless (hamstring), had a personal haul of 18 points when he went off in the 56th minute of the National Rugby League match at Parramatta Stadium. It took some of the joy out of a comprehensive victory - surpassing the club's 50-10 triumph over the Rabbitohs at Redfern Oval in 1978 - but the bad news didn't end there. Daniel Irvine fractured his lower leg seconds before halftime when Hodgson scored the first of his two tries. The Eels also lost NSW prop Michael Vella to a knee injury before the match but both he and Cayless should be fit for Friday night's match against the competition-leading Bulldogs at Sydney Showground. "While Souths haven't dominated the competition by any means they've been very physical all season long so I really credit the boys that represented us tonight with doing a very strong job for us, and some of them in foreign positions," said Eels coach Brian Smith. http://foxsports.com.au/common/story_page/0,5000,4878067%255E5927%255E%255Enbv,00.html PARRAMATTA completed six of the blackest days in South Sydney's proud history last night and refloated their own season with their biggest win since the opening round in March. Winless for eight weeks, the Eels took out their frustrations on an inept Souths, scoring a record win over the Rabbitohs. In doing so, they inflicted the second 50-point hiding on Souths in less than a week – the Wests Tigers hammered Souths 50-4 last Sunday. That's 104-4 in two matches. "It has been a long, hard season for us," Souths coach Craig Coleman said. "It was very disappointing to lose by that much, but we have a few weeks to go and we will be playing for pride." The tackle-shy Rabbitohs played Parramatta back into form in a one-sided encounter, with the Eels racing in 10 slick tries in a perfect tune-up for Friday's summit clash with the competition-leading Bulldogs. But the win was soured by serious injuries to Origin fullback Brett Hodgson (dislocated shoulder) and hooker Daniel Irvine (suspected broken leg). Both players are expected to be ruled out for the season after medical examinations today, coming on top of an already crippling injury list. "That has certainly taken a fair bit of the gloss off the win," Eels coach Brian Smith said. "If the injuries are as bad as we suspect, they may both be out for some considerable time." http://www.dailytelegraph.news.com.au/common/story_page/0,5936,4878663%255E2771,00.html 10 August 2002 This weekend marks an exciting time for South Sydney's newest stars, John Olzard and Gerald Symonds. Both make their debut versus the Parramatta Eels this Saturday night and both come from vastly different backgrounds. The Gerald Symonds story is one that is rich in determination. Gerald actually played for the Rabbitohs in 1995 -96 in the Under 21's and Reserve Grade. The following year he wasn't graded and from 1998 to 2001 he turned out for the Moore Park Magpies in the local South Sydney Juniors competition. But Gerald always maintained the desire to play first grade football, and when the Rabbitohs were back in 2002, so was Gerald. Good form in the First Division has ensured that Gerald has been given a chance in the top grade this week. John Olzard hails from the Queensland town of Kingaroy, famous for it's peanuts and as being the home of Sir Joh Bjelke Peterson. John comes to the club from the Redcliffe Dolphins, having enjoyed considerable success over the last three years. http://www.souths.com.au/news/news.php?ID=110 9 August 2002 Saturday Night August 10th 2002 could be a very important night for Parramatta's hopes for the remainder of the 2002 season. Parramatta face a Souths side, who despite currently coming last and looking at a wooden spoon in their first year back in the NRL face, similar problems to those Parramatta have been forced to deal with this season. The Eels started this year a red hot favourites for the title after coming close in 2001 losing to the Knights in the Grand Final after being the stand out side for the previous 29 weeks. The Eels season has gone from bad to worse with injuries, suspensions, refereeing decisions and the draw all conspiring against the Eels as they have struggled to find any form or combination due to having to make continual and numerous changes each week. Parramatta must try and put everything that has happened behind them and concentrate on a Rabbitohs side hurting after suffering a 50-4 loss to fellow cellar dwellers the Wests Tigers practically handing the spoon to the Bunnies if they don't pull off a couple of late season upsets possibly starting with the Eels on Saturday Night. The last time Parramatta and South’s did battle at Parramatta Stadium it was advertised as the last game between the two clubs which South’s haven’t forgotten. Parramatta have only won 3 matches at Parramatta Stadium this year and haven’t won a game at home since beating the Cowboys 20-19 in round 8 of the competition. They will be desperate for a win especially after dropping last weeks game against Manly at Brookvale Oval, a match the Eels expected to win after a grueling 11 week battle against top 8 sides. The loss left the Eels just 1 point away from dropping out of the eight and possibly missing the finals for the first time since Brian Smith was appointed as head coach for the 1997 ARL Season. The match itself on Saturday has the promise of a absorbing battle of two side struggling with the circumstances of the 2002 NRL season. Earlier this year on a Monday Night at Aussie Stadium the Eels beat a gallant South’s side 22-16 with Nathan Hindmarsh proving the difference between the two sides scoring a 50 meter try late in the match to seal the win for the Eels. It was a much happier time for the Eels back then with the win against South’s sparking a 5 match winning streak and the selection of 5 players in the NSW Origin side. http://nrl.rleague.com/news/index.php?id=8089 8 August 2002 Dumped South Sydney captain Adam Muir will receive an official farewell from the club at the last home game of the season in three weeks after reassuring officials that he would be back at training today. After being dropped from first grade on Tuesday, Muir indicated he might have played his final game, having announced at the weekend that he was retiring at the end of the season. After meeting Souths chief executive Paul Dunn yesterday, Muir's manager Wayne Beavis said there had been a "misunderstanding". Dunn said Muir would train today and was available for selection next week after the club suggested he stand down from Saturday's match at Parramatta rather than play first division. Muir said: "I'll be at training tomorrow and take it as it comes next week." http://www.smh.com.au/articles/2002/08/07/1028157964414.html South Sydney has refuted claims that captain Adam Muir has already retired from the NRL, after being dropped from the first grade side to play Parramatta on Saturday night. A press release issued by Souths chief executive Paul Dunn late yesterday read: “Adam has been rested from training for the earlier part of this week and he will not take his place in any team for the club this weekend. “The club felt he did not deserve to play First Division at this stage of his career. “He will resume training with the club tomorrow and will fulfil his duties with the club for the remainder of the season.” Muir himself refuted the claims that he walked out on the Rabbitohs, saying that he will retire at the end of the 2002 season as planned. http://www.ozleague.com/news_article.asp?id=45163 Dumped South Sydney captain Adam Muir on Wednesday set the record straight - he has not walked out on the National Rugby League club. Not yet, anyway. The Rabbitohs moved quickly today to refute reports the veteran forward had retired, releasing a statement saying "the fact of the matter remains that Adam was dropped following the side's loss on Sunday to the Wests Tigers". "He will resume training with the club tomorrow and will fulfil his duties with the club for the remainder of the season," the statement said. Muir agreed, but also said he would retire at the end of the season. "That had been decided last week," Muir said. "I have got another year to run on my contract but, really, the way I'm feeling ... I'm starting to struggle a bit physically and mentally. "Being at my age - I'm 31 in December - if you're not mentally ready to go again for another year ... I've been thinking about it the last 10 or 12 weeks, talking to my wife and a few people about the way I'm feeling and I honestly don't think I could have went round for another year. http://onesport.nzoom.com/sport_detail/0,1278,122479-2-19,00.html AXED South Sydney captain Adam Muir will return to training with the Rabbitohs today after coming out of the shortest retirement in rugby league history. The experienced secondrower last night reversed his decision to walk out on Souths before the end of the season. His decision not to retire comes in complete contrast to his original choice to leave Souths after being dropped from the NRL on Tuesday. Muir will attend a Souths gym session at Erskineville Oval this morning with the rest of the Rabbitohs. "Missing this weekend is no good and I'm not that keen to do it but that's the way it's got to be," Muir said. "I have had a good career and I've achieved a lot so I can't be too bitter. "I'll be staying with Souths until the end of the season and the club have even agreed to try and help me find some work next year." Muir was told on Monday that he would be dropped from the team thumped 50-4 by Wests Tigers because of poor form. Coach Craig Coleman said he would not be required to play first division and should use the time to recover from niggling knee and ankle injuries. "I won't be playing any grade this weekend because I didn't play well last week," Muir said. "The club don't think I deserve to go back to reserve grade for a week so I'm just having a rest and then I'll take next week as it comes. http://www.dailytelegraph.news.com.au/common/story_page/0,5936,4861044%255E2771,00.html 7 August 2002 NRL South Sydney's place in the National Rugby League competition is not at any immediate risk, but competition backer News Ltd and the NRL appeared in the High Court yesterday to argue that the decision to exclude the Rabbitohs two seasons ago remained valid. While NRL/News Ltd have publicly declared that Souths' re-expulsion is not on the agenda, they believe their ability in the future to restructure the competition to ensure that it remains viable is hindered by the Full Federal Court's ruling that paved the way for the famous club's readmission. South Sydney, the winner of 20 premierships in its long history, was a victim of the truce between rival competition organisers, the Australian Rugby Football League and News Ltd's Super League. The warring parties agreed in late 1997 to merge their competitions for the 2000 season and to reduce from 20 (including Melbourne) to 14 the number of teams involved. Sixteen teams applied to join the 2000 competition, and Souths was one of those that missed out. In a light moment yesterday, the NRL's counsel agreed with Chief Justice Murray Gleeson that the effect of the merger agreement was to exclude not just teams already in the competition but all others, including "a group of enthusiastic barristers" who might have been dubbed known the "Legal Eagles". Immediately after its exclusion from the 2000 competition, South, led by former player George Piggins, launched legal proceedings in the Federal Court, saying the merger agreement breached the Trade Practices Act's prohibition on what are known as exclusionary clauses in deals between competitors. Its argument was that the purpose of the agreement was to prevent the supply of services (namely, involvement in a football competition) to a particular class of persons (ie, football clubs), including Souths. Its argument was rejected by a single judge of the Federal Court. However, 13 months ago a Full Federal Court ruled 2-1 in Souths' favour and the club was accepted into the NRL premiership competition in 2002. It is currently in last place. The NRL/News Ltd argument is that the merger was not designed to exclude certain clubs but to create a unified and sustainable competition. After a day-long hearing, in which the Australian Consumer and Competition Commission intervened, the five High Court judges reserved their decision. http://canberra.yourguide.com.au/detail.asp?class=sport&subclass=national&category=general%20sport&story_id=170171&y=2002&m=8 South Sydney captain Adam Muir’s unhappy season with the Rabbitohs may have come to a premature end after coach Craig Coleman dropped him from the team ahead of Saturday’s clash with Parramatta. Muir, the resurgent Rabbitohs’ first major signing a year ago, has been plagued by injury and has already announced that he will retire at the end of the season. The 30-year-old former Test player is just one of five changes to the side that suffered a humiliating 50-4 loss to Wests Tigers on Sunday, although one change was forced by the suspension of Scott Geddes. However it’s more serious for Muir than winger Joven Clarke and centres Russell Richardson and Andrew King, as he won’t be playing in first division, making his return for the remaining three premiership matches more difficult. Souths Chief Executive Paul Dunn conceded that Muir was upset with the decision, and explained that the club was reticent to play him in first division after a long and distinguished career in the premiership. "He's been dropped and we weren't really keen on him playing in reserve grade so we thought ... at this stage of his career and with what he's done we'd give him a week off," Dunn told AAP. "We had a chat with him but he was a bit upset. We'd like to see him go out in a good way. But he hasn't quit at this point." The replacements include local product Gerald Symonds, a back rower from Redfern, winger John Olzard and halfback Nathan De Bartolo, as Coleman looks toward next season - also not a good sign for Muir. http://www.sportal.com.au/league.asp?i=news&id=29471 Dumped South Sydney captain Adam Muir has set the record straight - he has not walked out on the National Rugby League club. Not yet, anyway. The Rabbitohs moved quickly to refute reports the veteran forward had retired, releasing a statement saying "the fact of the matter remains that Adam was dropped following the side's loss on Sunday to the Wests Tigers". "He will resume training with the club tomorrow and will fulfil his duties with the club for the remainder of the season," the statement said. Muir agreed, but also said he would retire at the end of the season. "That had been decided last week," Muir said. "I have got another year to run on my contract but, really, the way I'm feeling ... I'm starting to struggle a bit physically and mentally. "Being at my age - I'm 31 in December - if you're not mentally ready to go again for another year ... I've been thinking about it the last 10 or 12 weeks, talking to my wife and a few people about the way I'm feeling and I honestly don't think I could have went round for another year. "You've got to be true to yourself and fair to your club. There's no point doing it if you don't think you can. "I've been pretty lucky. I've had 10 years of first grade and that whole time I've been in the forwards and it's just taken its toll on my body." Muir has achieved more than most in the game, playing 182 first grade matches, 13 State of Origins for NSW, three Tests for Australia and won a premiership with Newcastle in 1997. Such a fine record is why the ball playing second rower won't suffer the ignominy of running around in first division this weekend, despite conceding he "wasn't playing well enough" to hold down his spot in the top grade. "I've never, ever gone back to reserve grade and they (Souths) didn't think I deserved to go back there, so that was good of them to think like that," Muir said. "At this stage of my career, with four games to go, I didn't think I deserved to go back. "I'll be at training (on Thursday) and take it as it comes next week." Muir, who will "definitely be at Parramatta Stadium on Saturday night" for Souths' clash with the Eels, and his wife Lucinda and two boys Charley and Oskar will move back to Newcastle at the end of the year. He is unsure what the future holds. "At the moment, I'm not too worried. I know something will pop up," he said. "I'm not going to start looking for work till after Christmas. I'm just going to have a break and sit back and enjoy it, something I haven't done for a long time. "Even though league has been a part of my life for a long time, I'm looking forward to retirement and picking up some sort of job for next year." Unlike many other footballers, Muir doesn't see himself as a coach or working in the media when he hangs up his boots. http://au.sports.yahoo.com/020807/1/2oae.html SOUTH SYDNEY moved into damage control last night following speculation that captain Adam Muir had walked out on the club after being dropped for Saturday's game against Parramatta. Muir, who told his team-mates last weekend he would be hanging up the boots at the end of the season even though he has another year to run on his contract, was the biggest name casualty as coach Craig Coleman took the axe to the side that was embarrassed 50-4 by Wests Tigers last Sunday. The former Australian second-rower was among four players dropped from the top grade squad, with Coleman also declining to play him in the first division team. Muir was told of his sacking at a Monday meeting with Souths chief executive Paul Dunn and Coleman and did not attend training yesterday. Dunn said there was no point in making a player of Muir's experience run around in reserve team football but was unable to say with conviction whether he would return and see out the rest of the season. "I think he's pretty upset a) that we lost and b) that he got dropped but that's where it's at," Dunn said yesterday. "He was just upset about it so he's gone away to think. He's having a week off to think about his game and things like that. He's just thinking about how he played last week. http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/common/story_page/0,5744,4853615%255E2722,00.html The South Sydney Rugby League Football Club would like to refute claims that Adam Muir has retired at this point. The fact of the matter remains that Adam was dropped following the side’s loss on Sunday to the Wests Tigers. Adam has been rested from training for the earlier part of this week and he will not take his place in any team for the club this weekend. http://www.souths.com.au/news/news.php?ID=109 The club felt he did not deserve to play First Division at this stage of his career. News Ltd never specifically targeted South Sydney to be excluded from the 14-team National Rugby League in 2000, the High Court heard yesterday. News Ltd is appealing against a decision by the full bench of the Federal Court last July that reinstated Souths into the NRL. Souths argued that an agreement between the NRL and the ARL was a breach of the Trade Practices Act because it restricted to 14 the number of teams eligible for 2000. But News Ltd's counsel, Anthony Meagher, told the court: "The legal significance only arises if those excluded were intended to be excluded. The question is, was it intended to operate in a way which was intended to discriminate in any way?" Meagher said none of the 20 clubs which sought admission to the NRL had an automatic right to be included. http://www.smh.com.au/articles/2002/08/06/1028157935121.html Rabbitohs deny claims Muir retiring National Rugby League (NRL) club South Sydney has rejected reports captain Adam Muir has decided to retire after being dropped to first division for Saturday's clash with Parramatta. Rabbitohs chief executive Paul Dunn says Muir has been dropped for this weekend only but will return to the top grade before retiring as planned at the end of the season. Newcastle Knights' front rower Josh Perry will appear as a witness before an NRL judiciary hearing tonight. In a controversial decision during Friday's game against the Dragons, referee Paul Simpkins placed St George Illawarra prop Luke Bailey on report for allegedly biting Perry on the arm. Souths prop Scott Geddes and Wests Tigers prop John Skandalis have pleaded guilty to careless high tackle charges and will both miss one match. http://www.abc.net.au/news/sport/rugbyleague/2002/08/item20020806080024_1.htm South Sydney chief executive Paul Dunn has deflected talk of a crisis in the NRL club's ranks after captain Adam Muir was dumped on Tuesday amid rumours he had played his last game of rugby league. Muir was the highest-profile victim as coach Craig Coleman wielded the axe in the wake of Sunday's embarrassing 50-4 defeat at the hands of Wests Tigers. The former Test forward, trumpeted as the club's first major signing last year, announced last week that he would retire at the end of the season and forgo a second year of his lucrative contract with the Rabbitohs. But the loss to the Tigers may now be his last game in the red and green colours, with Dunn conceding Muir was unhappy with Coleman's decision. "He hasn't quit at this point," Dunn said. "He's been dropped and we weren't really keen on him playing in reserve grade so we thought ... at this stage of his career and with what he's done we'd give him a week off. "We had a chat with him but he was a bit upset. But we'd like to see him go out in a good way." Muir has been given the weekend off and club officials concede he will not play again unless it is in first grade. http://onesport.nzoom.com/sport_detail/0,1278,122217-2-19,00.html A HEARTBROKEN South Sydney captain Adam Muir yesterday quit rugby league after being dumped to first division in the aftermath of last Sunday's 50-point thrashing from Wests Tigers. Muir, 30, made a plea to Souths officials not be chosen in first division just four games short of his retirement after 11 years of first grade football. Club officials then asked the veteran secondrower to stand down for this Saturday's match against Parramatta at Parramatta Stadium. "It is a bitter pill," Muir told The Daily Telegraph yesterday. "It is disappointing and I would like to have gone out in a semi-final but you don't always go out the way you want. "I've got four games left and didn't want to finish playing reserve grade (sic). There's nothing wrong with reserve grade but at this stage of my career, it's not the way I deserve to go out. "It wasn't much of a choice but I stood down. "So I have retired and played my last game of rugby league." http://www.dailytelegraph.news.com.au/common/story_page/0,5936,4855539%255E2771,00.html 6 August 2002 The fight over South Sydney's inclusion in the National Rugby League (NRL) is not over, with News Limited taking its fight to the High Court today. The South Sydney Rabittohs last year won a federal court appeal against a decision by the NRL to exclude them from a new look 14-team competition. Today, the company that runs the NRL, News Limited, was back in court to argue against the ruling that it had breached the Trade Pratices Act. The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission has also sought to intervene in the case, arguing any decision by the High Court could have competition implications. http://www.abc.net.au/news/sport/rugbyleague/2002/08/item20020806114417_1.htm South Sydney captain Adam Muir has announced that he will retire from the National Rugby league at the completion of the 2002 season. Muir, who turns 31 in December, doesn’t feel that his body can cope with the strain of playing any longer, and will end his career with one season left on his lucrative Rabbitohs contract. “This season will see me out,” said Muir. “I have had a fantastic career in a fantastic game, but all good things come to an end. “I’ve been thinking about this for about 12 weeks because it has been getting tougher for me to take both physically and mentally. "I spoke about it to my wife and a few people in rugby league who I respect and they all gave me the same advice.” http://www.ozleague.com/news_article.asp?id=45150 NEWS Limited never specifically targeted South Sydney Rabbitohs for exclusion from its 14-team National Rugby League competition in 2000, the High Court has been told. Advertisement News Limited is appealing against a decision by the full bench of the Federal Court last July that reinstated Souths into the NRL this year. Souths argued that an agreement between the NRL and the Australian Rugby League was a breach of the Trade Practices Act because it restricted to 14 the number of teams eligible to play in 2000. News Limited counsel Anthony Meagher today argued that placing a limit on the number of clubs which could play meant one or more clubs would be excluded. "The legal significance only arises if those excluded were intended to be excluded," he told the court. "The question is was it intended to operate in a way which was intended to discriminate in any way." Mr Meagher said none of the 20 clubs seeking admission in the NRL competition had an automatic right to be included. http://www.dailytelegraph.news.com.au/common/story_page/0,5936,4849900%255E5927,00.html 5 August 2002 Wests Tigers 50 South Sydney 4 THE wooden spoon was up for grabs yesterday and South Sydney played like they wanted it. It was an easy game plan: just halve the effort needed to win. The Rabbitohs were so poor that afterward coach Craig Coleman apologised to Souths fans. "That was just totally unacceptable," Coleman said. In the opposite corner Wests Tigers coach Terry Lamb had a little more bounce, aware what was at stake and had possibly been avoided. "What's a wooden spoon?" Lamb said. "That's what my mum used to hit me with when I was a kid, isn't it?" http://foxsports.com.au/common/story_page/0,5000,4839979%255E5927%255E%255Enbv,00.html Wests Tigers 50 South Sydney 4 SOUTH Sydney firmed as favourite to collect the dreaded wooden spoon following its 50-4 thrashing at the hands of Wests Tigers in today's clash at Aussie Stadium. The loss leaves the Rabbitohs anchored at the bottom of the NRL ladder on 12 points, behind Penrith on points difference after the Panthers went down to New Zealand Warriors today. It was the joint venture club's biggest victory in the NRL, surpassing its 38-6 win over the Northern Eagles last year. The Tigers raced to a 24-0 lead in as many minutes through tries to Ben Galea, Kevin McGuinness, Joel Caine and Hassan Saleh. The visitors exposed the Rabbitohs' defensive weakness on the left-hand side of the field, with centre Matt Seers enjoying the extra space. http://foxsports.com.au/common/story_page/0,5000,4837417%255E5927%255E%255Enbv,00.html 5 August 2002 SOUTH Sydney officials remain irate at the behaviour of Cronulla's two Shark mascots during Saturday night's match at Toyota Park. Souths claim the two Sharks stood in front of a section of Souths fans and performed distasteful acts on a toy rabbit. Some Souths fans wanted to jump the fence in anger. http://foxsports.com.au/common/story_page/0,5000,4824632%255E5927%255E%255Enbv,00.html 4 August 2002 South Sydney firmed as favourite to collect the dreaded wooden spoon following its 50-4 thrashing at the hands of Wests Tigers in Sunday's National Rugby League clash at Aussie Stadium. The loss leaves the Rabbitohs anchored at the bottom of the NRL ladder on 12 points, behind Penrith on points difference after the Panthers went down to New Zealand Warriors. It was the joint venture club's biggest victory in the NRL, surpassing its 38-6 win over the Northern Eagles last year. The Tigers raced to a 24-0 lead in as many minutes through tries to Ben Galea, Kevin McGuinness, Joel Caine and Hassan Saleh. The visitors exposed the Rabbitohs' defensive weakness on the left-hand side of the field, with centre Matt Seers enjoying the extra space. They continued their point-scoring spree in the second half through bustling forward Willie Manu, McGuinness - who bagged four tries - and Saleh. Souths did not score their first points until the 58th minute when lock Shane Rigon crossed. http://onesport.nzoom.com/sport_detail/0,1278,121589-2-19,00.html |
