HITS AND MISSES OF THE NRL GRAND FINAL
CANTERBURY:-
1. SAM PERRETT – Winger-cum-fullback again did not let anyone down. Solid when tested under the high ball. Dogs reportedly shopping around for a No.1 for 2015 but no one could have stopped the late Rabbitohs onslaught. 7.5
2. COREY THOMPSON – Former Qantas baggage handler never really got into full flight mode. Still, the pint-sized winger who started his Dogs career on a train and trial promise did not look out of place in big show. 6
3. JOSH MORRIS – Looked to have aggravated troublesome left knee when tackled mid-air in first half. That was the only alarm bells the NSW centre sounded in a muted display that included knocking on over the line in first half. 5
4. TIM LAFAI – Mountain of work in defence for the Samoan-born, ex-Kiwi resident but he was unable to press Aussie Four Nations claims with just 36 metres from 10 touches. 5
5. MITCH BROWN – Famously copped a vicious on-field spray from James Graham in semi-final win over Manly – and may receive another after appearing outclassed in final with just 48 metres in 11 runs. 5
6. JOSH REYNOLDS – NSW Origin five eighth his best to spark the Dogs with a first half 40-20, his grubber set up Tony Williams’ second half try but he was put on report for a 72nd minute high shot. 7
7. TRENT HODKINSON – Shared captaincy honours with James Graham after Mick Ennis was ruled out but had injury-troubled lead up and was unable to lead from front. Very quiet. 5
8. AIDEN TOLMAN – Unsung hero in Dogs forward pack. 109 metres. 31 tackles. Enough said. 7.5
9. MOSES MBYE – Last minute injection at hooker for injured captain Mick Ennis, he battled manfully with 29 tackles by halftime and 44 at final whistle. 6.5
10. JAMES GRAHAM (capt) – The saying ‘use your head’ has been given a new meaning by bruising Pom. Head clash in game’s opening tackle appeared to break Sam Burgess’ cheekbone. Head clash in 68th minute knocked David Tyrrell out cold. In all the human battering ram notched 101 inspiring metres. 8.5
11. JOSH JACKSON – No frills. Rock solid. Heavy hitting forward notched 36 tackles in relentless display. 6.5
12. TONY WILLIAMS – Made big metres but also made a lot of errors. Scored 49th minute try off Josh Reynolds kick. 5.5
13. GREG EASTWOOD – Kiwi forward disappointing with 48 metres from six touches. 5
Interchange:
14. TIM BROWNE – The player they called the Metal Man almost tested his mended fractured skull when he appeared to lunge toward injured Sam Burgess in scrum. 5
15. DALE FINUCANE – Lucky not to be sin binned for first half professional foul with play the ball infringement with Sam Burgess metres from the line. 5
16. DAVID KLEMMER – Mooted Four Nations bolter for Australia was rock solid off bench with 64 metres and 19 tackles. 6
17. FRANK PRITCHARD – The biggest impact he made came last week when he accidentally fractured Ennis’ foot in preliminary final against Penrith. 5
SOUTH SYDNEY
1. GREG INGLIS – Came alive with 70m run in 25th minute, and didn’t look back. Broke tackles – and as a result, Bulldogs hearts – to notch 241m. Capped it off with 80th minute try. Almost made 21st title worth the wait for long suffering Rabbitohs fans. Almost. 9
2. ALEX JOHNSTON – Boom rookie continued remarkable season by scoring in 20th minute – his 21st in 18 games – and racking up 116m. 7
3. DYLAN WALKER – Tag teamed brilliantly with Auva’a, always looked dangerous. 7
4. KIRISOME AUVA’A – Could have been a cautionary tale after off-field drama this season but young centre capped a fairytale with 73rd minute try. 7
5. LOTE TUQIRI – Oldest man in NRL looked like a spring chicken when looked to have opened scoring in 6th minute from a Sam Perrett spill before being denied due to Adam Reynolds high shot on the Bulldogs No.1. 6.
6. LUKE KEARY – Again showed versatility when he shared hooking duties. Provided spark for Johnston’s first half try. No wonder Queensland blew up about losing him to NSW on Origin eligibility. 7.5
7. ADAM REYNOLDS – Biggest impact loomed as the high shot he put on Perrett that disallowed South Sydney’s sixth minute try but asked plenty of questions in attack, peppering Dogs with kicks. Scored 78th minute try from John Sutton kick. 7
8. GEORGE BURGESS – His brother Sam may be a hard act to follow but he did his best. Just like Sam he copped a first half headknock and even left field but showed no sign of slowing down, scoring trademark 56th minute barnstorming try. Oh, and notched 206m. He’s no Sam Burgess, but. 8.5
9. APISAI KOROISAU – Looked out of breath early in first NRL game in two months as Issac Luke’s replacement but warmed to task. Amassed 26 tackles. 7
10. DAVID TYRELL – In all sorts after nasty head clash with James Graham in 68th minute, bringing an abrupt halt to his remarkable season run in which he played in every game. 6
11. BEN TE’O – More of the same from hard hitting Queensland backrower – 135m, 33 tackles. 8
12. JOHN SUTTON – Rabbitohs captain did his best to inspire. Gleefully joined in when levee broke late in match and South Sydney ran amok in attack. 7
13. SAM BURGESS – John Sattler was a tough nut. This bloke may be tougher. Broke cheekbone in game’s first tackle. Not that you could tell. Only cried when reality of Rabbitohs’ first title in 43 years sunk in. No prizes for guessing who won the Clive Churchill Medal. 9.5
Interchange:
14. JASON CLARK – Former Rabbitohs under 20 captain tried to lead from the front off the bench, notching 26 tackles. 6
15. KYLE TURNER – Limited game time off the bench. 5
16. CHRIS MCQUEEN – Queensland backrower added spark in grand final cameo. 5.5
17. THOMAS BURGESS – What is in the water at the Burgess’ home town in England? Another barnstorming effort by a Burgess boy. Notched 181m and 25 tackles but on report for a shoulder charge. 7.5
