Reynolds tips fireworks against Bulldogs

Forget the easter eggs, South Sydney game-breaker Adam Reynolds is predicting “fireworks” when the Rabbitohs clash with Canterbury in Good Friday’s NRL grand final sequel.

There will be no more of Sam Burgess impersonating Johnny Sattler and no premiership trophy awarded to the winners, but there’ll still be two heavyweight title challengers going hammer and tong at ANZ Stadium.

Reynolds personally can’t wait.

“You always want to play in these games. No doubt they’ll be ready to turn up and play and so will we,” the star playmaker said.

“It’s good to see we’re where at, both physically and mentally.

“They’re a big side and so are we, so no doubt there’s going to be a few fireworks on the night.”

Souths and Canterbury head into the match sharing equal second spot behind unbeaten Newcastle after four rounds with the Sydney Roosters and Brisbane.

The all-conquering Rabbitohs, who backed up their drought-breaking grand final triumph victory in the Auckland Nines and success in the Charity Shield and World Club Challenge, are on the rebound from a 29-16 loss to Parramatta last Friday night.

“We were disappointing last week and we’ve set out to prepare better this week and turn up a lot better and ready to play,” Reynolds said.

“We just need to hold on to the ball and not give silly penalties away. We just gave them way too much ball and they made us pay for it.

“I thought they were outstanding on the night and it’s all about us this week and getting back to those one-per-centers.”

The premiers were without Kangaroos centre Dylan Reynolds and John Sutton, Souths’ heart and soul and most-capped Rabbitoh of all-time, against the Eels.

“There’s no excuses there. We’re comfortable with whoever steps in,” Reynolds said.

“I thought Daryl Millard did an excellent job and Chris McQueen’s an Origin back-rower.

“We just got outplayed on the night and we’ll be looking to turn that around on Friday night.”

Long touted as a future State of Origin playmaker, Reynolds is also excited about coming up against incumbent Blues No.7 Trent Hodkinson.

“It’s always good to get out there and test yourself against the best,” he said.

“He was outstanding last year and he’s carried his form through into this year.”

Despite putting the Bulldogs away 30-6 in last year’s title match, the Rabbitohs know they are starting over again in 2015.

“That game’s past and it’s a whole different ball game this year,” said grand final tryscoring hero Alex Johnston, who will get the best of both worlds playing on the wing against the Dogs.

“I just love playing football – and watching it – and watching the forwards clash from the side, it will be a good game, a tight contest.”

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