The Serve

Stewart and Menzies slice Souths

 South Sydney’s bold season has come to an end, losing to a rampant Manly 30-6 in their qualifying final at a packed Brookvale Oval

The pre-match rumours were confirmed when Souths co-captain David Kidwell was named on the bench, his first game since April 6. Dean Widders was shifted to the centres, with Shannon Hegerty removed from the 17. Kidwell entered the game ten minutes before half time.

In a helter skelter opening, which saw the Rabbitohs take the lead with a penalty goal, Steve Menzies was denied a try when he ruled to have been tackled short of the line, while a bizarre run of events led to Brett Stewart being denied a try.

An Eagles grubber was then kicked backwards by Souths half Joe Williams, who was attempting to clear the ball from the in-goal. The ball was grounded miraculously by Stewart. However, replays indicated Williams’ kick has ricocheted off referee Shayne Hayne, deeming the try null and void.

Manly finally got their try in the sixteenth minute. Menzies took on Ben Rogers and Williams, slicing through both to stroll over.

Another try seemed certain as giant forward Jack Afamasaga steamed onto a pass just one metre out. A ferocious Nigel Vagana hit sent the ball flying.

Souths had dodged yet another bullet.

The Rabbitohs attack left a lot to be desired, however a Williams speculative kick found a flying Paul Mellor in the 42nd minute to leave the match level.

Manly quickly responded, with their increased second phase play resulting in Dally M second rower of the year Anthony Watmough steaming over in the 51st minute.

Matt Orford was collected by Rogers after a chip kick, resulting in the Manly half laying on the ground for close to three minutes and a penalty against Souths.

That would be a key point.

A repeat set later, the Rabbitohs finally succumbed when Jamie Lyon spun out of tackle and found Brett Stewart who crossed for his second.

Stewart would land a hat-trick with a soft try in the 69th minute, as Souths’ brave run had finally come to an end.

Stewart was the man again with two minutes remaining, scorching down the right wing before kicking for Menzies, who claimed his second try.

“(The game) was a lot closer than that,” said Steve Menzies, who jumped into outright second on rugby league’s all-time try scorers list.

“Tough effort. Something we needed”

Watmough was an enormous influence on the match, as Manly’s forwards dominated.

“We knew that if we could grind them down, then we could get away with it.”

“Our forwards were massive today,” said Watmough.

The Sea Eagles get a guaranteed week off, something they will need with Chris Hicks and Glenn Stewart both suffering injuries.

Souths demise means the Bulldogs remain alive. The Dogs will need Melbourne to beat Brisbane tomorrow to ensure a second chance.