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According to Andrew Johns, the highly anticipated Good Friday face-off between the Rabbitohs and the Bulldogs could be significantly influenced by the emotional presence of South Sydney’s beloved Nathan Merritt, who is currently battling serious illness.
This week, Merritt shared his heartfelt story following a diagnosis of stage four oesophageal and liver cancer.
The Rabbitohs legend has been invited to ring the club’s Legacy Bell, marking what is expected to be a moving moment before kickoff on Friday. He has indicated that this may be his final NRL match, having been given about a year to live.
Nathan Merritt during his time with the South Sydney Rabbitohs Brett Hemmings via Getty Images
On the Wide World of Sports program Freddy and the Eighth’s Tips, Johns expressed that the players’ emotional drive could provide Souths with a significant advantage.
“That will motivate South Sydney,” Johns stated. “It might be worth a couple of tries.”
He further expressed confidence in the Rabbitohs showcasing their explosive attacking capabilities in the afternoon, as pleasant weather is expected.
The annual Good Friday showdown between the Rabbitohs and Bulldogs has become a must-see event on the NRL calendar, drawing large crowds from both fanbases. Last year, over 65,000 spectators gathered for the match.
“If there’s a team that thrives in daylight on a quick surface, it’s definitely the Bunnies,” Johns remarked.
“This is an interesting matchup because you’ve got the Bulldogs who pour 60 per cent of their efforts into defence, while Souths focus 60 per cent on their attack. To win this game, you’re likely looking at needing to score 24 to 30 points. I can’t envision the Dogs reaching 24 points.”
Both Johns and Brad Fittler predicted a victory for the Rabbitohs.
In his column in The Sydney Morning Herald on Thursday, Johns elaborated on the Bulldogs’ struggles in attack, noting that Lachlan Galvin must refine his game to help the team score more effectively.
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Bulldogs half Lachlan Galvin. Getty
“From each location on the field, Galvin can simplify Canterbury’s attack by sticking to a singular offensive shape,” he noted.
“Whether that involves a middle play with a 6-4 split, or shifting the ball across the field, focus on one attack formation.
“Utilise your edge runners, your forwards, and your spine players operating from that singular pattern, and you can always create varying options from it.”
Johns remarked that there is a distinct contrast in styles between Galvin’s play and that of Rabbitohs playmaker Cody Walker.
“The head-to-head clash between Cody Walker and Lachlan Galvin speaks volumes. One plays his game with confidence and is my absolute favourite to watch,” he stated.
“The other, keep in mind, is only 20 and is still finding his way in the game and figuring out how to involve his key players.”
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