Souths gave as good as they got and they used other types of questionable tactics that have not been put under the spotlight but are also a blight on the game. They need to learn that the markers must be square at all times ( in particular Cook) and that gang tacklers need to ALL release at once as the rule states, rather than peeling off one at a time . Walking off the mark is another one that they break with monotonous regularity. Handling the marker after the play the ball is also an issue as is the predilection of Sam Burgess to have a sly working over of the tackler with little niggly forearms.
Bennett always throws out a reason for his sides poor performance and always the reason is that they have not performed poorly, rather that the other side has been naughty and broken the rules to slow down his precious side. Play the ball averages were less than .5 of a second overall on average slower for Souths according to the NRL stats for the game.Actually .43 of a second different.
https://www.nrl.com/draw/nrl-premiership/2019/round-6/bulldogs-v-rabbitohs/
They had 56% possession having the ball in play for 6 minutes 44 seconds longer than us.Every single stat bar a few ( Tackles, bombs, kick defusal, missed tackles, errors, ineffective tackles, penalties)
The NRL issued the edict that referees were to officiate to the flow of the game after the penalty- thon of last year. Now Bennett has a hissy fit and it should all change again.
The NRL needs to address the main protagonist of the wrestle and the slow down and that is Melbourne.
A quick check of stats relating to Play the ball/ ruck indiscretions for Melbourne for the first six rounds with penalties awarded against as follows:
Leg pull: 2
Slow peel :7
Ball strip: 3
Working on the ground: 1
Grapple :2
Flop: 1
Hold down: 1
Crowding:1
Inside 10: 1
Interestingly they were NOT penalised for any such infringements when they played the Dogs. Looking at things they have been done for reinforces a comment I made on the Kennel relating to them breaking just about every rule in the book for the PTB/ruck in every game yet where is their warning?