The South Sydney Rabbitohs spectacularly launched their National Rugby League title defence with a thumping 36-6 win over the Broncos in the season opener in Brisbane on Thursday.
The World Club champions outscored the Wayne Bennett-coached Broncos five tries to one with scrum-half Adam Reynolds kicking eight goals from eight attempts, the last kick a 51-metre effort that sailed over the crossbar after the final siren.
It was a dominant first-up match for the Rabbitohs with superstar Greg Inglis, Reynolds, standoff Luke Keary, Kiwi hooker Issac Luke and new signing Glenn Stewart making impressive contributions.
South Sydney's greater attacking variety under the meticulous coaching of Michael Maguire, with backrower Stewart adding distributing skills lacking in last year's championship pack, was too much for the Broncos, still finding their feet under Bennett.
Souths led 10-2 at half-time but branched out in the second half with a series of attacks that showed how much they have progressed from last season.
The Rabbitohs are bidding to become the first side since the Broncos in 1992-93 to successfully defend the title in a unified season.
South Sydney will have to do without English Test forward Sam Burgess, who has switched to rugby union with Bath.
Burgess was the NRL's most influential player last year and claimed the Clive Churchill medal in Souths' first championship title in 43 years in their grand final victory over Canterbury.
Source: AFP
