They say that defence wins games in the NRL, and Souths are doing their chances of backing that up no harm – after a solid defensive display kept the Newcastle Knights at bay, as the Redfern side won 18-6 at ANZ Stadium.
Although the game may well be remembered for a try-saving tackle by Greg Inglis on Akuila Uate, as well as a controversial Darius Boyd try – it is the defensive efforts that Souths should be pleased by, as they brace themselves for finals footy.
“What was thrown at us and how hard the boys worked for each other, that’s how you’ve got to play over these next few weeks and it’s really pleasing to get that hit-out,” he said.
With the game in the balance, it was a tremendous try-saving tackle from Greg Inglis on Knights powerhouse Akuila Uate, that almost single-handedly secured the game for the Bunnies.
“Unbelievable. Greggy is able to do those things for his team over and over again and the excitement he has playing for this team and playing for his teammates is the most pleasing thing about Greggy at the moment,” Maguire said.
Whilst Knights coach Wayne Bennett was pleased with the way his side played and their overall desire, he knows that they have a lot of work to do in 2013, after falling two wins short of the top eight.
“We’re just a little bit off the pace compared to the top teams and they didn’t try any harder than us tonight, they weren’t any more committed than we were, they just did things a little bit better than we did,” Bennett said.
“That’s the difference, but we’re bridging the gap and we’ll get it right.”