Triumphant return for Tatola as new forward challenge awaits

While the post-match wash-up focused on the try scoring prowess of the outside backs, much of South Sydney’s success against the Broncos was due to their the efforts of their forwards, especially the huge output from their bench.

In his return from a knee injury, prop Tevita Tatola was outstanding; running for 192 metres after making his first appearance mid-way through the first half.

“I thought they were excellent, was really good to have Junior (Tatola) back today, we have been pretty light on in the forwards for the start of the season, but we are starting to get some troops back now,” Rabbitohs coach Jason Demetriou said after the game.

“Junior will get a lot out of that; he’s had a disrupted start, but he’ll get a lot of confidence out of that game.”

For Tatola, who was joined by fellow interchange forward Thomas Burgess with 188 metres, the match was a good way to return to the action.

“I felt good, I came off the bench so it sort of took the sting out of the first 20 minutes,” Tatola said.

“It looked pretty tough out there and then I just came on and just tried to do my job for the boys.

“I've been out for a couple of weeks and so have been a bit inconsistent, I haven’t been playing, having been in and out, so just want to put on the performance for the boys.

“I think it's takes a lot of patience with any injury … and I probably did come back a little bit early, so just happy to play the game out and get through with my injury.”

Man of the moment after the match Campbell Graham – who starred with a hat-trick – was also full of praise for the forwards and was glad to see Tatola return to the field in top form.

“I think the impact that they're having (has been great),” Graham said.

“It was good to have Junior back tonight, he is such a rock for us in the middle and he's just going to keep improving with the more game time he gets.

“I thought it was a great start for him tonight coming back from that injury.

“Hame Sele has been massive for us, Tommy Burgess, was huge again. All the boys, all those middles are doing a great job for us and you can feel their impact when they come on.”