By Adam Sheldon

Souths mentor Garrick Morgan said game management proved the difference in his side’s 15 point win over Sunnybank in the opening round of the Hospital Cup.

Morgan said the coaching staff had been hammering the importance of game management into the players all preseason after Souths’ disappointing end to the 2024 season.

“It’s really been the main message for the year – when we score a try, let’s get a few more on the board. In the past we have dropped off after scoring and let teams back into the game,” the former Wallaby told Rugby News.  

The philosophy was on show against Sunnybank, as Souths scored try after try to lead 29-0 at half-time, with the game – which was played in horribly wet conditions – all but wrapped up before the break.

“The players showed they have taken the advice on board. If you skip out to such a big lead, it’s hard to be caught. I thought it was a really good effort from our guys in some really challenging conditions,” the coach said. 

Big performances from key players

Morgan was full of praise for some key performers on Saturday.

“Lachlan Stewart is our number 10. His kicking game was on and he played really well,” he said. 

“Our foundation and our forwards were led by Trevor King. He stood up and kept the team in front. If we can keep getting big performances from these guys then it’s going to be good news for the season ahead.”

Winning start for Easts

Over at Easts, the Tigers destroyed Norths 37-10, in another game marred by rain and win. 

Easts head coach Simon Craig said his team executed their game plan perfectly. 

“All the lower grade games were called off, so it allowed us to play on a field which was actually in great condition,” Craig said. 

“We adapted to the weather. Our game plan was that we didn’t want the footy in our hands.

“We wanted to make them play with it, which would allow us to force errors, which we did. It’s a really boring way to win a footy game and we told the players that. Norths tried to do the same but they didn’t manage it as well. 

“We knew the first team which cracked would lose and ultimately, it was Norths. We didn’t crack and I’m really proud of the boys.” 

Other results saw Wests pip Bond 15-14 at home, while GPS trounced UQ 33-10 at St Lucia.

Morgan referred to the weekends results as “interesting” but said it was too early to make predictions about teams. 

“You can’t read too much into them,” he said. 

“The Wests and Bond game was way closer than everyone thought. GPS really controlled the game over Uni in their win. Easts from what I saw, looked really clinical. They relied on their forwards and it worked.

“But like I said it’s round one and it’s early. The teams who lost will be hungry next week.”

Reigning premiers Brothers had the bye.