South Sydney Rabbitohs Captain Billy Brittain has followed up after his brief ten-minute stint in first-grade on Friday night to inspire his side to a 26-6 victory over the Newcastle Knights in the Canterbury Cup NSW just 14 hours later.
Although just playing 13 minutes in the Rabbitohs' 20-12 defeat to the Newcastle in their Round 13 NRL clash, Brittain proved a key figure in the victory with a customary Captain's knock at Metricon High Performance Centre on Saturday.
Brittain made his presence felt early in the contest with the opening try in just the third minute of play and believes his experience in the NRL across the last fortnight ensured a more calm approach to the Canterbury Cup NSW.
“It was good to come back and good to get around the boys again. It’s a bit more relaxed coming back to (Canterbury Cup NSW), I really enjoyed it today especially with the result that helped out,” he told NSWRL following the win.
Reflecting on the victory, Brittain stated the game was made more challenging in the dire Sydney weather but believes his side's gallant defensive efforts proved telling.
“It was really tough, pretty greasy conditions, wet weather footy and I’m pretty happy with our result. Our defence was awesome, it was something we spoke about a lot before the game and everyone bought into it. I thought all of our points came from our defence so that was really pleasing,” added Brittain.
The Rabbitohs were left without halves Dean Hawkins, who came off with a collarbone injury in last week’s win, and five-eighth Bayley Sironen who failed his HIA and didn’t return to the game.
Brittain praised Jack Johns' versatility off the interchange bench and believes his impact was crucial in the latter stages of the first half.
“They’re both in key positions (Dean Hawkins and Bayley Sironen) so it’s always challenging. We’re pretty fortunate we have Jack Johns who can fill in anywhere in the team.
He’s handy to have on the bench and he came on did his role, he didn’t have to go overboard and he did that and he’s done that for most of the year which is good.”
The South Sydney Rabbitohs will face the Penrith Panthers at ANZ Stadium next Saturday.
