Mitchell and Walker destroy Dragons in record win

Latrell Mitchell had scored a try and set up three others by the time the half-time siren mercifully sounded. One can only wonder how much further the Rabbitohs could have progressed in last year’s final series had their star fullback been at their disposal.

This was champagne Latrell; striding out in open spaces, holding the ball up for his support runners, threatening with every touch.

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The offload he produced for his side’s second try was the best of the lot; remaining vertical despite defensive attention, arms free until a teammate arrived.

No one benefited more than Walker.

“He was good,” Walker said during the telecast. “He played really well. He has this skill set that is unbelievable; you can’t coach that sort of stuff.

“When we complete our sets, we can showcase that. It was quite impressive, the completion rate in the first half was pretty good.”

Mitchell said his form was a reflection of the headspace he was in.

“I’m going well, everything is panning out the way I wanted,” Mitchell said. “I’m controlling what I can control in my life and my footy is talking for itself.”

Asked what his coach had required of him against the Dragons, Mitchell said: “Just an error-free game.”

Mission accomplished?

“I think I did that pretty well.”

This was as close as it comes to the perfect half of football. The statistics show as much; 21 sets in possession, 21 completions, six tries. If the Bunnies didn’t get to the last tackle, it’s only because they scored before they got the chance to do so.

Adam Reynolds even had the cheek to attempt an historic two-point field goal. By then, Wayne Bennett had seen enough. The superstar spine of Mitchell, Walker, Adam Reynolds, and Damien Cook were given early showers, an act of charity in the Charity Shield.

The onslaught couldn’t keep apace once replacements Blake Taafe, Benji Marshall, Dean Hawkins, Troy Dargan were introduced, but they still held their own. It was the first time the 40-point mark had been broken since the concept began in 1982.

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This was not the start Anthony Griffin was looking for in the Red V. Thus ends an off-season that has been overshadowed by the pursuit of Israel Folau, the antics of Corey Norman and the loss of skipper Cameron McInnes.

Things haven’t gotten any better once the action has shifted to the field. The new coach has overseen three trials for three losses. One of his only tryscorers for the night, winger Jordan Pereira, copped a heavy head knock while planting the ball over the line. New recruit Poasa Faamausili also failed to finish due to concussion. Norman is also likely to be sidelined for the season-opener against Cronulla.

A win against their arch rivals and all of this will be forgotten. Until then, this result will be difficult to forget.