NRL: Rabbitohs on the slide

Sharks and Rabbitohs players cuffle during the NRL Elimination Final match between the Cronulla Sharks and the South Sydney Rabbitohs at Allianz Stadium. Photo / Getty Images.

Yesterday's 28-12 defeat to Cronulla was South Sydney's fifth loss from their last six starts, and the signs have been clear for some time that the reigning premiers have struggled to match the standards and reach the levels of performance that saw them dominate the NRL last year.

The Rabbitohs fought hard to the end and did well to post two late tries but Michael McGuire's side looked tired and jaded after a long season attempting to defend their 2014 title.

The loss of John Sutton, Issac Luke and George Burgess to injury and suspension saw their forwards struggle against an experienced Cronulla pack containing a potent blend of size, power, aggression and skill.

Compared to the likes of Cronulla's man of the match back-rower Wade Graham, captain Paul Gallen, scheming hooker Michael Ennis, and the relentless Luke Lewis, the Rabbitohs forwards looked one-dimensional.

Their forward struggles again highlighted how badly the Rabbitohs have missed the dynamic power of rugby converts Sam Burgess and Ben Te'o this year, and against the Sharks they failed to make an impression.

Normally they might be able to assert themselves through brute force, but the Sharks hard-hitting front-rowers Chris Heighington and Sam Tagataese and bench man Andrew Fifita, kept their opposites in check.

If not for the inspirational efforts of captain Greg Inglis just to get on the park, after struggling following knee surgery a fortnight ago, the Rabbitohs would likely have suffered a much larger defeat.

Meanwhile, the Sharks impressive form has won them the support of many neutral observers, as they seek to win their first premiership after joining the competition way back in 1967.

Behind their impressive forwards, last year's wooden spooner's possess experience in key positions, with Jeff Robson at halfback, and fullback Michael Gordon, while Rookie of the Year contender Jack Bird provides some youthful exuberance from five-eighth.

They face a tough task in Saturday's semi-final up in Townsville against a North Queensland Cowboys side hurting after Saturday's narrow 16-12 defeat to the Brisbane Broncos, but the Sharks will go forth with confidence after winning both their home and away games between the two teams this season.

However, Ennis faces a nervous wait after he was placed on report for a swinging arm on Rabbitohs back-rower Chris McQueen in the 68th minute.

The No9 has a prior similar incident after a swinging arm cost him his place in the State of Origin decider and any charge will attract loading.

An early guilty plea could see Ennis escape suspension if charged with a grade one high tackle, but anything higher would be a concern.

Meanwhile, Friday night's semi-final will see minor premiers the Sydney Roosters use their second-life after they were upset 20-18 by Melbourne Storm in the Friday's opening qualifying final.

The Roosters went in as strong favourites but were put off their game by a committed Storm outfit, and they will now look to try and halt the Canterbury Bulldogs' six-game winning run.

The Roosters will be primed to reassert their title credentials and the Bulldogs will also want to improve after another unconvincing effort in Saturday's 11-10 Golden Point win over St George-Illawarra.

They again lacked fluency without injured No7 Trent Hodkinson, and have judiciary concerns, after both Frank Pritchard (knees) and Sam Kasiano (crusher tackle) piled on top of Dragons playmaker Gareth Widdop.