7th Tackle: Player meeting inspired Madge to change

Adam Reynolds looked enthusiastic and ran the ball. Sam Burgess caused chaos out wide. And Alex Johnson was the beneficiary, coming within inches of breaking the club's record of five tries in a single match.

If you thought South Sydney looked like a different team against the Panthers last weekend, you're not wrong.

We've learned the renewed unit was result of a meeting between coach Michael Maguire and his players the week before, during which the team pleaded for less structure and more freedom.

MORE 7TH TACKLE:

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• Angry Todd Greenberg hits back at RLPA

• Bulldogs' brilliant parting gift for Reynolds

• The unsung hero in Pearce's resurrection

• Nick Cotric's big brother steps up

• Bradbury a good luck omen for Blues

Maguire listened to their concerns and decided to oblige.

South Sydney's attack has been criticised for being too predictable for years – right back to 2014 when they won the premiership and Wayne Bennett pointed it out publicly.

Long-time observers noticed huge changes last weekend as the Bunnies tore Penrith apart.

The question is whether the freer license will continue should Souths make a late charge for the top eight and feature in some pressure games over the closing weeks.