Lang only frustrated with Rabbitohs
South Sydney coach John Lang's frustration with an under-performing stable of stars is clearly growing, but he says it's more likely others are angry with him.
The Rabbitohs blew a lead for the second week running to be none from two in 2011, while Lang was seen on television for the second straight week expressing his disgust at his side's performance.
Previously regarded as one of the game's more mild mannered types, the veteran coach seems determined to ensure the back end of his career is more bang than whimper.
"I don't think you've got any right to be angry," he told reporters after Souths' 28-19 loss to Canterbury at ANZ Stadium on Sunday.
"It's disappointment, frustration probably.
"In the end it's my job to get them playing well so other people might be angry with me."
The 60-year-old is off-contract at the end of the season and refuses to speculate on whether he wants to continue.
The choice might not be Lang's, though, if Souths, who have now slid to equal eighth favourites for the title, don't improve fast.
"I try and pick the best side each week but if your very best players don't play well, you've got to get them playing well," Lang explained.
"We had a number of players that didn't play well this week and we had a number of players didn't play well last week but they weren't the same ones.
"Players have to be consistent week-in week-out, that's our trouble."
Captain Roy Asotasi said the players took responsibility for capitulating losses to the Sydney Roosters and now the Bulldogs.
"We're the ones that are out there," he said.
"Johnny can only give us what we need to do out there and we're the ones that are actually running out there and playing.
"If we miss a tackle it's not John's fault, it's us."
The Rabbitohs are among four sides yet to open their account in 2011, joining the Warriors, last-placed Gold Coast and Cronulla, who take on St George Illawarra at Toyota Stadium on Monday night.
At the other end of the table, Newcastle sit top after proving their win over Penrith in round one was no fluke with a 34-22 away victory over North Queensland, but are praying Jarrod Mullen's sternum injury is not serious.
Melbourne's resurgence also continued in stunning fashion with a 40-12 mauling of the Titans.
The new-look Bulldogs have moved into second favourites for the premiership after two straight wins, coach Kevin Moore still able to see plenty of improvement.
"I wasn't overly impressed with the way we played," he said. "I think today's victory was more about a bit of spirit than quality football."
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