A dominant second half has helped the South Sydney Rabbitohs defeat the Gold Coast Titans in a high scoring affair.
Result
South Sydney Rabbitohs 46
Tries: Keaon Koloamatangi (14), Alex Johnston (17, 36, 48), Campbell Graham (44), Cody Walker (56), Richie Kennar (73), Hame Sele (76)
Goals: Blake Taafe (15, 37, 45, 57, 71, 74, 77)
Gold Coast Titans 28
Tries: Iszac Fa’asuamaleaui (7), Chris Randall (10), Alofiana Khan-Pereira (22), Jojo Fifita (40), Tino Fa’asuamaleaui (79)
Goals: Tanah Boyd (8, 11, 23, 79)
Report
A few changes before kick-off saw Origin stars David Fifita and Tino Fa’asuamaleaui shift to the bench for the Titans, and Cameron Murray shift to the bench for the Rabbitohs. The Titans had a mountain of possession early and made the Rabbitohs pay. First, Tanah Boyd took on the line and setup a try for Iszac Fa’asuamaleaui. Just minutes later, they had their second try when Chris Randall ran from dummy-half and burrowed over under the posts.
Despite trailing by 12, there was no panic from the Rabbitohs. They eventually got their opportunity and cashed in. In back-to-back sets, they scored two tries through Keaon Koloamatangi and Alex Johnston respectively. Sensing momentum had swung, a strong set in response from the Titans ended in a try to Alofiana Khan-Pereira, extending their lead back outside a converted try. Continued ill-discipline from the Rabbitohs kept the Titans on the attack.
However, fatigue began to set in, and both sides leaked further points. Alex Johnston grabbed his second try, but in response the Titans scored through Jojo Fifita on the stroke of halftime to take a 22-16 lead into the break.
After halftime, the high-scoring theme from the first half continued. Following a contentious penalty, the Rabbitohs levelled the scores when Campbell Graham grabbed a try off a Blake Taafe kick. Another quick try followed, this time a Cody Walker pass helped Alex Johnston complete his hat-trick. With the Rabbitohs taking the lead, they continued to dictate terms.
Riding a surge in momentum, Damien Cook created a linebreak for Cody Walker, and the Rabbitohs five-eighth found his way over for a try. The following period of play saw several errors in a row from the Titans, which snuffed out any chance of a comeback. Late tries to Richie Kennar and Hame Sele were the knock-out blows for the Rabbitohs, as they cruised to a dominant 46-28 win.
The Rabbitohs win was soured by injuries to Origin stars Jai Arrow and Cameron Murray, who both look set for stints on the sideline.
PLAYER OF THE YEAR POINTS
Embed from Getty Images3 – Cody Walker (South Sydney Rabbitohs)
2 – Alex Johnston (South Sydney Rabbitohs)
1 – Damien Cook (South Sydney Rabbitohs)
