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3 hours ago | Rhys Sullivan
Coming away with consecutive wins for the first time since the opening rounds, South Sydney have prevailed 34-24 over the Dragons in front of 12,054 fans at ANZ Stadium.
While the Rabbitohs completion rates will leave coach Michael Maguire concerned, an entertaining display from both sides will ensure Souths supporters celebrate as they move back inside the top eight.
Taking less than 90 seconds to get the scoreboard ticking, Dragons forward Jake Marketo was on the spot to capitalise for the visitors after an error from Tom Burgess inside his own half.
Working their way back into the contest, Bryson Goodwin celebrated his 150th NRL appearances by finishing off a nice backline movement to touch down in the 13th minute.
As South Sydney looked to maintain pressure on the Dragons, an overweighted kick from Adam Reynolds saw Tim Lafai race the length of the field from a 20 metre re-start. Subsequent penalty goals to Gareth Widdop allowed the visitors to establish a 12-4 lead ten minutes prior to halftime.
Needing to lift their intensity, the Rabbitohs looked to their playmakers to produce, as Greg Inglis delivered a sensational cut-out pass for Dane Nielsen in the 33rd minute, while a piece of individual brilliance from replacement fullback Cody Walker on the stroke of halftime saw Souths take a 14-12 lead into the change of ends.
A further penalty goal from Gareth Widdop minutes into the second half saw the scores leveled once again, but a quick response from Kyle Turner allowed the Rabbitohs to regain the lead in the 47th minute.
Trading further blows, Josh McCrone added a nice response for the Dragons shortly after by coming up with a fantastic kick that saw Kalifa Fai-Fai Loa cross in the corner.
With the game seeming for the taking for both sides, South Sydney ultimately proved too classy for St. George Illawarra, with further tries to Paul Carter (62nd minute) and a second four-pointer to Goodwin (74th minute) giving the home sde an unassailable lead.
A consolation effort to Will Matthews and a late Adam Reynolds penalty goal rounded out proceedings, as South Sydney prevailed 34-24.
For the Rabbitohs, a strong showing from Cody Walker at fullback added a new dimension to the sides stilted attacking showings in recent weeks, while Adam Reynolds became only the fourth South Sydney player to score 800 points for the club.
For the Dragons, greater attacking flair was on show as they registered their highest score of 2016, but in the end they were unable to overcome the power game of South Sydney.
Next week, the Rabbitohs have the bye in the lead up to Origin I, while the Dragons will be hosting a depleted Cowboys outfit on Saturday night in Wollongong.
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