Rabbitohs topple Panthers in hot, high-scoring affair

The South Sydney Rabbitohs have come out on top of the Penrith Panthers in a high scoring clash at Centrebet Stadium Penrith, in front of 12,940 spectators on a hot Sunday afternoon.

The scoring started early and quick with Souths up by 12-0 after 7 minutes. But after Penrith forced an error, they quickly caught up through tries to Sam McKendry and late replacement, Brad Tighe, to make it 12-all after 15 minutes.

The tries came from all around with Souths scoring tries through Everingham, Goodwin, Merritt and Inglis while David Simmons scored near half time to improve Penrith’s chances of a comeback in the second half. At half time, Souths were up 34-16.

The second half started a lot slower than the first. Numerous unforced errors and penalties occurred until Penrith broke Souths’ line in the 53rd minute through David Simmons to score his second.

Penrith then became more threatening and scored twice through Segeyaro and Naiqama to come within 2 points of Souths. But in the 78th minute, Souths broke the line with Ben Te’o who scored and wrapped up the game for South Sydney. Nathan Merritt completed the game with his 3rd try and a hat trick for the day.

SOUTH SYDNEY RABBITOHS (44)
Tries: Sutton, Merritt (3), Everingham, Goodwin, Inglis, Te’o
Goals: Reynolds (6/8)

PENRITH PANTHERS (32)
Tries: McKendry, Tighe, Simmons (2), Segeyaro, Naiqama
Goals: Walsh (4/6)

LeagueUnlimited.com Player of the match:
3: Greg Inglis
2: Nathan Merritt
1: David Simmons