NRL 2025: what you need to know
46 days ago | LeagueUnlimited Media
The South Sydney Rabbitohs have notched up their eighth win of the season after a 28-14 victory over fellow bottom eight side the Canterbury Bulldogs in front of just over 8,000 fans at ANZ Stadium.
The Rabbitohs crossed after just six minutes when Adam Reynolds saw an opening after a defensive error from Brenko Lee and with a long pass to Bryson Goodwin the Bunnies had the opening points with the first try. The Bunnies then crossed again soon after but needed the Bunker to uphold Gavin Badger's live decision of try on an effort from Aaron Gray. However the bunker with the advantage of technology found that Aaron Gray hadn't got the ball to the ground and the ruling was no try.
The Rabbitohs then piled on the pressure but just couldn't turn the pressure into points with passes going to ground, kicks not quite hitting the target or just play breaking down. The 24th minute saw the Rabbitohs put on their second try when Damien Cook burst through the Bulldogs defensive line and unlike Angus Crichton minutes earlier, Cook found a support runner in Alex Johnston who scored untouched under the posts for a 12-0 following Reynolds conversion.
The Rabbitohs pushed the lead out to beyond a converted try in the 33rd minute before the Bulldogs brought it back to a 12 point game. The Bulldogs took a questionable penalty goal after Gavin Badger penalised the Bunnies for being offside after the half time siren, after Stanley's goal it was a 14-2 ball game at half time.
The penalty goal looked to be a genius move for the Bulldogs early in the second half with the Bulldogs scoring just 70 seconds into the second half. The Bulldogs first try came thanks to an error by Bryson Goodwin who put down a Matt Frawley kick and the ball found it's way to Chase Stanley who scored the try.
The closing of the gap didn't last long with Souths scoring in the next set after a Bulldogs error gave the Bunnies great attacking position which they took advantage of Brenko Lee being caught out of position again and this time it was Alex Johnston who got the advantage of it. The Bunnies then crossed again just two minutes later when Adam Reynolds used the hands on the last and a long flat pass found Aaron Gray who scored through a gap bigger than Sydney heads.
Just after the hour mark, James Graham showed his fight and tenacity and he put on a step to get through to the line and score the Bulldogs second of the night with a hint of controversy with some suggesting Graham knocked on whilst grounding it but onfield Gavin Badger pointed to the spot straight away.
The Rabbitohs added another penalty goal with just under 15 minutes to go and crossed a few minutes later only for it to be called back with the bunker agreeing with Gavin Badger's live no try call on an effort fom Angus Crichton.
Next weekend, the Rabbitohs are at ANZ Stadium again this time hosting the New Zealand Warriors in the early Friday game meanwhile the Bulldogs get a long break when they host Manly on Sunday at ANZ Stadium.
South Sydney Rabbitohs 28 - Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs 14
Venue: Accor Stadium, Sydney Olympic Park / Wanngal
Crowd: 8247
Halftime Score: South Sydney Rabbitohs 14 Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs 2
LeagueUnlimited.com Players of the Match:
3 points - Adam Reynolds
2 points - Thomas Burgess
1 points - David Klemmer
SOUTH SYDNEY RABBITOHS (28)
Tries: Bryson Goodwin, Alex Johnston (2), Aaron Gray
Field Goals:
Conversions: Adam Reynolds (4/4)
Penalty Goals: Adam Reynolds (2/2)
CANTERBURY-BANKSTOWN BULLDOGS (14)
Tries: Chase Stanley, James Graham
Field Goals:
Conversions: Chase Stanley (2/2)
Penalty Goals: Chase Stanley (1/1)