Alex Johnston brought up his 150th try for South Sydney Rabbitohs as they defeated Gold Coast Titans 30-16 on Saturday afternoon on the Gold Coast.
The Rabbitohs recorded back-to-back wins with a comfortable success against a spirited Titans side which was highlighted by Johnston's hat-trick and Tom Burgess' 200th game for the club which puts them sixth on the table.
On a bright afternoon, Souths attack were quick off the mark. Johnston finished off the movement from a cut-out pass from Cody Walker to make it 6-0 before Titans struck back through Greg Marzhew to make it 6-4.
From there, the Rabbitohs extended their lead to eight from a high kick. Ilias' bomb found a leaping Jaxon Paulo to easily bypass Marzhew and dive over the line to give them a healthly 12-4 lead at the break.
The visitors picked up where they left off in the 42nd minute. Once again, try-scoring maestro Johnston was given wide open space and he didn't need a second invitation to stride over the line to make it 18-4.
Back from Origin, Titans captain Tino Fa'asuamaleaui tried to inspire his side. He dived over from close range to bring them within eight points again then added another in the dying stages of the game for some consolation.
This game was all about milestones though. Johnston brought up his 150th in style. It was another slick backline movement from the Rabbitohs which gave him the room to stroll over and position the kick closer to the posts.
Taane Milne also got his name on the scoresheet with a close range effort. Goal kicker Kodi Nikorima had a wonderful afternoon with the boot kicking five from five from the tee which gave us the final scoreline of 30-16.
There were whispers of a huge defeat today would spell the end of Titans coach Justin Holbrook, so it will be a tense wait for him after another loss at home for a Titans team which should be doing better than they are.
For the Rabbitohs, they have moved into sixth spot on the NRL ladder after their seventh win of the campaign. Next up for the Rabbitohs is a Thursday night clash against the struggling St George Illawarra Dragons while the Titans face the high flying Cronulla Sharks.