South Sydney Rabbitohs won back-to-back games in their 46-12 win against Gold Coast Titans at Robina Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
It was a big statement win for the Rabbitohs who picked up back-to-back wins for the first time in the 2024 season and it was built off the work from their spine players led by Latrell Mitchell and Cody Walker.
The Rabbitohs showed their intent from the opening set where they went nearly the full length. It took them eight minutes to get on the board when Damien Cook stepped through and sent Latrell Mitchell over.
They continued to march forward with the ball, making metres at ease. Cody Walker provided a superb ball to find Jacob Gagai who had acres to roam on the wing and touched down for 10-0.
Gold Coast Titans hit back with a spectacular effort of their own. Alofiana Khan-Pereira was released down the wing, he turned the defenders inside out before getting the hosts on the board.
At points, this game felt like a basketball game with the up and down nature of the football. Souths had the better finish with some quick hands put Richard Kennar over for 16-6.
The Rabbitohs led 22-6 going into half-time after a precise kick. It was placed well enough to force Alofiana Khan-Pereira to spill it right to Walker who got an easy score.
Both sides had opportunities early in the second half to strike. Michael Chee-Kam had a score chalked off due to an error while Beau Fermor went closest for the Titans but the Rabbitohs defense held firm.
It was a banner afternoon for Mitchell who might have staked his claim for a New South Wales spot. This time, he played provider for Thomas Burgess to rumble over from close range for 28-6.
Souths kept piling on the points late in the contest. Jack Wighton had the Titans line retreating with a strong carry then Peter Mamouzelos engaged the markers before Davvy Moale crashed over.
David Fafita had a running battle with Walker all afternoon. The big man got some personal revenge with a rampaging run which saw him bump off the five-eighth to score.
The Rabbitohs put the icing on the cake late in the contest. Chee-Kam had another effort ruled out by the bunker but a few tackles later, Wighton was able to get it down and we got a ceremonial conversion from Jai Arrow to make it 40-12.
They had one final shot to throw at the tired Titans defence who had given up the ghost. The kick fell to Wighton who invented a pass to Walker who strolled over for his second of the afternoon.