Rabbitohs ravage toothless Tigers

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Wests Tigers v South Sydney Rabbitohs

A first half demolition has paved the way for the South Sydney Rabbitohs to move into third position with a 38-22 victory over the Wests Tigers. 

Scoring seven tries to four in their first appearance at Leichhardt Oval since 2007, the Rabbitohs were never troubled in a match played behind closed doors due to COVID-19 restrictions. 

Keeping the scoreboard ticking over during the opening exchanges with tries to Taane Milne (2nd minute) and Cody Walker (8th minute), a third four-pointer to Alex Johnston (16th minute) put the visitors up 16-0 in equal time. 

Appearing to extend the lead after Adam Reynolds strolled through the Tigers' non-existent goal-line defence, the Rabbitohs captain had a moment destined to end up on blooper reels for years to come by putting his foot on the dead ball line before grounding the ball. 

Resuming the flow of points with Johnston (29th minute) claiming his second to draw level with Josh Addo-Carr as the league's leading try-scorer, a fifth try to Campbell Graham (33rd minute) sent the foundation club to the sheds up 26-0. 

Content to play out the second half at a lesser intensity, the Rabbitohs were made to pay for a poor defensive read from Milne as Adam Doueihi (46th minute) raced into open space to avoid the ignominy of a shutout. 

Giving the faintest impression of a comeback after a determined charge from Daine Laurie narrowed the margin to 26-10, that was as close as it got as Graham (66th minute) embarrassed the home side with a gliding run off a scrum. 

Posting a consolation effort through Doueihi (69th minute) only for Cameron Murray (72nd minute) to respond minutes later, a length of the field intercept from David Nofoaluma (76th minute) rounded out a bitterly disappointing afternoon for the joint venture. 

Next week, the Tigers will lick their wounds during the bye, while the Rabbitohs will face the Cowboys on Friday evening at Stadium Australia.