Undermanned Bunnies survive scare against Dogs in thriller

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South Sydney Rabbitohs v Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs

The South Sydney Rabbitohs have outlasted the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs 32-24 in a seesawing affair full of twists. 

From an all-time brain fade from Lachlan Lewis to a slick set play from the Bulldogs, this game continued to deliver shocks. 

Lewis is off-contract at the end of the year and showed both his best and worst sides in the opening half.

A desperate attempt in defence from Lewis forced Taane Milne to drop the ball with a try begging but then went on to produce one of the craziest moments of the season. 

With the Bulldogs leading 12-10 at the break and the halftime siren having already sounded, Lewis walked off and exchanged a few words with Cody Walker.

Lewis then inexplicably tackled Walker to the ground sparking an all-in and was subsequently sent to the sin bin.

It spoiled what was an impressive turnaround in the first half from the Bulldogs after falling behind 10-0 early.

Walker was a constant spark in attack for the Rabbitohs and set up the opening try of the night. 

It came after he played the ball flat for Campbell Graham who then popped a late offload for Taane Milne to score.

Halves partner Adam Reynolds then got involved in the next one as he cut it out to Dane Gagai, prompting the Bulldogs to rush in and leave Alex Johnston unmarked out wide. 

Souths though started to make a few errors and the Bulldogs were good enough to capitalise.

Bailey Biondi-Odo dummied out of dummy-half and used his pace to break through before putting Aaron Schoupp over for the away side's first. 

For a team that looked like strangers inside the opposition red zone early this was a fast-improving Bulldogs side as a slick set play put Corey Allan over in the corner.

The Rabbitohs threatened to pounce late as Johnston snuck down the sideline with the halftime siren looming but his kick back inside went dead.

Of course, the drama was not over as a Lewis brain fade had Trent Barrett shaking his head.

It proved costly as the Rabbitohs took advantage immediately to score through Johnston.

A strange call soon after saw Souths opt to take the two with Lewis still off and they may have come to regret that decision as the Bulldogs hit back shortly after.

Lewis redeemed himself in some form as he tapped on a Corey Waddell offload to put Jayden Okunbor over. 

Jake Averillo's goal kicking had proven crucial by that point with the playmaker nailing all three attempts from the sideline.

Ill-discipline cost the Bulldogs midway through the second half as the Rabbitohs eventually capitalised with Walker kicking for Jacob Host to score.

It quickly turned into two tries as Nick Meaney fumbled a bomb and Souths quickly spun it right as Cameron Murray put his name on the try scoring list.

The Rabbitohs appeared destined to run away with it before a wayward pass popped up for Biondi-Odo who raced away to reduce the deficit to four.

Souths would end just doing enough though as Walker once again chimed in to float the ball over the top for Burns who threw it back inside and Mark Nicholls was there to score the winner.

It was a fair effort from the Bunnies who were already without Latrell Mitchell while Johnston, Graham and Liam Knight all failed to finish.

South Sydney Rabbitohs 32 - Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs 24

Venue: Cbus Super Stadium, Robina / Yugambeh
Crowd: 2979
Halftime Score: South Sydney Rabbitohs 10 Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs 12

LeagueUnlimited.com Players of the Match:
3 points - Keaon Koloamatangi
2 points - Cody Walker
1 points - Thomas Burgess

SOUTH SYDNEY RABBITOHS (32)
Tries: Taane Milne, Alex Johnston (2), Jacob Host, Cameron Murray, Mark Nicholls
Field Goals:
Two Point Field Goals:
Conversions: Adam Reynolds (3/6)
Penalty Goals: Adam Reynolds (1/1)

CANTERBURY-BANKSTOWN BULLDOGS (24)
Tries: Aaron Schoupp, Corey Allan, Jayden Okunbor, Bailey Biondi-Odo
Field Goals:
Two Point Field Goals:
Conversions: Jake Averillo (4/4)
Penalty Goals:


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