South Sydney’s Pathways teams opened their 2026 campaigns in Round 1 against the Illawarra Steelers, recording two wins and two competitive losses across the four competitions. The Rabbitohs made positive starts in the Lisa Fiaola Cup and SG Ball Cup, while the Tarsha Gale and Harold Matthews sides were tested early in the season. With Round 1 complete, all four teams now turn their focus to building momentum as the competitions begin to take shape.

Lisa Fiaola Cup

South Sydney’s Lisa Fiaola Cup under 17s girls made an impressive start to their 2026 season, defeating the Illawarra Steelers at Redfern Oval. The Rabbitohs showed strong attacking intent throughout the match, with fullback Cobi Ryan-Last scoring three tries. The Lisa Fiaola Cup girls finished the round inside the top four on the ladder after the opening weekend. South Sydney will travel to take on the Penrith Panthers in Round 2.

South Sydney Rabbitohs 24 (Cobi Ryan-Last 3, Zsa Zsa Millward, Emmaline Falepapalangi tries; Cobi Ryan-Last 2 goals) defeated Illawarra Steelers 6

Ladder position after Round 1: 4th

Tarsha Gale Cup

The Tarsha Gale Cup under 19s women faced a challenging opening round against Illawarra, going down in their Round 1 fixture. Despite periods of defensive resilience, South Sydney were unable to convert opportunities into points. The Rabbitohs sit in the lower half of the ladder following the opening round and will look to respond when they face the Penrith Panthers in Round 2.

Illawarra Steelers 22 defeated South Sydney Rabbitohs 4 (Evanjelika Phillips try)

Ladder position after Round 1: 9th

Harold Matthews Cup

South Sydney’s Harold Matthews Cup under 17s boys were involved in a tightly contested Round 1 match, falling narrowly to the Steelers. The Rabbitohs remained competitive throughout and were within striking distance late in the contest. Following the opening round, South Sydney sit outside the top eight and will aim to turn strong effort into results when they meet the Warriors in Round 2.

Illawarra Steelers 18 defeated South Sydney Rabbitohs 16 (Mehmet Varol, Payton Tarau, Devida Hopoate tries; Payton Tarau 2 goals)

Ladder position after Round 1: 11th

SG Ball Cup

The SG Ball Cup under 19s men opened their 2026 campaign with a strong win over Illawarra at Redfern Oval. South Sydney spread the scoring across the park and showed composure in key moments to secure the victory. The result places the Rabbitohs at fifth on the ladder after Round 1, ahead of their Round 2 clash with the Warriors.

South Sydney Rabbitohs 28 (William Leha, Phillip Lavakeiaho, Dean Tauaa, Cody Hill, Taj Aufai-Farani tries; Isaac Fotu-Moala 4 goals) defeated Illawarra Steelers 22

Ladder position after Round 1: 5th