Senior Pathways Weekend Wrap | Round 1, 2026
The South Sydney Rabbitohs Senior Pathways teams experienced a mixed opening round across the two competitions in action over the weekend. The Jersey Flegg Cup side delivered a strong start to the season with a convincing victory over the Knights, while the Knock On Effect NSW Cup side faced a tough afternoon at Cessnock Sportsground, going down to a clinical Knights outfit. With the season now underway, there is plenty to build on as the Rabbitohs look ahead to Round two.
The Knock On Effect NSW Cup
It was a difficult afternoon for the Rabbitohs in the opening round of The Knock On Effect NSW Cup, as the Knights proved too strong at Cessnock Sportsground. South Sydney found themselves under pressure early and were unable to contain a relentless Knights attack that built a commanding lead throughout the contest.
Despite the scoreline, the Red and Green showed fight in patches. William Afualo crossed for a try, as did Te Wehi Waitere, ensuring Souths did not go scoreless. Bayleigh Bentley-Hape added one conversion from the boot. The result is one the squad will look to put behind them quickly as they regroup ahead of next week.
Knights 52 defeated South Sydney Rabbitohs 10 (William Afualo, Te Wehi Waitere tries; Bayleigh Bentley-Hape one goal) at Cessnock Sportsground.
Jersey Flegg Cup
The Jersey Flegg Cup side provided the highlight of the weekend, claiming a comfortable 26-14 victory over the Knights at Cessnock Sportsground. It was an encouraging start to the season for the young Rabbitohs, who controlled the contest and were clinical in attack when opportunities presented themselves.
Hadley Smith crossed for two tries to be a key contributor in the win, while Yasin Kuscu, Corbin Alvarez and Jaffahl Skillington each added four-pointers of their own. Charlie Poynton was accurate with the boot, slotting two conversions. The 12-point winning margin was a fitting reward for a well-rounded team effort in the season opener.
South Sydney Rabbitohs 26 (Hadley Smith two tries, Yasin Kuscu, Corbin Alvarez, Jaffahl Skillington tries; Charlie Poynton two goals) defeated Knights 14 at Cessnock Sportsground.
