📰 Senior Pathways Weekend Wrap | Round 18, 2026
The Senior Pathways teams had a mixed weekend across three competitions, with the Jersey Flegg Cup side delivering a commanding performance while the Knock On Effect NSW Cup and NSW Women's Premiership teams faced tough outings against the Panthers. A hat-trick from Taj Alvarez headlined the Jersey Flegg Cup victory, while Jordi Mazzone crossed for three of his own in a heartbreaking two-point loss in the NSW Cup.
The Knock On Effect NSW Cup
In Round 18 of the Knock On Effect NSW Cup, the Rabbitohs were edged out in a thrilling contest against the Panthers at Parker Street Reserve. South Sydney fought valiantly in a high-scoring affair but ultimately fell short by just two points in what was a see-sawing encounter.
Jordi Mazzone was prolific in attack, crossing for three tries to keep the Red and Green in the contest throughout. Moala Graham-Taufa, Bayleigh Bentley-Hape and Jayden Sullivan also found the tryline, while Bentley-Hape added four goals with the boot. Despite the six tries to nil scoreline in their favour at times, the Rabbitohs were unable to close out the contest, with the Panthers holding on for the narrow victory. The side will look to bounce back next week.
Panthers 34 defeated South Sydney Rabbitohs 32 (Jordi Mazzone three tries, Moala Graham-Taufa, Bayleigh Bentley-Hape, Jayden Sullivan tries; Bayleigh Bentley-Hape four goals) at Parker Street Reserve.
Jersey Flegg Cup
In Round 18 of the Jersey Flegg Cup, the Rabbitohs produced a clinical attacking display to claim a comprehensive 42-24 victory over the Panthers at CommBank Stadium. South Sydney were in fine form, running in seven tries to secure a well-deserved win.
Taj Alvarez crossed for three tries to lead the scoring, while Harrison Rooke added a double of his own. Assariah Lenoy Sam and Elijah Keung also touched down as the Cardinal and Myrtle piled on the points. Matthew Humphries was outstanding with the boot, converting seven goals from seven tries to round out an impressive team performance.
South Sydney Rabbitohs 42 (Taj Alvarez three tries, Harrison Rooke two tries, Assariah Lenoy Sam, Elijah Keung tries; Matthew Humphries seven goals) defeated Panthers 24 at CommBank Stadium.
NSW Women's Premiership
In Round four of the NSW Women's Premiership, the Rabbitohs faced a difficult afternoon against the Panthers at Parker Street Reserve. The opposition proved too strong on the day, racing out to a commanding lead that South Sydney were unable to reel in.
Claudia Nielsen crossed for the Rabbitohs' lone try, with Kiara McGregor adding the conversion. While the scoreline was a tough one, the side will regroup and look to build on the positives as they continue to develop combinations early in their season.
Panthers 38 defeated South Sydney Rabbitohs six (Claudia Nielsen try; Kiara McGregor one goal) at Parker Street Reserve.
A positive result from the Jersey Flegg Cup side highlights the depth of talent coming through the Club's pathways system. The NSW Cup team will be eager to turn their narrow loss into a win next round, while the NSW Women's Premiership side continues to build as their season progresses. All three teams return to action next weekend as the Rabbitohs look to carry the momentum forward.
