The South Sydney Rabbitohs have suffered a tough 52-20 defeat at the hands of the Brisbane Broncos at ANZ Stadium.
Despite having the first use of the football in attacking field position, the Rabbitohs would concede the opening points of the match, as Josh Rudolph pounced on a grubber kick to provide the away side with first blood. Jamayne Isaako had no issues adding the extras, leaving the score at 6-0.
It would not take long for the Rabbitohs to bounce back as winger, Josh Ellison capitalised on a slick backline play to cross out wide. No error was made with the sideline conversion, as Chad O’Donnell added the extra two points, levelling the scores a 6-6.
Similarly to the opening try, the Broncos would cross again after securing a repreat set from a goal-line drop out, as Gerome Burns bust through the defensive line to regain the lead for his side. Once again, Isaako was successful with the conversion, setting up a 12-6 score to the visitors.
Souths would continue to go blow for blow with their opponents as Josh Ellison bagged his second try of the first-half, receiving a brilliant long ball before diving over in the corner. Unlike his first attempt from the sideline, O’Donnell was unable to add the extras, meaning the score would remain 12-10 in favour of the Broncos.
The Broncos would extend their lead courtesy of a bust down the flank from winger, Sam Smith, with the outside back beating two defenders to score. Isaako would continue his strong night with the boot, once providing his side with the additional points.
With the half-time siren looming, the away side would cross once more, with Gehamat Shibasaki scoring under the posts. Isaako’s conversion would set-up a 24-10 score line heading into the sheds.
The Rabbitohs would strike first in the second stanza, as Maia Sands showed great strength close to the line to muscle his way over and keep his side in the contest. Chad O’Donnell had no issues converting the try, reducing the Broncos lead to 8 points at 24-16.
Halfback, Gerome Burns would deliver the counter-attack for the Broncos, kicking a wayward pass forward before pouncing on the loose ball to score his second of the evening. Isaako maintained his perfect record, adding the extras and leaving the score at 30-16.
The Broncos would continue their dominance in attack, with Michael Molo wrestling his way over to claim a four-pointer. Brisbane’s lead continued to grow, with the conversion from Isaako providing a 36-16 advantage to the visitors.
Maia Sands would provide the Rabbitohs with some joy, as the hooker scored his second try of the second-half, burrowing over from dummy-half. O’Donnell was unable to add the extras, leaving the deficit at 16 points.
It would not be long before the Broncos struck back, as Jamayne Isaako barged his way over before converting his own try to set up a 42-20 score line.
The Broncos would cross twice more before the final siren, with David Fauid and Sam Smith topping off the result and securing a 52-20 full-time score line.
Broncos 52 (Gerome Burns 2, Sam Smith 2, Josh Rudolph, Gehamat Shibasaki, Michael Molo, Jamayne Isaako, David Fauid tries; Jamayne Isaako 8 goals)
defeated
Rabbitohs 20 (Josh Ellison 2, Maia Sands 2 tries; Chad O’Donnell 2 goals)
