The South Sydney Rabbitohs have been defeat 54-4 by the Canberra Raiders in Round 21 of the Telstra Premiership at ANZ Stadium today (Sunday).
Trailing for the duration of the match, the Rabbitohs were unable to keep themselves in the contest as the Raiders showcased some brilliant attack to claim a ten tries to one victory.
The Raiders would register the first points of the match in the 5th minute, as Aiden Sezer delivering a pin-point kick to Jordan Rapana who marked the ball before offloading to Elliott Whitehead, with the English international strolling over for the first four-pointer of the afternoon. Jarrod Croker’s conversion attempt failed to find the mark as the score remained at 4-0.
The Rabbitohs less than ideal start to the match would continue when Luke Keary hobbled from the field in the 11th minute. The five-eighth would fail to take any further part in the match due to the injury.
Despite finding themselves on the back foot early, the Rabbitohs would find some rhythm, securing two repeat sets off the back of some promising attack. However, the home side was unable to make the most of their opportunities, coming up empty handed.
Instead, the Raiders would be next to score, as Jordan Rapana darted out of dummy-half, exploiting a lapse in the Rabbitohs defence and muscling his way over. The extras would be added by Croker, leaving the score at 10-0 in favour of the visitors.
With momentum well and truly with the visitors, the onslaught would continue as Aiden Sezer’s boot once again proved to be deadly, with the halfback finding Edrick Lee with a well-weighted grubber kick as the winger crossed out wide. Croker was unsuccessful with the conversion leaving the advantage at 14 points.
It wouldn’t be long before the Raiders extended their lead, with Joseph Leilua busting through the South Sydney defence to streak away and score. Croker had no issues adding the extras as the lead extended beyond three converted tries at 20-0.
Canberra’s dominance on the edge would continue, as Jordan Rapana capitalised on a grubber from Joseph Leilua before the siren to complete his first-half double. The Raiders skipper was successful from the sideline meaning the score would be 26-0 heading into the sheds.
On resumption, the away side would pick up where they left off, as Jack Wighton scooped up a loose ball to run away and score against the run of play. Once again, Croker was on target, adding the extras to set up a 32-0 score line.
The Rabbitohs would eventually claim their maiden points of the match as Rabbitohs veteran, John Sutton took on the Raiders line before barging over to score his 50th NRL try. Adam Reynolds' first and only conversion attempt was waved away as the score remained 32-4.
Despite opening their account for the afternoon, the Rabbitohs would find themselves defending their line soon after, as the Raiders continued to bombard their goal line. The defence would eventually crack as Jarrod Croker finished off some enterprising second phase play. Croker failed to provide further impact to the score line as the margin remained 36-4.
The Raiders would continue to add to their tally off the back of a slick backline play, with Blake Austin busting through the defence to score his first of the match. Croker added the two-points setting up at 42-4 score.
Points continued to follow as Elliott Whitehead claimed his double off the back of some brilliant work from Joseph Leilua and Jordan Rapana. Croker made no error with the conversion, providing at 44-point buffer.
The final points of the match would be secured soon after as Iosia Soliola broke the line, finding himself in open space before diving over. Croker slotted the extras with the score finishing at 54-4.
Raiders 54 (Elliott Whitehead 2, Jordan Rapana 2, Edrick Lee, Joseph Leilua, Jack Wighton, Jarrod Croker, Blake Austin, Iosia Soliola tries; Jarrod Croker 7 goals)
defeat
Rabbitohs 4 (John Sutton try)
