The South Sydney Rabbitohs Pathways sides came away with two wins from their road trip to Kurri Kurri against the Newcastle Knights in Round 4 of their respective competitions.
Harvey Norman Women’s Premiership Round 4: South Sydney Rabbitohs 16 def Newcastle Knights 12
The Harvey Norman Women's Premiership side has come away with a brave 16-12 effort against the Newcastle Knights, in what was a tightly-fought affair in Kurri Kurri.
After coming oh-so-close to a maiden win in the 2023 season following close defeats to Canterbury-Bankstown and the Wests Tigers (decided by a heartbreaking field goal), the Rabbitohs took home the two points in a sensational win for Coach Shane Sultana's side.
Following a scoreless opening stanza, it was the Red and Greens who crossed first for an early lead through centre Makayla Eli, before a converted try to Newcastle saw the home side take a 6-4 lead at the break.
That failed to worry the young Rabbitohs side, however, as they rallied in the second half with Captain Patricia Raikadroka touching down before second rower Tia Cook extended the scores soon after.
Newcastle hit back with another four-pointer to bridge the gap, but it was the skipper who stood up to score the match-winner in the 55th minute, as the Cardinal and Myrtle's defensive resolve sealed victory in the final fifteen minutes.
SG Ball Cup Round 4: Newcastle Knights 42 def South Sydney Rabbitohs 4
The South Sydney Rabbitohs SG Ball Cup side was unable to come away with a victory in Kurri Kurri against the Newcastle Knights, defeated 42-4 on Saturday.
With a number of omissions on the morning of the game - which saw two players called in to make their SG Ball Cup debut - the Rabbitohs fielded a side that was unrecognisable from the line up that played in Round 1, with nine changes.
Fighting through the adversity, the Red and Greens kept a respectable 14-nil scoreline at half-time with a number of courageous efforts on display, however, with a mounting injury toll, the Knights showed their prowess to run away with the victory in the second stanza.
In a positive looking ahead, John Sutton's side will be looking to welcome back Captain Jye Gray in the coming weeks, with five matches still to be played throughout the remainder of the season.
Tarsha Gale Cup Round 4: Newcastle Knights 22 def South Sydney Rabbitohs 6
In tough conditions up in Kurri Kurri, the South Sydney Rabbitohs Tarsha Gale Cup side were defeated 22-6 against 2022 Grand Finalists the Newcastle Knights.
The Rabbitohs capitalised early through Yilara Widders - daughter of former NRL Rabbitoh Dean - who scored the opening try of the match just three minutes in to give the side a 6-nil lead.
However, two tries from the home side swung the momentum of the match, and although the side found themselves trailing 12-6 at the break, the young Rabbitohs were still well within striking distance.
Dale Jackson's side continued to trade blows with the Knights in a back-and-forth contest, with a late four-pointer in the dying stages securing victory for Newcastle.
They were really disappointed after the game and thought they let a good opportunity slip," said Rabbitohs Head of Elite Pathways and Player Development, Joe O’Callaghan.
"Twelve months ago the scoreline against the Knights was 50-odd points so they are hungry to be successful which is a real positive. They were right in it up to their teeth.
"They’re not happy to just compete and they knew they were a chance to win that game, so it's great to see that’s the kind of standard they’ve set."
Harold Matthews Cup Round 4: South Sydney Rabbitohs 24 def Newcastle Knights 22
It was a breakthrough victory for the South Sydney Rabbitohs' Harold Matthews Cup side, securing the two competitions in a tense 24-22 comeback win against Newcastle.
Despite conceding first points, the young outfit struck back through lock Marshall Le Maitre, who crashed over to level the scores.
While the home side returned serve with three tries before the break, leaving the Red and Greens with a 22-6 mountain to climb, the challenge saw them produce their best form of the season thus far.
Winger Charlie Mann scored just four minutes into the second half, and just a few moments later, Le Maitre bagged his double to put the Rabbitohs back in the match.
Captain Daniel Lua was next to get on the board, with the conversion giving the side the lead for the first time in the match, most impressively as the Rabbitohs shut out their opponents in the second half to cap off a memorable win.
Moving Forward
This week will be a Pathways extravaganza for the South Sydney Rabbitohs, with nine teams on display throughout the weekend against the Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks.
Round 1 of the NSW Cup begins this Saturday as the Rabbitohs take on the Newtown Jets (Sharks affiliate) at Henson Park, while the Jersey Flegg's season begins at Shark Park prior to the NRL match.
The Harvey Norman Womens Premiership, SG Ball Cup, Tarsha Gale Cup and Harold Matthews Cup sides will continue their respective seasons in Round 5 when they travel to the Sutherland Shire.
Meanwhile, the Lisa Fiola Cup (Womens Under 17s), alongside both Under 16s and Under 18s Mens development sides will take the field for the first time in 2023 in what will be an exciting look at the future Pathways stars.
