Round Rewind: Humphreys Field Goal Sinks Dragons

The South Sydney Rabbitohs made it two wins from two to start the season, holding their nerve in a tense 25-24 victory over the St George Illawarra Dragons in Wollongong.

Souths struck first in the opening minutes when Jye Gray’s attacking kick caused chaos in the Dragons’ defence. As Gray chased through, he was pulled back without the ball, and the video referee awarded a penalty try to put the Rabbitohs on the board.

Not long after, Souths extended their lead through some sharp dummy-half play. Peter Mamouzelos darted out from close range, shaped to pass, then fooled the markers with a dummy before burrowing over under the posts.

The Dragons responded with a flurry of tries, including two from Tyrell Sloan and another to Kyle Flanagan, to swing the contest their way and send South Sydney into the sheds trailing 14-12.

The second half didn’t start kindly for the visitors, as the Dragons pushed further ahead with two quick tries and the Rabbitohs were dealt injury blows to Jai Arrow and Tallis Duncan. But Souths’ skipper Cody Walker stepped up when his side needed him most. With his team under pressure, Walker received the ball on the left edge and immediately took on the line. He carried the ball in two hands, threw a dummy to hold up the outside defence, then accelerated through the gap. Jaydn Su’a came across in cover, but Walker planted his left foot, produced a powerful fend that bounced Su’a off balance. With the line in sight, Walker lowered his body, fought through the tackle attempt, and crashed over for a decisive solo try.

With ten minutes remaining, the Rabbitohs levelled the scores through Sean Keppie. Off the back of a quick ruck, Mamouzelos darted out of dummy half and fired a short, flat ball to Keppie running a hard line close to the posts. The big forward hit the ball at full tilt, brushing past the initial contact and lowering his body to punch through two defenders who tried to wrap him up over the line. He twisted his frame just enough to slam the ball down, capping off a powerful run.

With five minutes remaining, the Rabbitohs reached the last tackle and were struggling to set up a clear shot. Jamie Humphreys steadied himself, took the ball under pressure and struck it sweetly, sending the field goal sailing over to put Souths in front. The defence held firm from there, sealing a gritty 25-24 victory and keeping their unbeaten start intact.

Key Performers

Jye Gray – one try, 311 run metres, 73 post contact metres, four tackle breaks
Jamie Humphreys – nine points, one try assist, 26 tackles
Sean Keppie – one try, 141 run metres, 45 post contact metres, 40 tackles (three missed)
Lachlan Hubner - 119 run metres, 33 post contact metres, 36 tackles (one missed)