Junior Pathways Weekend Wrap | Finals Week One, 2026

The South Sydney Rabbitohs Junior Pathways teams had a mixed weekend in Finals Week One, with both sides travelling to HE Laybutt Field for their respective fixtures. The Harold Matthews Cup side delivered an exciting victory in a high-scoring affair against the Panthers, while the SG Ball Cup team fought hard but fell just short against the Sea Eagles in a tight contest. Plenty of tries were scored across both matches, with several young Rabbitohs putting their names on the scoresheet.

SG Ball Cup

The SG Ball Cup side produced a spirited effort at HE Laybutt Field but were unable to reel in the Sea Eagles, going down 36-30 in an entertaining contest. South Sydney were never far from the fight, crossing for five tries in a match that could have gone either way. Maddax Fui was prominent on the scoresheet, crossing for two tries, while Dwayne Lyons, Dean Tauaa and Isaac Fotu-Moala also found the line. Dayne Jennings was busy with the boot, converting five goals to keep the Rabbitohs within striking distance throughout.

Despite the six-point margin, there were plenty of positives for the Red and Green to take from the performance. The team will now turn their attention to a do-or-die semi-final clash against the Eels this Saturday at Eric Tweedale Stadium, Sydney, kicking off at 4:00pm.

Sea Eagles 36 defeated South Sydney Rabbitohs 30 (Maddax Fui two tries, Dwayne Lyons, Dean Tauaa, Isaac Fotu-Moala tries; Dayne Jennings five goals) at HE Laybutt Field.

Harold Matthews Cup

The Harold Matthews Cup side claimed an entertaining 33-28 victory over the Panthers at HE Laybutt Field in a match that featured nine tries across both teams. South Sydney crossed for six tries of their own, with Taoko Samson leading the way to the line with a double. Devida Hopoate, Charlie Bateup, Payton Tarau and Zavier Suluvale-Liumaunu all crossed for four-pointers as the Rabbitohs’ attack proved too potent for the Panthers to contain.

Tarau also played a key role with the boot, slotting four goals from six tries scored to help the Cardinal and Myrtle secure the five-point victory. It was a strong all-round attacking display from the young Rabbitohs, who will carry plenty of confidence deeper into the finals series.

South Sydney Rabbitohs 33 (Taoko Samson two tries, Devida Hopoate, Charlie Bateup, Payton Tarau, Zavier Suluvale-Liumaunu tries; Payton Tarau four goals) defeated Panthers 28 at HE Laybutt Field.

With the win, the Harold Matthews Cup side has earned a week off and will progress directly to the preliminary final at Leichhardt Oval on the ANZAC Day weekend.