In this week's Wot About This, we are rewinding to 2023 when Rabbitohs took on the Panthers in an ANZAC Day Classic. Two tries in the final five minutes and a crowd of 19,548 roaring with disbelief and jubilation. The South Sydney Rabbitohs delivered a thrilling 20-18 comeback victory over the Penrith Panthers to kick off the 2023 ANZAC Round in spectacular fashion. Let’s recap this unforgettable clash and the moments that defined it.

Under grey skies and drizzling rain, Accor Stadium set the stage for a battle to honour the Royal Australian Navy Submarine Service, with the Rabbitohs donning their 2023 ANZAC Round jersey. The Rabbitohs found themselves under pressure early, but a scrambling Campbell Graham denied Dylan Edwards inches from the line, setting the tone for the team’s defensive resilience.
19' TRY | DAMIEN COOK GETS THE FIRST POINTS
After a tense opening 20 minutes, Damien Cook spun his way from dummy half to score the first try of the night. The Rabbitohs took a 6-0 lead, energising the crowd.
38' TRY | PANTHERS BITE BACK
A late penalty swung momentum Penrith’s way, and Stephen Crichton crossed in the corner just before halftime. The sides headed to the sheds locked at 6-all.
The Panthers opened the second half with a short line dropout that allowed them to edge ahead 8-6 via a penalty goal. The Rabbitohs defended valiantly, with Latrell Mitchell pulling off a try-saving tackle on Sunia Turuva to keep the game within reach.

56' TRY | LATRELL BARGES OVER
Following a scrum near the Panthers' line, Latrell Mitchell powered through multiple defenders to score, regaining the lead for South Sydney at 10-8. His dominance was on full display.

65' TRY & 70' TRY | CRICHTON COMPLETES THE HAT-TRICK
Stephen Crichton’s brilliance saw him cross twice more, including a third try from a ricocheted kick. With seven minutes to go, the Panthers led 18-10, leaving the Rabbitohs needing a miracle.

74' TRY | JOHNSTON AND MITCHELL IGNITE THE COMEBACK
A break down the left edge by Alex Johnston set up a towering kick that ricocheted into Latrell Mitchell’s hands. His try brought up his 1000th NRL premiership point and closed the gap to 18-16.
78' TRY | THE MIRACLE PLAY
With one final set to play, the Rabbitohs swung the ball left. Alex Johnston’s slick offload found Cody Walker, who drew in Dylan Edwards to send Isaiah Tass surging 30 metres to score the match-winner. The Accor Stadium crowd erupted as the Rabbitohs claimed a 20-18 victory.
Match Stats:
- Historical Significance: This match fell on the 115th anniversary of South Sydney’s first game in 1908 and marked their 200th appearance at Accor Stadium.
Key Performers:
- Latrell Mitchell: 2 tries, 111m, 14 tackle breaks
- Campbell Graham: 20 tackles, 2 try savers
- Damien Cook: 1 try, 1 linebreak, 41 tackles made
- Stephen Crichton: 3 tries, 185m
Play of the Game: Tass’ Match-Winner
It was the stuff of dreams. With seconds ticking away, Johnston, Walker, and Tass combined to deliver one of the season’s defining plays. The footage of Tass surging through for the decisive try will give Rabbitohs fans chills for years to come.
FULL MATCH HIGHLIGHTS
