The Sydney Roosters produced a gutsy second-half comeback to defeat South Sydney Rabbitohs 20-14 in the third game of the 2026 Regional Magic Round.
It was the Roosters who drew first points, with winger Jackson Stewart crossing in just the second minute after a slick backline movement. Halfback Toby Rodwell's conversion made it 6-0, and the young Roosters side looked sharp from the outset, showing willingness to throw the ball wide and expose the edges.
South Sydney hit back through winger Jordi Mazzone, who produced two brilliant first-half tries to put the Rabbitohs in front. His opening effort was a swerving, sidestepping run from his own half that left multiple defenders in his wake. His second came from an outstanding leaping catch under a high ball that the Roosters defenders misjudged. Bayleigh Bentley-Hape converted one of the two to give South Sydney a 10-6 lead that carried on into half-time.
The match took a significant turn midway through the first half when Rabbitohs fullback Matt Dufty was sent to the sin bin following a scuffle after a tackle. Despite having a man advantage, the Roosters struggled to capitalise, throwing the ball away on consecutive sets and failing to cross the try-line. The Rabbitohs defended resolutely with 12 men and headed to the break still in front.
The second half told a different story. Just over 12 minutes in, Dufty was marched to the bin for a second time – this time for a high shot – and the Roosters made no mistake on capitalising on the extra man advantage this time. Halfback Toby Rodwell delivered an individual effort, collecting a return pass before breaking three tackles and outpacing the cover defence to score under the posts. Rodwell converted his own try to give the Roosters a 12-10 lead.
Captain Max McCathie then sealed the win in the final 10 minutes, charging onto a Rodwell pass and bulldozing his way through the Rabbitohs defensive line to score near the posts. Rodwell again converted to extend the margin to 18-10. Jonah Glover responded for South Sydney with a sharp line-break try on the last tackle to bring the score to 18-14 with four minutes remaining.
A late penalty goal from Rodwell pushed the margin out to six points and, despite a last-gasp effort from the Rabbitohs, the Roosters held firm. Rodwell ran the clock down and the siren confirmed a stirring 20-14 victory.
Talking Points
- Jordi Mazzone was electric in the first half, scoring two back-to-back tries. His ability to change direction at pace and win aerial contests made him almost unplayable when the ball came his way.
- Matt Dufty's two sin bins proved costly for the Rabbitohs. Spending 20 minutes on the sideline across the course of the match left South Sydney's most dangerous ball-runner unable to make his usual impact.
- Toby Rodwell was outstanding for the Roosters, finishing with a try, three conversions, and a penalty goal – as well as being the architect of multiple attacking raids.
- The Roosters' discipline in targeting the edges and moving the ball quickly was a feature of their best moments, while their willingness to defend their try-line during the Rabbitohs' late surge was equally important in securing the result.
Key Moment
With the Rabbitohs down to 12 men for the second time and holding the lead 10-6, Toby Rodwell took control. Collecting an offload from Jaxson Allan, the Roosters halfback broke three tackles, sold a dummy, and outpaced the cover defence to score near the posts. He then converted his own try to put his side in front in a match-defining moment that swung momentum firmly in the Roosters' favour and proved too much for South Sydney to overcome.
What's Next?
The Regional Magic Round continues at Scully Park on Sunday, with the North Sydney Bears hosting Melbourne Storm at 11am, followed by Manly Warringah Sea Eagles taking on the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs at 3pm. For the Roosters, the two-point victory is timely as they head into a bye round next week. The Rabbitohs will face the Penrith Panthers – who also suffered a Magic Round loss – to kick-off Round 18.
