Game Summary
The Penrith Panthers claimed a thrilling 34-32 victory over the South Sydney Rabbitohs in Round 18 of The Knock-On Effect NSW Cup at Parker Street Reserve, with Zakauri Clark slotting a match-winning penalty goal in the dying seconds to deny the visitors back-to-back wins.
Penrith burst out of the blocks with Jaxen Edgar crossing for a double inside the opening 12 minutes, and Clarke converting both to put the home side up 12-0. Edgar's first came from a dummy and run on the right edge, while his second saw him capitalise on a slick Kurt Falls grubber.
Sione Fonua extended the advantage to 16-6 in the 21st minute, finishing off a sweeping left-side movement. However South Sydney refused to fold, with Jordi Mazzone crossing in the corner to give the Rabbitohs a foothold heading towards half-time.
A remarkable comeback unfolded through the final stages of the first half, with Jayden Sullivan and Moala Graham-Taufa both crossing, while Mazzone added his second sending South Sydney to the sheds with a 22-16 lead and all the momentum behind them.
Penrith drew level midway through the second half courtesy of a Jakeb Vailalo double, with Clarke's boot keeping them in touch. But Mazzone completed his hat-trick in the 65th minute with a dazzling in-and-away finish off a Dufty cut-out pass, putting South Sydney back in front 32-28.
Patrick Moimoi then levelled at 32-all, finishing off a brilliant short-side play from Jesse McLean. Clarke had the chance to win it outright with a conversion from the sideline but pushed his attempt wide, leaving the scores locked with minutes remaining.
South Sydney missed a late penalty goal opportunity through Peter Mamouzelos, who sprayed his attempt from 31 metres out. From there Penrith worked their way upfield in the closing stages, and when Clarke was driven into the turf on the final set, referee William Greatbatch awarded the penalty. Clarke stepped up from in front and coolly split the uprights, sending home fans into raptures and handing the Panthers a 34-32 triumph.
Talking Points
Zakauri Clark was immense across 80 minutes, providing the match-winning moment off the boot. He finished with two conversions and was tireless in the defensive line in a performance that will only strengthen his case for higher honours.
Jaxen Edgar continued his remarkable 2026 campaign with a first-half double, taking his try tally for the season to 15. The 20-year-old has played every match for the Panthers this year, cementing himself as one of the competition's most consistent performers.
Jordi Mazzone was South Sydney's standout claiming a hat-trick. His finishes were opportunistic and clinical.
Tim Johannnssen was arguably South Sydney's most influential bench player, injecting real energy from his introduction around the 25-minute mark and playing a significant role in the Rabbitohs' first-half fightback.
Key Moment
With the game locked at 32-all and time nearly up, Zakauri Clarke was driven into the turf illegally on the final tackle of Penrith's last attacking set. Referee Greatbatch awarded the penalty and Clarke, despite missing a sideline conversion moments earlier, held his nerve to slot the two points from in front of the sticks and seal a memorable win.
What's Next?
The Panthers have a well-earned bye in Round 19, while the Rabbitohs return to Redfern Oval on Saturday to face the Newcastle Knights.
