The Knock-On Effect NSW Cup returned to GIO Stadium for a crucial Round 20 clash, with the Canberra Raiders hosting the South Sydney Rabbitohs in a battle for top-five positioning.
The Raiders drew first blood in the opening exchanges when centre Mark Tuialii produced a stunning flick pass to put winger Sione Finau over in the corner. Finau's ninth try of the season gave Canberra an early 4-0 lead, with halfback Coby Black’s conversion attempt unsuccessful.
The Raiders continued to press, and fullback Chevy Stewart crossed for the hosts' second try, breaking through a pair of attempted tackles to score. Black converted to push the lead to 10-0.
South Sydney refused to capitulate, and a try to Moala Graham-Taufa kick-started their fightback. A grubber kick through to the in-goal saw Graham-Taufa lead the chase, as he pounced on the ball before it went dead. Latrell Siegwalt added the extras, and the Rabbitohs were on the board, 10-6.
The Raiders responded with a moment of individual brilliance before half-time. Savelio Tamale, displaying extraordinary strength, shrugged off multiple defenders to crash over and extend the lead to 16-6 with Black's conversion successful.
However, South Sydney struck twice in the final three minutes of the first half to dramatically swing momentum. Winger Jordi Mazzone used his electric pace to burn past Kane Anderson and score in the corner, before Graham-Taufa grabbed his second try of the match right on the siren to level proceedings at 16-all.
The second half was equally dramatic, with South Sydney's Benjamin Williamson crossing in the 53rd minute to give the visitors their first lead of the match. Finau hit back immediately for the Raiders with his second try, but Black's unsuccessful conversion left Canberra trailing 22-20. Edward Kosi’s powerful close-range effort in the final minutes put the result beyond doubt for the Rabbitohs, with Siegwalt adding a late penalty goal to seal a 30-20 victory for South Sydney.
The win was South Sydney's first since Round 14 and helped them consolidate sixth position on the ladder, while the Raiders remain in seventh and face a significant challenge to break into the top five.
Talking Points
- Peter Mamouzelos was outstanding from dummy half throughout, consistently threatening the Raiders' line with clever play and proving the architect of South Sydney's second-half momentum.
- Coby Black's goal-kicking ultimately proved costly for the Raiders, with his two from four conversion rate a decisive factor in a match settled by just 10 points.
Key Moment
South Sydney's two-try burst in the final three minutes of the first half proved the turning point of the match. Mazzone’s pace on the right edge and Graham-Taufa's close-range finish shifted the entire complexion of the contest, sending the Rabbitohs into the sheds with all the momentum and ultimately setting the platform for their second-half victory.
What's Next?
Both sides return to action in Round 21 next weekend. South Sydney will look to build on this confidence-boosting win when they take on the Melbourne Storm, while the Raiders must regroup quickly and prepare to host the Western Sydney Magpies.
