Game Summary
South Sydney Rabbitohs held on for a dramatic 26-22 victory over the Melbourne Storm in Round 21 of The Knock-On Effect NSW Cup at Redfern Oval, securing two vital competition points in their push for finals football.
Melbourne drew first blood in the fifth minute when front rower K-Cl Newton-Whare crashed over after a clever short ball from Hayden Watson. Watson's conversion gave the Storm a 6-0 lead, and Redfern fell briefly quiet.
South Sydney hit back when a sharp set play from a midfield scrum unlocked the Melbourne defence, with Jayden Sullivan's cut-out ball finding Ed Kosi on the right edge for his seventh try of the season. Ben Williamson then barged over in the 20th minute, with Sullivan again creating the opportunity.
Centre Moala Graham-Taufa added a third from close range after clever play from Sullivan and Jonah Glover, to give Souths a 12-6 lead at half-time.
South Sydney carried their momentum into the second half. Williamson bagged his double after Mamouzelos darted clear of his opposite number before offloading, with Glover converting to extend the lead to 18-6. Graham-Taufa then crossed for his second after Sullivan's sleight of hand sent him over in the left-hand corner, and Souths appeared to be cruising at 22-6.
Melbourne refused to fold. Hugo Peel delivered a stunning aerial catch to score in the 62nd minute, then Alize Clarke finished off a wonderful Jai Bowden break to level the scores at 22-all with six minutes remaining.
Souths found the match-winner through Salesi Ataata, who barnstormed his way over with three minutes left on the clock to restore the lead at 26-22. Sullivan's conversion attempt sailed wide setting up a frantic finish, but South Sydney held firm in the final minutes.
Talking Points
Despite a difficult afternoon off the kicking tee, Jonah Glover was still instrumental in his try involvements throughout the match for South Sydney. He also struck a dangerous combination with halves partner Jayden Sullivan, with the pair causing plenty of headaches for the opposition.
Ben Williamson was one of South Sydney's most damaging forwards, scoring a double, making powerful carries and a handful tackle-breaks that tilted the momentum in the Rabbitohs' favour.
Key Moment
With the Storm mounting a stunning comeback to draw level at 22-all, the game was on a knife's edge. Melbourne then couldn't execute another try-scoring chance and Souths immediately swept up the field. Three tackles later, prop Salesi Ataata powered through a trio of Storm defenders to crash over near the posts with three minutes remaining, before the Rabbitohs held on for the win.
What's Next?
South Sydney are set to face Newtown Jets at Henson Park in Round 22 for what shapes as another matchup with top-five implications, while Melbourne host Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs at Broadmeadows on Friday afternoon.
