South Sydney delivered a statement performance on Friday night, crushing the Roosters 50-20 at Allianz Stadium in a match that balanced fierce rivalry with heartfelt emotion.
A night for Jai Arrow
The evening belonged to Jai Arrow before a ball was even kicked in anger. The Rabbitohs forward, forced into early retirement by motor neurone disease, was honoured as he led his side out for his 100th game in red and green. As Stand By Me played over the speakers and Immortal Ron Coote rang the South Sydney Legacy Bell, a sold-out crowd gave Arrow a standing ovation that brought the fierce rivalry to a temporary halt. Coach Wayne Bennett held the interchange card himself as Cody Walker came on after the opening whistle, ensuring Arrow’s milestone was officially recognised.
Dominance on the scoreboard
Once the emotion settled, South Sydney’s football took over. The Bunnies finished with 63 percent possession and racked up 15 line breaks, their equal second-highest on record. Alex Johnston scored his 30th try of the season, moving two clear in the race for the Dally M top try-scorer. Rex Bassingthwaighte bagged a double, while David Fifita opened the scoring and broke 11 tackles in the first half alone. Cody Walker was named Fox Lab Player of the Match, scoring a try and having a hand in four others in a dominant display.
Mitchell’s fiery return
Latrell Mitchell, playing his first game since round 11 due to back and calf issues, made an immediate impact. He scored a try, set up another, registered three line break assists and ran for 104 metres from 14 carries. The night ended with tempers boiling over after Mitchell’s late try sparked a melee that saw Lachlan Hubner and De La Salle Va’a sin-binned. In the final minutes, Mitchell also flattened rookie Toby Rodwell with a brutal but legal hit that sent the Nine commentary box into raptures.
Finals implications
The win secures South Sydney a home elimination final against Newcastle next weekend, capping off four wins from their last five matches. The Roosters, who rested nine stars including James Tedesco and Daly Cherry-Evans, finished fourth and will face the Panthers in a qualifying final.
