The South Sydney Rabbitohs kept their season alive and coach Wayne Bennett’s record intact with a nail-biting 20-18 victory over the Gold Coast Titans at Robina Stadium last Sunday, August 10.
Sitting at the bottom of the ladder, the Rabbitohs summoned every ounce of grit to escape with a win that could prove pivotal in avoiding the club’s first-ever wooden spoon under Bennett’s stewardship.
Latrell Mitchell made his much-anticipated return from injury, lining up at centre and quickly reminding fans why he’s so valuable. Mitchell was instrumental, notching two sublime try-assists to Alex Johnston, showcasing the blend of strength and artistry that has defined Latrell’s NRL career.
The jewel in the crown of his return saw him leap to collect a midfield bomb before executing a stunning flick pass for Johnston’s 209th career try, who himself now sits just three tries shy of Ken Irvine’s all-time record.
Early on, Souths flew out of the blocks, with Johnston bagging a quick try after a penalty against the Titans gifted the visitors attacking territory. But the Gold Coast refused to lie down, counter-punching through Jaylan De Groot, Beau Fermor, and Sam Verrills as the game see-sawed through the first half.
Bayleigh Bentley-Hape had a perfect day with the boot, including two clutch penalties, while Jye Gray gained 174 running metres from fullback as Souths clawed back from a 12-4 deficit to lead 14-12 at halftime.
The second half was an arm-wrestle, but the Rabbitohs’ defence stood tall when it mattered most, repelling multiple Titans attacks in the dying moments, including a controversial no-penalty call that kept South Sydney ahead as the clock expired.
The victory, Souths’ first in ten outings, lifts them off the bottom rung and may well have spared Wayne Bennett the ignominy of his first wooden spoon. A task that seemed near impossible before this win, and a testament to his legendary resilience and refusal to quit, even during the club’s most injury-ridden campaign.
In what was perhaps a season-defining triumph, the Rabbitohs proved that with Latrell Mitchell back, they were always going to find a way to win.
