Round 11: Friday 15 May
South Sydney v Dolphins
Lang Park, 8:00pm
After last week’s convincing win over Cronulla-Sutherland, the resounding loss to the slick Dolphins team once again highlighted South Sydney’s inconsistency in 2026.
The Almanac’s shrewd columnist The Prospector made this observation earlier in the season (paraphrasing) ‘I fear South Sydney will continue to be an inconsistent team this year’.
In his usual mumbling way post-match, Wayne Bennett described the team’s performance as ‘rubbish’ and ‘getting to the embarrassing stage.’
What was embarrassing, and has been this way his entire NRL career, was Cody Walker’s immaturity, his lack of emotional control, and lack of regard for his team.
I often wonder why this has not been addressed? Or, if coaches, mentors or teammates have attempted to address this in the past, without success.
Fox League Expert Commentator Shaun Johnson summed up the dynamic perfectly after the match, at the same time praising Dolphins young gun half back Isaiya Katoa.
Johnson’s point was the contrast in composure between Katoa (22 years old, 73 NRL games) and Walker (36 years old, 233 NRL games), particularly late in the game.
Cooper Cronk referred to Walker’s temperament during the game; earlier in the season, South Sydney’s 2014 premiership 5/8th Luke Keary, who has fast gained a reputation as an intelligent analyst, also called out Cody’s temperament during his post-match thoughts.
Certainly, Katoa’s kicking game was far superior to any of South Sydney’s kickers, as well as his team organisation.
Cody is into his eleventh season in the NRL. I am very curious to see what the succession plan is with the veteran player. If Cody is still playing NRL in 2027, South Sydney’s planning and recruitment must be questioned.
Cody can certainly provide the mercurial moments, however the temperamental outbursts are not a ‘good look’ at all: for his team, and himself.
Yet, with Cameron Murray on Origin duty this weekend, Cody has been named as South Sydney captain for the tough away trip to Townsville.
After South Sydney wasted several early opportunities due to poor kicks and handling errors, the well balanced, methodical Dolphins were never seriously threatened.
Wayne Bennett’s former understudy at Redcliffe, Kristian Wolf, had an intelligent game plan based around the Dolphins’ many strengths: a big, mobile pack of forwards, speed, and a great kicking game, both long and short. The Fins targeted inexperienced South Sydney winger Bailey Bentley-Hape. Although ‘BBH’ scored a try, he was bashed from pillar to post by the Dolphins all night.
As I conclude this match report, this afternoon (Wednesday) we have heard the sad news of the medical retirement of South Sydney and Queensland State of Origin forward Jai Arrow, due to an MND diagnosis.
Fair to say the rugby league world has been stunned by this shock news. To say Jai Arrow was a fierce competitor is a massive understatement. My mind goes to a game at Dolphin Oval, round 19, 2024 … one of the few South Sydney games I have seen live in recent years.
I recall Jai giving his teammate Tarne Milne an absolute spray for not passing the ball to a support player ten metres from the try line. A try under the posts went begging, and Jai was furious! The Dolphins won the game 36-28, six tries to five, with South Sydney kicking two goals from six attempts on the night (Cody and Milne had one successful attempt each). Jaramaye Asaako kicked six from six for the winners.
Every rugby league supporter wishes Jai and his family all the best at this very difficult time.
Highlights:
NRL 2026 | Rabbitohs v Dolphins | Match Highlights | Round 11
Press conference:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_SKBD7j7z2c
Full time: Dolphins 32 d South Sydney 10
South Sydney team list: Gray, Bentley-Hape, Latrell, Graham, Kosi, Cody, Ward, Koloamatangi, Garlick, Keppie, Aitken, Duncan, Murray (captain), bench: Dufty, Hubner, Tatola, Elliott.
South Sydney points: tries: (2) Bentley-Hape 62’, Aitken 66’
Goals: Bentley-Hape 1/2
Half time: Dolphins 20-0
Crowd: 48, 673
Referee: Adam Gee
Penalties: Dolphins 5-4
Six again: South Sydney 9-5
Rabbit in the Vineyard player of the year points
3 Cameron Murray, 2 Jye Gray, 1 Tallis Duncan
Progressive: 11 Latrell & Cameron Murray, 10:Tallis Duncan, 8:Jye Gray, 3: Latrell Siegwalt, Peter Mamouzelos, 2: Lachlan Hubner, Alex Johnston, Cody & Jack Wighton, 1: David Fifita, Matt Dufty & Keon Koloamatangi
Honour roll: 2023-2024 Cameron Murray, 2025 Jye Gray
South Sydney full weekend results
NSW Cup round 11: South Sydney 26 d Manly-Warringah 18
League Unlimited Program Round 12 + Origin
Barossa Valley red wine of the week
2021 Murray Street GMS – the ‘Give me strength!’
Russel Hansen, South Sydney football club diamond member 6199, lives in Nuriootpa, Barossa Valley, South Australia.
His golden retriever, Murray, is named after the South Sydney captain.
Twitter/X: @Rabbit in the Vineyard @Russel_Hansen
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About Russel Hansen
Russel Hansen Has worked in schools for over thirty years – as a teacher, coach, coach educator, sports coordinator and in pastoral care roles. Whilst at Brisbane Boys’ College as Director of Athletics, he led teams to six GPS premierships in track and field, and cross country. He has coached (athletics) at all levels from school to international. His squad at the University of Queensland (to January 2023) included Lachlan Kennedy OLY, Paris 4x100m relay runner, Australian record holder. He is married to Heidi, a Primary school principal, and is father to two adult daughters. Twitter: @Russel_Hansen
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