Dolphins v South Sydney
Sunday 8 March 3:30pm
Lang Park, Brisbane
In a scoreline more expected in a Super Rugby (Union) fixture, South Sydney won at Lang Park on Sunday afternoon after five successive losses at the venue stretching back to that rare win over Melbourne in 2023 Magic Round.
South Sydney scored seven tries to five to hold out the Dolphins in wet conditions at the Cauldron. Alex Johnston edged closer to Ken Irvine’s all time try scoring record with a try right on the half-time hooter.
Discussion now surrounds: when Alex breaks Ken Irvine’s record, should the crowd swarm on to the field, a la Lance ‘Buddy’ Franklin style? Wayne Bennett is adamant: any such behaviour would be disrespectful to the game. Johnston himself said: “they could not fine everyone!” (for running on to the field)
Regardless, South Sydney need to tighten their defence.
Leaking 30 points will not win too many more games this season, particularly against the Chooks coming off a heavy defeat in New Zealand.
Channel Nine will be licking their lips in anticipation of great Friday night ratings: tomorrow night will be the 236th meeting between the two oldest rivals in rugby league, dating back to 1908. South Sydney is slightly ahead on the ledger, 121 wins to Easts’ 109.
Angus Crichton plays his 200th NRL game in this fixture, having played 55 games for South Sydney (2016-2018) before moving to the dark side for 144 subsequent appearances for the Roosters.
The last time the two teams met, Round 27 2025 resulted in a 6-36 shellacking, with rugby union bound winger Mark Nawaqanitawase bagging a hat trick. Defence leaking 30+ points? Again?
The Clive Churchill-George Piggins-Mario Fenech most inspirational play:
Cody kicking his first NRL ‘40/20’ (in game 224) was a crucial moment in the second half. After leading 28-10 at half-time, with the Dolphins surging back into the contest with two quick tries, Cody produced a great kick to the ‘Paddo’ Tavern corner of the Caldron to wrestle back momentum to South Sydney.
The Rampling brothers-Ian Roberts-Les Davidson tackle (defender) of the match:
As much as I thoroughly respect and enjoy Ric Finlay’s input on ABC Grandstand cricket coverage, I am not usually one for pouring through the statistics of NRL matches. However, I will refer to the 2027 St George-Illawarra recruit Keon Koloamatangi: 253 run metres and 23 tackles. Many of those 23 tackles were stopping the likes of Flegler and Gilbert. Well played, Keon!
The Phil Blake chip n chase best attacking moment:
There were many to choose from in amongst this seven try romp, however ‘Pistol’ Pete Mamouzelos, playing off the bench with the instruction from coach Bennett to run the ball, scooted out of dummy half, to set up the other pocket rocket Jye Gray for a good, old-fashioned 60m try. Mamouzelos dummied, ran between the two markers, darted another thirty metres before he found Gray doing what any hard-working fullback should be doing (backing up in support through the middle of the ruck). Gray scored untouched under the posts.
Full time: South Sydney 40 defeated Dolphins 30
South Sydney team list: Gray, Johnston, Latrell, Wighton, Graham, Cody, Ward, Tetola, Bronson Garlick (SS debut #1214), Koloamatangi, David Fifita (SS debut #1213), Aitken, Murray (captain), bench: Mamouzelos, Duncan, Hubner, Keppie, Sullivan.
South Sydney points: tries: (7) Graham 2’, Latrell 14’ Graham 32’, Gray 35’, Johnston 39’, Hubner 62’, Latrell 67’; goals: Latrell 5/7 conversions, 1/2 penalty goals
Half-time: South Sydney 28-10
Crowd: 20, 114
Referee: Peter Gough
Penalties: South Sydney 7-3
Highlights
NRL 2026 | Dolphins v Rabbitohs | Match Highlights | Round 1
Press conference
“DON’T see why it should happen!” Wayne urges Bunnies fans to NOT storm the field for AJ’s record ?
2026 Rabbit in the Vineyard Player of the Year points:
3: Cody, 2: Latrell, 1: David Fifita
Honour roll:
2023-2024 Cameron Murray, 2025 Jye Gray
South Sydney full weekend results:
NSW Cup Newcastle 52 d South Sydney 10
U/19 Lisa Fiaola Cup Newcastle 26 d South Sydney 8
U/17 Tarsha Gale Cup Cup Newcastle 50 d South Sydney 6
U/21 Jersey Flegg Cup South Sydney 24 d Newcastle16
U/19 SG Ball Cup South Sydney 38 d Manly 6
U/17 Harold Matts South Sydney 30 d Manly 10
Round 2 program:
BAROSSA VALLEY RED WINE OF THE WEEK
Two Hands ‘Brave Faces’ 2023 Grenache-Mourvedre-Shiraz (GMS)
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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Glory glory to – I can hear it now- this week will give us a better idea if they will get to the second verse
thanks Matt, could not agree more – the Chooks coming off a loss – can Cody & Latrell back up their great from from round 1? Can they ‘keep their cool’ when the Chooks niggle them?
& I’ll keep saying it: South Sydney need to be better under the high ball! and: defence! 30 points again last week – last time (round 27 2025) v Easts, they smashed us 6-36!