Round 12: Sunday 24 May
North Queensland v South Sydney
Townsville Stadium, 4pm
South Sydney slumped to a third loss for the month of May after another disappointing performance, this time to North Queensland, on Sunday afternoon in Townsville.
Again, errors proved costly. With captain Cameron Murray the only player missing due to Origin selection, former Blues forward, and 2027 St George-Illawarra recruit Keon Koloamatangi dropped the ball 30m out, gifting the Cowboys possession for their first try of the afternoon.
The bright light for South Sydney was the two-try effort on debut for winger Tanaloa Penitani. However, in yet another example of South Sydney’s history of injuries over recent seasons, young Noa will be sidelined for several weeks after injuring his hamstring in the 79th minute.
Cody, as stand in captain for Cameron Murray, still managed to be involved in the niggle with another angry ant, the Cowboys hooker Reed Mahoney.
In a late strategic team change, Jye Gray was demoted to the bench by coach Bennett, with Matt Dufty preferred. Curiously, Gray played zero minutes. Interesting …
Post match, Cody referred to discipline in the press conference. He was referring to the team’s repeated inability to defend errors and leaking points. No mention of self-discipline from where I was sitting, feeling somewhat deflated in the lounge here in the chilly Barossa Valley.
South Sydney are now clinging to their place in top eight. The ladder is particularly tight, with the Bunnies sitting in seventh place.
South Sydney now have the bye to lick their wounds and prepare for “Fozball” – that being the red hot Manly-Warringah team, at Brookvale Oval in two weeks’ time.
The rookie coach Kieran Foran up against Uncle Wayne.
Discipline, discipline, and more discipline will be required. Over to you, Cody!
The Clive Churchill-George Piggins-Mario Fenech inspirational play (player):
The debutant, Noa Penitani, crossed the stripe for two tries. In a team lacking speed, when the hamstring is healthy, he will be a welcome addition.
The Rampling brothers-Les Davidson-Ian Roberts tackle (defensive players) of the match:
Two of the bench forwards, Lachlan Hubner and Liam le Blanc both made defensive impact when called upon. Bennett certainly has selected an interesting blend of bench players during the season.
Highlights:
NRL 2026 | Cowboys v Rabbitohs | Match Highlights | Round 12
Press conference:
“Gotta be disciplined” Bennett & Walker on careless Souths performance | Rabbitohs Press Conference
Full time: North Queensland 30 d South Sydney 18
South Sydney team list: Dufty, Johnston, Siegwalt, Duncan, Penitani (debut #1220), Cody (capt), Ward, Tatola, Mamouzelos, Keppie, Aitken, Koloamatangi, Elliott, bench: Gray, Hubner, Humphrys, Le Blanc, Fletcher.
South Sydney points:
Tries: (3) Penitani 14’ & 55’, Johnston 76’. Goals: Siegwalt 3/4
Half time: North Queensland 18-6
Crowd: 18.888
Referee: Grant Atkins
Penalties: South Sydney 6-2
Six again: South Sydney 4-3
Rabbit in the Vineyard player of the year points:
3 Talanoa Penitani, 2 Matt Dufty, 1 Tallis Duncan
Progressive: 11: Latrell & Cameron Murray, 11: Tallis Duncan, 8: Jye Gray, 3: Talanoa Penitani, Latrell Siegwalt, Matt Dufty, Peter Mamouzelos, 2: Lachlan Hubner, Alex Johnston, Cody & Jack Wighton, 1: David Fifita, Keon Koloamatangi
Honour roll: 2023-2024 Cameron Murray, 2025 Jye Gray
South Sydney full weekend results:
NSW Cup round 12: Mario Fenech Cup South Sydney 16 d North Sydney 12
Jersey Flegg Cup: South Sydney 30 d Silktails 10
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
2023 Tscharke Shiraz Shiraz Shiraz
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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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