2025 NRL Round 25
South Sydney v St George-Illawarra
Sydney Olympic Stadium, Homebush
Thursday 20 August, 7:30pm
40-0
Yes, folks, checks notes … South Sydney 40, St George-Illawarra 0. A thumping Thursday night win! As much as I am not a fan of this time-slot, what a joy this game was!
Tuning in via the ABC listen app for the first half on my way home from (athletics) coaching, settling back in the chair at 16-0 up was a welcome change from the majority of the past two and a half lamentable seasons.
South Sydney’s attack, lead by young gun Ashton Ward and Brandon Smith off the bench, was crisp. Keon Koloamatangi was a welcome return, and Jai Gray was his usual energetic self all over the field.
Alex Johnston nudged closer to the Ken Irvine record, albeit off a forward pass. The St George Illawarra players near the ball all raised their arms in disbelief as AJ dived over for try number 210. (Irvine 212)
Latrell was once again unavailable due to injury, with the aging Cody playing off the bench. A 5/8th on the bench … interesting tactic from coach Bennett.
Latrell has contacted the newly appointed Kangaroos coach Kevin Walters to confirm his availability for the post-season UK tour. Who said there are no international travel opportunities in rugby league? If someone is minding the Taree Ferrari’s cattle back on the farm, all will be well.
The Clive Churchill-George Piggins-Mario Fenech-John Sutton inspirational player:
South Sydney’s rookie starting 5/8th – with the aging Cody coming off the bench – Ashton Ward, the part-time teacher aide, playing his fifth NRL game, showed maturity well beyond his tender 21 years, with a physique of 184cm and 73kg, he plays well above his weight.
Interestingly, the original Immortal Clive Churchill, the South Sydney legend, played at 176cm and 76kg.
The Rampling brothers-Les Davidson-Ian Roberts defender of the match:
Jai Arrow has not lost any admirers during this challenging season. The former Queensland Origin forward again hit hard, and often in defence.
The Phil Blake chip n chase best attacking moment:
A long, short list from a seven tries to nil result, however, young gun Tyrone Munro’s 80m effort, particularly the way he stood up Clint Gutherson (‘King Gutho’), was a fitting ‘icing on the cake’ moment.
All the angles: Tyrone Munro with the dancing feet | Watch
South Sydney’s season now consists of the bye, followed by the traditional grudge match against the neighbouring 1908 rival, Eastern Suburbs.
South Sydney team list: Gray, Johnston, Tass, Duncan, Munro, Ward, Humphreys, Keppie, Havili, Koloamatangi, Host, Arrow, Hubner, bench: Mamouzelos, Smith, Cody, Fletcher.
South Sydney points: tries (7) Host 16’, Gray 26’, Johnston 37’, Duncan 46’, Mamouzelos 64’, Fletcher 71’, Munro 75’, goals: Ward 6/7
Half-time: South Sydney 16-0
Penalties: South Sydney 5-2
Referee: Gerard Sutton, Bunker: Chris Butler
Attendance: 7, 213
Highlights
2025 NRL Match Highlights | Rabbitohs v Dragons | Round 25
Press conference
Wayne praises Souths turnaround: “They’ve grown a hell of a lot” | South Sydney Press Conference
South Sydney full weekend results:
NSW Cup Canberra 38 defeated South Sydney 26
Flegg (U/21) Canberra 46 defeated South Sydney 12
NSW women’s Sharks 18 defeated South Sydney 12
2025 Rabbit in the Vineyard player of the year points:
3 – Ashton Ward, 2 – Jye Gray, 1 – Tallis Duncan
Progressive player of the year points:
27 – Jye Gray, 20 – Keon Koloamatangi, 17 – Tallis Duncan, 12 – Alex Johnston, 11 – Jamie Humphreys, 10 – Lachlan Hubner, 8 – Jai Arrow, 7 – Campbell Graham, 6 – Jack Weighton & Latrell, 4 – Brandon Smith 3 – Ashton Ward, 2 – Liam Le Blanc, Davvy Moale, Sean Keppie, 1 – Trent Dodd, Euan Aitken, Peter Mamouzelos, Cody.
NB: 2023 and 2024 winner: Cameron Murray
2025 World Athletics Championships, Tokyo: day 1, 13 September, streamed on SBS and Channel 9.
BAROSSA VALLEY RED WINE OF THE WEEK
Anarchy Wines The Alchemist 2022 Shiraz
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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RITV, what is BLM’s middle name? Is it, perhaps, Chutzpah?
Chutzpah! brilliant IJH
I googled (what other strategy is there in 2025?!) Latrell’s middle name – it’s unknown – however I was reminded his original family name was Goolagong – as in related to the tennis great – I had forgotten that