South Sydney v Penrith
Sydney Olympic Stadium
Thursday 27 March, 8pm
A replay of the 2021 Grand Final played in Brisbane.
Thursday night football is for ratings.
Never convenient for those who have commitments, in my case coaching until approximately 7:30pm (Central Time). If I had forgotten where I now live, I was quickly reminded when one of the (sprints) squad politely asked ‘Coach, can you check the score in the Port game?’
To my pleasant surprise, Google informed me that the score in the main game was 10-0 to Souths! The boys were out of the blocks like Ben Johnson.
Over to Andrew Moore and friends on the ABC listen app for the drive home to the Barossa.
28-0 at half-time on commute towards Gawler.
Andrew Moore excitedly commented: “I hope you Souths fans out there are enjoying this!!” Just as I was about to add my greetings to Grandstand’s coverage via text message, I received a very welcome half-time call from my brother from another mother, Brisbane Boys’ College stalwart and one of Rockhampton’s great ambassadors, Wayne Banks.
“Handsome, are you in your car?”
“Why?? Why are you not at home watching the game?”
“Your boys are absolutely giving it to the Riff!”
“I’m loving that Davvy’s work … who is he?!”
The Ian Roberts-Rampling brothers-Charlie Frith defender of the match:
For the second consecutive week, the smallest player on the field: Jye Gray.
Gray’s one on one strip of Papali’i was a truly inspirational moment.
The diminutive fullback, who is leading the Dally M player of the year count after four rounds, faces being benched this week due to the return of the NSW and Australian centre, Latrell.
The Clive Churchill-George Piggins-Mario Fenech inspirational player:
Back from injury, Alex Johnston crossed the stripe for his 196th NRL career try. 200 in sight, with Ken Irvine’s all-time record of 212 not far off! Unfortunately, Alex is out for about a month now with a rib injury.
The Phil Blake ‘chip n chase’ best attacking play:
Let’s continue with the prolific Alex Johnston theme: his early try, following slick passing from Cody, Gray and Wighton certainly set the tone for that huge first half of attacking football.
Full time: South Sydney 28 d Penrith 18
Souths points: Tries (5 tries to 3) Keon 5’, Johnston 9’, Keon 27’, Moale 32’, Gray 38’. Goals: Humphreys 4/6
Half-time: Souths 28-0
Souths team list: Gray, Johnston, Wighton, Tass, Ravalawa, Cody (capt.), Humphreys, Keppie, Mamouzelos, Tetola, Koloamatangi, Arrow, Duncan. Bench: Moale, Sullivan, Havili, Le Blanc.
Crowd: 10, 029
2025 RABBIT IN THE VINEYARD PLAYER OF THE YEAR POINTS:
3 points: Keon Koloamatangi
2 points: Jye Gray
1 point: Cody
2025 PROGRESSIVE:
8 – Jamie Humphreys, 6 – Jye Gray, 3 – Keon Koloamatangi, 2 – Campbell Graham and Sean Keppie, 1 – Cody, Jai Arrow and Lachlan Hubner
NB: 2023 and 2024 winner: Cameron Murray
Highlights:
NRL Match Highlights 2025 | Rabbitohs v Panthers | Round 4
Press conference:
Bennett reveals SECRET formula to Rabbitohs win: NRL Presser | NRL on Nine
Souths’ next three fixtures:
Round 5: v Roosters (H) Friday 4/4/25
Round 6: v Cowboys (Perth) Saturday 12/4/25
Round 7: v Bulldogs (H) Good Friday 18/4/25
SOUTH SYDNEY FULL WEEKEND RESULTS:
NSW CUP: Round 4 Penrith 26 d South Sydney 22
SG BALL (U/19) Round 8: South Sydney & Warriors 16 all draw
JERSEY FLEGG (U/21) Round 4: Penrith 30 d South Sydney 26
HAROLD MATTHEWS CUP (U/17) Round 8: Warriors 20 d South Sydney 18
WOMENS:
U/19 Tarsha Gale Cup Round 8: Canberra 38 d South Sydney 16
U/17 Leisa Fiaola Cup: Round 8: Canberra 30 d South Sydney 0
BAROSSA VALLEY RED WINE OF THE WEEK
Four Coins Lost Penny Quartet 2020: Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz, Merlot, Grenache
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
To read our library of rugby league stories click HERE.
To return to our Footy Almanac home page click HERE.
To see the full 2025 season draw for the NRL click HERE.
To see the full 2025 season draw for the NRLW click HERE.
To see the details for State of Origin in 2025 click HERE.
Our writers are independent contributors. The opinions expressed in their articles are their own. They are not the views, nor do they reflect the views, of Malarkey Publications.
Do you enjoy the Almanac concept?
And want to ensure it continues in its current form, and better? To help things keep ticking over please consider making your own contribution.
Become an Almanac (annual) member – CLICK HERE.
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
- More Posts
RITV, Trell is back. Is that good or bad? Playing next to his mate Jack might be a good thing and allow Gary to keep doing his thing – which has been extraordinary.
IJH – in the ideal world, imagine Latrell playing in the centres, Campbell Graham to the wing (when fit) – leaves AJ and Munro fighting for a wing spot
But how can you not have Jye Gray, leading the Dally M count, not starting? Not sure what he would do (where he’d play) off the bench
I am so pleased Uncle Wayne has retained Gray as fullback .. for now, at least
And Easter is still coming!