Here are the key takeaways from South Sydney's 32-12 loss to the Canberra Raiders at Apex Oval, Dubbo.
NIKORIMA FINDING HIS FEET OFF THE BENCH
You never know when or where a utility on the interchange will take to the field, and in the case of Kodi Nikorima it was at fullback after Taane Milne's injury forced a major backline reshuffle.
He slotted into the position nicely, coming up with some nice touches throughout the second half and tried hard to get the attack rolling under difficult circumstances.
The new recruit capped off a nice backline movement with a cutout passing putting Alex Johnston over in the corner for the second try of the afternoon.
UNWANTED STAT CONTINUES A TREND
So far season 2022 has shown us that South Sydney are almost impossible to run down when in front, but struggle to make up ground for a comeback.
For the sixth time this year the Rabbitohs were behind at half-time and went on to lose.
Despite some attacking improvements in the second 40, trying to chase down a 24-0 lead was far too hard a task against a red-hot Canberra side.
INJURIES STARTING TO TAKE A TOLL
No South Sydney forward ran for more than 115 metres, whereas Canberra had three pass that mark.
The early departure of Junior Tatola was tough to cope with, particularly after he ran for 200m last week against the Warriors.
Captain Cameron Murray's absence was also felt, with the Raiders looking the more comfortable side around the ruck.
Cam's trademark quick play the balls were desperately needed to help get Souths on the front foot.
STRETCH NEVER STOPS TRYING
On a tough day out, the efforts of Campbell Graham in every facet of the game shouldn't go unnoticed.
Graham led the metre eaters for the Rabbitohs with 120 for the afternoon and was top two in offloads, post contact metres, tackle breaks and play the ball speed.
His determination to never give up on a play almost resulted in a try in the first half after he chased down a kicked ball near the touch line, before an interesting decision was made to penalise Trent Peoples for an obstruction.
Graham did his Blues chances no harm with another very solid outing.
POSSESSION LETS RABBITOHS DOWN
A common denominator in losses this season has been ball control, and unfortunately, that was again an issue against the Raiders.
Canberra finished the first half with 60% of the ball, often receiving extra possessions in good field position to start their attacking sets.
Things improved a little in the second half as they got more of the ball, but seven dropped balls in each half made life difficult.
That will be a key area Jason Demetriou will look to improve coming into a crucial match against the Wests Tigers in round 12.
