The South Sydney Rabbitohs have come off second best against the Broncos in Brisbane in what was certainly a tough night for the Cardinal and Myrtle.
There were some promising signs for Souths early in the second half, particularly when they played straight through the middle rather than sideways to the edges.
However, they were ultimately unable to overcome the Broncos, who were too good off the back of the creativity of their electric fullback Reece Walsh, finishing 28-18 victors over Souths.
It was a nervous start from the Rabbitohs, who were gifted several attacking opportunities early. However, they were unable to convert these into points due to errors at crucial times.
The Broncos too were somewhat loose with ball in hand, squandering multiple chances near the try line with mistakes of their own.
Despite the error-riddled start, it was the Broncos who were able to break the deadlock and post first points, with Deine Mariner going over thanks to a deft grubber from Adam Reynolds to the corner.
The chances kept coming for Brisbane, who scored again in the 25th minute thanks to a magic moment from fullback Reece Walsh, whose lightning feet proved too much to handle for the Rabbitohs’ defence off the back consecutive sets on their own line.
A trip to the sin-bin for Damien Cook in the 29th minute put the Rabbitohs under pressure for the remainder of the first half.
Souths though were able to weather the storm, not conceding any points while Cook was off the field, thanks in no small part to fullback Latrell Mitchell, who thwarted a Brisbane attacking raid down the right hand side of the field in the 32nd minute.
Walsh fed Kotoni Staggs a beautiful short ball to send him through a gap untouched. With just Mitchell at the back to beat and Ezra Mam looming up on the inside in support, Latrell managed to force an error from what should have resulted in a third Broncos try.
Going to the break down 12-0, the Rabbitohs knew they needed to score first in the second half to give themselves the best possible chance of a comeback victory.
That’s exactly what they did, through Siliva Havili, who beat 2 Brisbane defenders close to the line with a burrowing effort to bring the deficit back to 6 points.
Havili then continued to wreak havoc in the middle, displaying his immense skill with a crisp short ball to Davvy Moale who crashed over untouched next to the posts.
In the blink of an eye, the Rabbitohs were back even at 12-all in the 45th minute, with the momentum well and truly behind them.
The Broncos would regain the lead just seven minutes later, with Walsh heavily involved once again with a cut-out ball to Selwyn Cobbo, who managed to tap the ball on to Jesse Arthars who scored in the left corner for a 16-12 lead.
The trio of Walsh, Cobbo and Arthars would combine for a second time in the 62nd minute, extending their lead to 22-12 with Walsh’s second try, and arguably the try of the night.
Not to be outdone by Walsh however, Deine Mariner produced a remarkable chip and chase play to put the result beyond doubt for the Broncos.
Latrell Mitchell would have the last laugh with 30 seconds to go, making a 60m solo run down field to beat his opposite Walsh at the back and score the final try of the game.
However, it was never going to be enough to rein in the Broncos at that late point in the match, with Souths left to pick up the pieces after a second consecutive defeat to start the season.
Match Snapshot
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It was a tight opening to the game, with both sides squandering multiple opportunities to score thanks to crucial errors
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The Broncos drew first blood in the 18th minute through Dean Marriner, who pounced on an Adam Reynolds grubber in the corner
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Reece Walsh scored the Broncos second try with a darting run through the play-the-ball, beating three defenders to score under the posts in the 25th minute
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Cook was sin binned for a professional foul in the 29th minute. Reynolds kicked a penalty goal for a 12-0 lead, which remained in tact at half time.
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Souths wrestled back the momentum and got to 12-12 thanks to a try and a try assist to Siliva Havili in the first five minutes of the second half.
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The Broncos scored the next three tries to put the result beyond doubt.
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Latrell Mitchell scored a consolation try on the bell, leaving the final score at 28-18.
Play of the Game
Reece Walsh’s second try of the match was certainly something to behold. The Broncos fullback linked up with Selwyn Cobbo, who then put Jesse Arthars away down the sideline. The Arthars chip kick back infield produced a terrible bounce for Latrell Mitchell, and an absolute room-service bounce for Walsh, who collected and scored with ease.
What’s Next?
Souths will need to pick themselves up and dust themselves off and prepare for a big local derby against the Sydney Roosters at Allianz Stadium next Friday.. They will be heavily buoyed by the return of star signing Jack Wighton, and will no doubt be up for this match against their arch-rivals.
