Sharks Too Good as Rabbitohs Suffer First Defeat of 2025

South Sydney have been defeated by the Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks in what was ultimately a frustrating result for the Rabbitohs.

The Cardinal and Myrtle struggled to contain the Sharks early, and found themselves behind 10-0 after as many minutes, and trailing 20-0 at half time.

Although they did win the second half 12-7, the early damage done by the Sharks was too difficult to overcome for South Sydney, ultimately going down 27-12 in their first loss of the year.

The Sharks were first to trouble the scorers in just the third minute, with the South Sydney defence unable to stop a Nicho Hynes dummy and run from close range.

The home side found more success five minutes later, as Briton Nikora hit a hole off Hynes for their second try of the game and a 10-0 lead.

South Sydney came close to opening their account in the 14th minute through club debutant Mikaele Ravalawa, who looked to have burrowed his way into the right corner.

However, he was denied by the Bunker after closer examination revealed he had briefly placed his foot out of play.

The Sharks looked willing to chance their arm and attack from their end of the field throughout the contest. They were ultimately rewarded for their enterprising play, with two long range tries in the 20th and 29th minutes, finished off by Kayal Iro and Will Kennedy respectively.

To make matters worse for the Red and Green, Jye Gray was summoned from the field for an HIA after suffering a head knock trying to stop the Sharks’ 29th minute try. The ensuing reshuffle saw Jack Wighton shift to fullback, while Jayden Sullivan came off the bench to replace Wighton at left centre.

The Rabbitohs managed to stem the flow of points for the remainder of the half, although they still had to reckon with the difficult task of overcoming a 20-0 halftime deficit in the 40 remaining minutes.

South Sydney received a boost to start the second stanza, with Jye Gray passing his HIA in the break to return to the field to start the half.

This wouldn’t be enough to stop the Sharks from continuing their ascendency with a try to Braydon Trindall in the 45th minute.

The Boys from Maroubra were finally able to get on the scoreboard thanks to some Cody Walker creativity.

A deft little grubber into the in goal from Walker found space, and with no Cronulla defenders in sight, Jack Wighton was able to pounce on the ball for one of the simplest tries of his career.

The Rabbitohs were able manage one final try before full time, with Jamie Humphreys catching the Sharks’ defence napping off a quick tap penalty from 20m out.

It was too little too late though for South Sydney, with Trindall slotting a field goal on full time for the home side to seal the result at 27-12.

Match Snapshot

• The Sharks scored first through Nicho Hynes in the third minute
• Cronulla-Sutherland’s next try came through Briton Nikora just five minutes later
• A length of the field effort finished by Kayal Iro saw the Sharks get their third in the 20th minute
• The Sharks went the length of the field again, this time with Will Kennedy finishing off the move in the 29th minute
• The Sharks picked up where they left off after half time, with a try to Braydon Trindall in the 45th minute
• Cody Walker and Jack Wighton combined for South Sydney’s first try of the game in the 68th minute
• Jamie Humphreys scored the final try of the game in the 75th minute
• Braydon Trindall kicked a field goal as the full time siren sounded, leaving the final score at 27-12

Play of the Game

This week's Play of the Game goes to Cody Walker and Jack Wighton, who combined beautifully to get South Sydney on the board in the 68th minute. A timely reminder of the immense skill possessed by Walker, the five-eighth played at the line to draw the Sharks' defenders in, before dropping the ball on the toe and sending it into the in goal where there were no defenders. This left Wighton with little to do other than pounce on the ball and finish off Walker's great work.

What’s Next?

The Rabbitohs will be back at home after a couple of weeks on the road, with Accor Stadium to host a massive clash between the South Sydney and the Penrith Panthers.