Round Rewind: The 2022 Semi Final Showdown Against the Sharks

With another showdown against the Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks fast approaching, we take a look back at a dominant performance in the 2022 semi-final, where the Rabbitohs delivered a masterclass to book their place in another preliminary final.

In a high-stakes clash at Allianz Stadium, South Sydney stamped their authority from the outset, overpowering the Sharks in both attack and defence to secure an emphatic 38-12 victory. It was a statement win from the men in red and green, reinforcing their credentials as premiership contenders.

The Rabbitohs wasted no time asserting themselves, with Mark Nicholls setting the tone just three minutes in. Charging onto a perfectly timed crash ball from Damien Cook, Nicholls spun out of a tackle from Toby Rudolf and powered over next to the posts to put South Sydney on the board early.

The opening half saw a tense battle unfold, with both sides trading sets and testing each other's defensive resolve. It wasn’t until the 29th minute that the Rabbitohs broke the deadlock again, this time through a slick right-side shift. Latrell Mitchell fired a pinpoint cutout pass to Taane Milne, who soared into the corner, finishing elegantly with his tongue out. The Rabbitohs had doubled their lead to 12-0. Just before the break, Cameron Murray produced a moment of individual brilliance. The South Sydney skipper shrugged off Dale Finucane with a devastating fend before stepping past Teig Wilton to burst through the middle and crash over, extending the lead to 18-0 at halftime. The Sharks showed their resilience by striking first after the break, but any hopes of a comeback were quickly dashed as the Rabbitohs remained relentless. Taane Milne continued to shine, crossing for a second try and setting up another as South Sydney kept their foot on the gas.

Defensively, the Rabbitohs were just as impressive, smothering Cronulla’s attacking threats and forcing errors with their relentless pressure. Latrell Mitchell controlled the game with his playmaking and flawless goal-kicking, converting all six attempts to keep the scoreboard ticking over.

By the final whistle, South Sydney had asserted their dominance with a commanding 38-12 victory, sealing their place in the preliminary final in emphatic fashion.

Key Performers

• Latrell Mitchell – one try assist, 14 points (six conversions, zero missed)

• Taane Milne – two tries, 120 run metres, one try assist
• Junior Tatola – 175 run metres, 73 post-contact metres, 22 tackles
• Mark Nicholls – one try, 123 run metres, 36 post-contact metres, 22 tackles
• Cameron Murray – one try, one try assist, 147 run metres, 37 tackles

The Aftermath

The dominant win propelled South Sydney into their fifth consecutive preliminary final, further cementing their status as one of the competition’s most consistent contenders. As they prepare for their next clash with the Sharks, the Rabbitohs will be aiming to replicate that same intensity and clinical execution. South Sydney will be eager to deliver another powerful performance and add yet another memorable chapter to their rivalry with Cronulla.