St George Illawarra Dragons triumphed over South Sydney Rabbitohs with a decisive 46-26 victory during the 2025 Charity Shield match held at Glen Willow Stadium, Mudgee.
The Charity Shield, renowned for showcasing one of rugby league's oldest rivalries, serves not only as competitive sport but also aims to raise funds for charity. This year, the Dragons demonstrated their strength early on, putting the Rabbitohs under considerable pressure right from the start.
Within the first half, Sione Finau of the Dragons showcased exceptional form, crossing the try line four times before leaving the field for a head injury assessment (HIA) late in the first half. The Rabbitohs' defense struggled to contain the Dragons' offensive play; they quickly found themselves trailing 34-0 after just 28 minutes of play, which painted a bleak picture for the team.
Despite the early setbacks, the Rabbitohs began to emerge from their slumber. Jye Gray made his intentions clear, scoring the Rabbitohs' first try at the 33-minute mark after chasing down his own grubber kick. This was the beginning of what some hoped would be a remarkable comeback. Gray's performance was pivotal; he not only scored but also assisted in another try before the end of the first half, helping his team to regain some momentum.
Coming back from halftime, South Sydney faced the game with renewed vigor. The Rabbitohs had to tackle the challenge with just twelve players at the start of the half after Lewis Dodd was sent to the sin bin following his high shot on Finau. Yet, this shortcoming did not hinder their determination. Jamie Humphreys orchestrated key plays, leading to Keaon Koloamatangi scoring twice early on, significantly narrowing the gap to just 14 points within the first ten minutes of the half.
It seemed as if the Rabbitohs might turn the tide, but the Dragons struck back decisively. Moses Suli crossed over for another try, extending the Dragons' lead back to 20 points, and Ryan Couchman later sealed the victory with another score at the 67-minute mark. The final score of 46-26 reflected the Dragons' dominance, even as the Rabbitohs showed resilience through their comeback efforts.
Despite the pain of the loss, there were bright spots for South Sydney. Jye Gray emerged as the standout player for the Rabbitohs, earning praise for his spirited effort throughout the match. "This week’s play of the game goes to Jye Gray’s first try, staring down the barrel of a 34-0 score line after just half an hour," as noted by the Daily Telegraph, highlighting his remarkable performance under pressure.
Looking forward, the Rabbitohs now confront the challenge of regrouping before heading to Suncorp Stadium for their 2025 NRL opener against the Dolphins. This match, particularly after the Charity Shield defeat, will be pivotal for South Sydney as they aim to bounce back and set the tone for the season.
Meanwhile, the Dragons can bask in their victory, successful both on the field and for their charitable contributions through the annual Charity Shield. With the 2025 season on the horizon, this match sets the stage for what fans can expect from both teams as they strive for excellence.
With high stakes and intense rivalry, the Charity Shield this year has once again proven to be more than just another preseason match; it is emblematic of the passion and dedication present within the NRL.