The South Sydney Rabbitohs have achieved victory over the St George Illawarra Dragons with a thrilling score of 25-24 at WIN Stadium, Wollongong, marking their second win of the 2025 season.
On Saturday, March 15, 2025, the game was marked by dramatic twists and pivotal performances, particularly from rookie Jamie Humphreys, who kicked the game-winning field goal with just five minutes left on the clock.
The match opened with excitement right from the start. The Rabbitohs were first to score, courtesy of Jye Gray, who was awarded a penalty try after being impeded by Lachlan Ilias. Gray had attempted to capitalize on the bouncing ball following his own grubber kick, which was deflected by Tyrell Sloan. The Bunker confirmed the decision, ruling Gray would have scored if not for the interference, granting the Rabbitohs the early lead.
St George Illawarra quickly responded, with Tyrell Sloan converting his opportunity by scoring two tries during the match. His first came just three minutes following Gray's penalty try, assisted by Clint Gutherson’s cut-out pass. The Dragons’ momentum continued as they secured additional tries from Kyle Flanagan and Christian Tuipulotu, establishing a substantial 24-12 lead at one point.
Despite this, the Rabbitohs mounted a fierce comeback. Star player Cody Walker showcased his leadership with a brilliant solo effort, slicing through the Dragons’ defense to score after his team had capitalized on an error, bringing South Sydney back within range.
Walker and teammate Sean Keppie each scored tries to push the scoreboard closer, with Humphreys stepping up to successfully convert all of his attempts. Notably, he finished the match with four successful conversions before delivering the decisive field goal.
The field goal was the signature moment of the match, delivered with precision as Humphreys' kick put the Rabbitohs back on top with the narrowest of margins, bringing the final score to 25-24. This victory not only extends their winning streak to two games but also highlights the Rabbitohs’ resilience, lifting them high early this season.
The clash between the Rabbitohs and the Dragons saw both sides exhibit the kind of determination and grit expected from such rivals. The Dragons had opportunities to widen their lead but faltered slightly due to missed conversion attempts from Valentine Holmes, who only succeeded with two of five attempts, leaving the door ajar for the Rabbitohs.
Reflecting post-match, coach Wayne Bennett praised the team's effort, especially under pressure. With the Rabbitohs now preparing to face the Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks next Saturday, the momentum from this game could prove pivotal as they look to secure their third consecutive victory.
Overall, the match was not only significant for the scoreboard but also as an affirmation of the Rabbitohs’ spirit, showcasing their ability to rally from behind and seize victory in the dying minutes of the game. The fans left WIN Stadium exhilarated, many echoing sentiments of satisfaction with the performances and the thrilling nature of the contest.
And as both teams reflect on the game, this match will undoubtedly be remembered as one of those classic NRL encounters where both endurance and skill played defining roles.