Alex Johnston edged another try closer to Ken Irvine’s record, albeit off a forward pass, as Cody Walker’s star power inspired South Sydney to a third straight win on Thursday night.
The Bunnies powered past St George Illawarra 40-0 to give the 7213 fans who showed up to Accor Stadium some overdue joy.
The win was the Rabbitohs’ biggest over the Red V, dating back to 1935.
The Rabbitohs’ injury toll has been shocking this season, and you can only wonder if things could have been a little different had they kept all their men on the park.
The 35-year-old playmaker had a hand in a couple of tries and even came up with a try-saving tackle on Dragons opposite Kyle Flanagan early in the second half.
He also had the Dragons’ right-edge defence second-guessing themselves when he drifted across the field before passing to Tallis Duncan, whose final ball to Johnston put the winger over for career try No. 210. He needs two more to join Irvine, and three to set a record.
Dragons fans were stunned his try was awarded, given Duncan’s pass appeared to travel forward.
The Red V faithful have had their patience tested this year when seeing their team on the wrong end of contentious calls. Just last month, they watched Bulldogs half Lachie Galvin threw a flat pass in the same corner of the Sydney Olympic Park venue to pinch a late win.
Like South Sydney, the Dragons have had a wretched run with injuries. They have featured in plenty of tight contests over the past month, and maybe it was a simple case of being mentally exhausted.
The loss of Jack de Belin, Hame Sele and Hamish Stewart to concussion – and the return of Keaon Koloamatangi for Souths – meant the home side came into the contest as slight favourites.
Tallis Duncan scores against the Dragons.Credit: Getty Images
If Walker was a standout in just his second game back from a calf injury – and his 10th game all year – Jye Gray was just as electric. He was brilliant defensively last week against Parramatta, but again showed his attacking potency on a wet and cold night against the Dragons. He did well to support Johnston to finish an 80m try in the first half.
How does coach Wayne Bennett start Latrell Mitchell ahead of Gray in the No.1 jersey next year?
Ashton Ward showed some lovely hands during a short-side play for Peter Mamouzelos to score, and Tyrone Munro sprinted down the right touchline and stood up Dragons’ skipper Clint Gutherson late in the game as the scoreboard blew out.