2025 NRL, Round 20
Penrith v South Sydney
Parramatta Stadium
Friday 18 July, 8pm
2021 Grand Final Replay – winning is a habit, losing is a habit
In what has become an increasingly difficult watch, South Sydney slumped to their seventh straight loss last Friday night. In the process, Souths lost several players to injury, with coach Bennett’s press conference mutterings once again praising the player’s efforts.
This week, Souths will be without Jamie Humphreys and Peter Mamouzelos (concussion), as well as Keon Koloamatangi (ankle – season).
Alex Johnston scored his 207th NRL try, edging one try closer to Ken Irvine’s record of 212.
Nudgee College old boy Liam Le Blanc crossed for his first NRL try.
It is a fascinating contrast between the two clubs since the 2021 Grand Final: Penrith have won four straight premierships, while South Sydney have plummeted since mid-2023.
South Sydney 2022: Preliminary Final (lost to Penrith)
South Sydney 2023: 9th
South Sydney 2024: 16th
South Sydney 2025: currently 16th
South Sydney’s remaining 2025 games: Sharks, Broncos, Titans, Parramatta, St George-Illawarra, Easts.
Wake me up when September ends.
Full time: Penrith 30 defeated South Sydney 10
South Sydney team list: Johnston, Tass, Duncan, Aitken, Munro, Wighton, Humphries, Tetola, Havili, Koloamatangi, Host, Arrow, Hubner, bench: Mamouzelos, Keppie, Todd, Le Blanc.
South Sydney point scorers: tries (2) Le Blanc 43’, Johnston 78’, goals: Humphreys 1/2
Half time: Penrith 18-0
Penalties: 3-3
Referee: Gerard Sutton, bunker: Casey Badger
Attendance:11, 816
Highlights
2025 NRL Match Highlights | Panthers v Rabbitohs | Round 20
Press conference:
“We’ll keep turning up…” – Wayne & Wighton praise Bunnies’ grit through injury crisis | Fox League
RITV player of the year points:
3 – Alex Johnston, 2 – Liam Le Blanc, 1 – Tallis Duncan
2025 Progressive points:
20 – Keon Koloamatangi, 17 – Jye Gray, 12 – Tallis Duncan, 11 – Jamie Humphreys, 9 Alex Johnston, Lachlan Hubner, 7 – Campbell Graham, 6 – Jack Weighton & Latrell, 3 – Jai Arrow, 2 – Laim Le Blanc, Brandon Smith, Davvy Moale,Sean Keppie, 1 – Euan Aitken, Peter Mamouzelos, Cody.
NB: 2023 and 2024 winner: Cameron Murray
South Sydney full weekend results:
NSW Cup: St George Illawarra 32 defeated South Sydney 22
Flegg: St George Illawarra 30 defeated South Sydney 28
NSW womens: Newcastle 38 defeated South Sydney 12
Barossa Valley red wine of the week
Langmeil 2023 Massimo Montepulciano Primitivo
Russel Hansen, South Sydney football club diamond member 6199, lives in Nuriootpa, Barossa Valley, South Australia. His golden retriever, Murray, is named after the (injured – for the season) South Sydney captain. Twitter/X: @Rabbit in the Vineyard @Russel_Hansen
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About Russel Hansen
Russel Hansen
Has worked in schools for over thirty years – as a teacher, coach, coach educator, sports coordinator and in pastoral care roles. Whilst at Brisbane Boys’ College as Director of Athletics, he led teams to six GPS premierships in track and field, and cross country.
He has coached (athletics) at all levels from school to international. His squad at the University of Queensland (to January 2023) included Lachlan Kennedy OLY, Paris 4x100m relay runner, Australian record holder.
He is married to Heidi, a Primary school principal, and is father to two adult daughters.
Twitter: @Russel_Hansen