In an exciting Good Friday double-header, the South Sydney Rabbitohs and Penrith Panthers showcased their dominance in the NRL. Both teams achieved significant victories, each with standout performances from key players.
Rabbitohs Triumph Over the Bulldogs
On April 7, 2023, the Rabbitohs clashed with the Canterbury Bulldogs at Accor Stadium. Led by Latrell Mitchell, the Rabbitohs turned an 18-12 halftime deficit into a 32-24 victory. Mitchell shone brightly, scoring a double and contributing 20 points to his team’s total.
- Final Score: Rabbitohs 32 – Bulldogs 24
- Attendance: Over 50,000 fans
The turning point came when Bulldogs captain Stephen Crichton suffered a shoulder injury in the second half, limiting his team’s performance. Following his departure, South Sydney seized control of the match. Cameron Murray and Tallis Duncan also found the try-line, propelling their team to victory.
Bulldogs’ Struggles
The Bulldogs initially led the game thanks to strong plays, including tries by Marcelo Montoya and Sitili Tupouniua. However, their performance deteriorated in the second half, resulting in nine errors that hampered their chances.
Panthers Dominate the Storm
Later in the day, the Penrith Panthers faced the Melbourne Storm at CommBank Stadium, delivering a resounding 50-10 victory. This match marked a historic achievement, as the Panthers became the first team to win their first five games by 20 points or more.
- Final Score: Panthers 50 – Storm 10
- Record Set: First team to win first five games by at least 20 points
Winger Tom Jenkins was a key player, scoring two tries and achieving the record for the most tries in the opening five rounds of a season with 12. Jenkins also made history by being the first player to score a double in five consecutive games at the start of a season.
Storm’s Challenges
Melbourne, now having lost three consecutive matches, struggled to contain the Panthers. The Storm had previously been a formidable opponent but faced significant difficulties during this encounter. They will need to regroup ahead of their next match against the Warriors.
The Good Friday showdowns highlighted the competitive nature of the NRL. As the Rabbitohs and Panthers reflect on their wins, both teams will look to continue their strong form in the upcoming rounds.
