Written by Megan Taylor, sports reporter covering international sports since 2020
South Sydney Rabbitohs Brisbane Broncos turned into a one-sided Round 15 statement on Thursday night, with South Sydney Rabbitohs crushing Brisbane Broncos 48-6 at Accor Stadium to hand the reigning premiers a sixth straight National Rugby League defeat.
Cody Walker controlled the match with four try assists, while Alex Johnston scored four tries as Wayne Bennett’s side strengthened its push for the top eight.
The result followed a week of focus on this fixture, with South Sydney Rabbitohs vs Brisbane Broncos Preview: Round 15 Clash Could Shape Finals Race setting the stage for a major test of Brisbane Broncos’ premiership defence. Fans can follow official updates through the National Rugby League website.
South Sydney Rabbitohs Strike Early
South Sydney Rabbitohs made a fast start on an emotional night when both clubs united to honour Jai Arrow following his motor neurone disease diagnosis.
Ed Kosi and Johnston scored in back-to-back sets to give South Sydney Rabbitohs a 12-0 lead before Walker sent David Fifita over from close range.
Johnston crossed again before halftime, and South Sydney Rabbitohs produced the best try of the night when Ashton Ward chipped over the Brisbane Broncos line for Walker.
Walker then tipped the ball on for Jamie Humphreys to score, giving South Sydney Rabbitohs a 30-0 halftime lead.
Brisbane Broncos Slide Continues
Brisbane Broncos finally scored through Josiah Karapani in the 52nd minute, but the away side never looked likely to mount a comeback.
Their night got worse when Adam Reynolds suffered a hamstring injury and Ezra Mam left with a shoulder problem in the second half.
Ben Hunt’s pass into the back of Preston Riki summed up Brisbane Broncos’ poor night, with the forward facing his own tryline as the ball hit him.
Johnston added two more tries in the final 20 minutes, while debutant John Radel also crossed as South Sydney Rabbitohs finished with authority.
The defeat leaves Brisbane Broncos at 5-9 and at risk of becoming the first reigning premiers to miss the finals the next season since Wests Tigers in 2006.
