In a thrilling encounter on Friday night, the South Sydney Rabbitohs triumphed over the Brisbane Broncos with a score of 22-14, thanks to a stunning 50-metre field goal by Latrell Mitchell at Accor Stadium. Mitchell was instrumental in the match, contributing a penalty goal, a try, and three conversions, bringing his total to 14 points.
Allana Ferguson praised Mitchell’s performance on Nine, highlighting his crucial contributions at significant moments during the game. The match saw its share of challenges for the Broncos as halfback Ben Hunt left the field in the 66th minute with a hamstring injury and will undergo scans. Notably, his injury occurred without any direct contact, raising concerns for the team.
The match began with the Broncos taking an early lead. Jordan Riki scored the opening try in the 14th minute, deftly taking advantage of a cross-field kick that went uncontested by the Rabbitohs. Riki demonstrated composure over the line, managing to avoid a double movement just before scoring. Soon after, Adam Reynolds added a penalty goal, pushing the Broncos to a 14-0 advantage at half-time following a try from Deine Mariner.
The second half saw a spirited response from the Rabbitohs. Prop Siliva Havili scored their first try shortly after the break. The momentum shifted further when Isaiah Tass showcased his skills, leading to consecutive tries for South Sydney. Mitchell then made a critical tackle, preventing Mariner from a possible score, which proved pivotal for the Rabbitohs’ defence.
With the Rabbitohs closing in on the Broncos’ lead, Mitchell levelled the score at 14-all with a penalty goal after an infringement by Xavier Willison. He then put Souths ahead with a remarkable field goal from halfway, subsequently sealing the victory with a try that showcased his determination. As the celebration ensued, Billy Slater remarked on Mitchell’s knack for being involved in decisive moments, while Phil Gould referred to him as a “phenomenon.”
The victory marked a challenging night for Broncos coach Michael Maguire, who has struggled against fellow coach Wayne Bennett, losing 11 of their last 12 encounters. The match underscored Mitchell’s significance to the Rabbitohs, demonstrating his ability to rise to the occasion and lead his team to victory despite adverse conditions.