South Sydney winger Nathan Merritt finally became the most prolific try-scorer in the club's history as his side recorded an 18-2 win over Penrith on Friday night.
Having equalled Benny Wearing's 81-year record of 144 tries in last year's grand final qualifier against Melbourne, the Souths veteran celebrated his 145th with a pat of a Rabbitoh on an Aboriginal flag in the north-east corner of Sportingbet Stadium.
In slippery conditions, the crowd of 11,764 who braved the wet were treated to a masterclass in defence as the Rabbitohs shut out the home side despite a lopsided possession count in the first half.
But it was their brave goal-line defence that was the feature of the opening 40 minutes, turning away the Panthers' attack time and again as the home side struggled to turn their dominance of the football – and the 8-5 penalty count - into points.
In the end, a botched Adam Reynolds line drop out that sailed over the sideline in the 30th minute – bizarrely greeted by high-fives from his giddy teammates - became Penrith's only source of points for the game as both side went into the sheds locked at 2-2.
It took 45 minutes, but it was South Sydney debutant Kirisome Auva'a who crossed for the first four-pointer of the night, sliding over after the Rabbitohs shifted left. Reynolds' attempt missed but their lead extended to 6-2.
By then momentum was well and truly with the visitors, who took full advantage of the turn in possession by setting up for Merritt's historic try.
Having forced a line drop out of their own, the Rabbitohs charged through the middle before surprising the Panthers on a blindside play that ended with Dylan Walker passing to his winger.
And while it was a night to remember for South Sydney's second most capped player, it was youngster Kyle Turner who sealed the win with a try set up by fullback Greg Inglis in the 71st.
Reynolds was put on report in the 28th minute for putting Jamal Idris' arm in a dangerous position, while Jamie Soward will also face the wrath of the match review committee for making contact to Nathan Merritt's head in a tackle in the ninth minute.
South Sydney Rabbitohs 18 (Auva'a, Merritt, Turner tries; Reynolds 3 goals) def Penrith Panthers 2 (Soward goal). Crowd: 11,764.
Having equalled Benny Wearing's 81-year record of 144 tries in last year's grand final qualifier against Melbourne, the Souths veteran celebrated his 145th with a pat of a Rabbitoh on an Aboriginal flag in the north-east corner of Sportingbet Stadium.
In slippery conditions, the crowd of 11,764 who braved the wet were treated to a masterclass in defence as the Rabbitohs shut out the home side despite a lopsided possession count in the first half.
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But it was their brave goal-line defence that was the feature of the opening 40 minutes, turning away the Panthers' attack time and again as the home side struggled to turn their dominance of the football – and the 8-5 penalty count - into points.
- Merritt enjoys slice of history
- Panthers rue missed opportunities
- WATCH: Full match highlights
- WATCH: Merritt's record-breaking try
- WATCH: Rabbitohs press conference
- WATCH: Panthers press conference
- Full match stats
- Relive our live commentary
In the end, a botched Adam Reynolds line drop out that sailed over the sideline in the 30th minute – bizarrely greeted by high-fives from his giddy teammates - became Penrith's only source of points for the game as both side went into the sheds locked at 2-2.
It took 45 minutes, but it was South Sydney debutant Kirisome Auva'a who crossed for the first four-pointer of the night, sliding over after the Rabbitohs shifted left. Reynolds' attempt missed but their lead extended to 6-2.
By then momentum was well and truly with the visitors, who took full advantage of the turn in possession by setting up for Merritt's historic try.
Having forced a line drop out of their own, the Rabbitohs charged through the middle before surprising the Panthers on a blindside play that ended with Dylan Walker passing to his winger.
And while it was a night to remember for South Sydney's second most capped player, it was youngster Kyle Turner who sealed the win with a try set up by fullback Greg Inglis in the 71st.
Reynolds was put on report in the 28th minute for putting Jamal Idris' arm in a dangerous position, while Jamie Soward will also face the wrath of the match review committee for making contact to Nathan Merritt's head in a tackle in the ninth minute.
South Sydney Rabbitohs 18 (Auva'a, Merritt, Turner tries; Reynolds 3 goals) def Penrith Panthers 2 (Soward goal). Crowd: 11,764.
