The first try of the 2014 NRL Grand Final was scored by Alex Johnston in the 20th minute.
After being denied an early try the Rabbitohs continued to push in the opening quarter of the match.
The Bulldogs defence stood strong, until Alex Johnston was able to sneak a try in close to the sideline following a quick pass from Kirisome Auva’a.
The first chance to score came in the fourth minute of the match when the Rabbitohs forced an error and came just metres from crossing.
In the sixth minute Lote Tuqiri crossed for what Rabbitohs fans thought would be the opening try of the match, however a high hit from Adam Reynolds in the preceding play saw the try disallowed.
The try would have seen Tuqiri become the first try scorer in two grand finals that were played 14-years apart.
The South Sydney Rabbitohs arrived at the 2014 Grand Final looking to break the NRL’s most famous premiership drought, having failed to secure a premiership since 1971.
They entered the match as strong favourites following an impressive 10-point victory against minor premiers, the Sydney Roosters, in the preliminary final.
South Sydney’s run into the 2014 NRL finals also inspired confidence, arriving off the back of a stretch of 10 matches during which they only dropped two games.
The Bulldogs entered the match without their leader, Michael Ennis, after he was ruled out of the match with a foot injury sustained in their preliminary final win against the Penrith Panthers.
Reckon you can pick the winning team? Build your own dream team with Draftstars daily fantasy and compete on any match. For great odds on the NRL head on over to PlayUp. Imagine what you could be buying instead. Set a deposit limit.
Phil Gould told 100% Footy that Jack Hetherington was taking the mickey in his tunnel stoush with Reed Mahoney. Meanwhile, NRL 360 panellist Paul…
Vision showed Hetherington confronting Reed Mahoney in the tunnel and having to be dragged away by staff after the pair were sin-binned. But journalists…
Jack Hetherington could face sanctions from the NRL after vision emerged of the fiery Newcastle forward appearing to throw a punch at Bulldogs hooker…
Things got heated with just three mintues to play with Reed Mahoney and Jack Hetherington sent for ten.
Not the Canterbury star's best! The Bulldogs still rolled the Knights 36-12.
Kalyn Ponga was eventually subbed off in the second half after soldiering on with his hip pointer injury.
