Three Adam Reynolds field goals have seen the Rabbitohs sink the Dragons 13-12 in an absolute classic at ANZ Stadium in front of over 49,000 fans.
After thrashing the Broncos last week, many believed the Dragons may have played their grand final and were simple cannon fodder for a Rabbitohs side that almost toppled the defending Premiers.
Without five-eighth Gareth Widdop, critics also questioned whether Paul McGregor’s men would have enough points to take down Souths.
And the Dragons weren’t particularly threatening in the first half of Saturday night’s game. But they didn’t need to be, as they stood up in defence to hold the Rabbitohs to just two points.
The first half was rather dour as both sides failed to trouble the scoreboard.
The focus, as it should be in September footy, appeared to be on defence and the Dragons were excelling without the ball, frustrating the Rabbitohs early.
Both teams opted for penalty goals as their first points of the night before a slicing run by much-maligned halfback Ben Hunt saw the Red V go ahead by six points at the break.
An early penalty goal saw Zac Lomax extend his side’s lead to eight. But without second-rower Tariq Sims, the Dragons began to tire and a short ball by Adam Reynolds sent Angus Crichton straight through and he linked with his halfback in support to reduce the deficit to two.
Souths quickly levelled things up with a penalty goal of their own and hit the lead in the 70th minute off a Reynolds field goal.
A late penalty goal in the 76th minute gifted the Dragons the lead once more but a one-on-one strip by Cameron Murray allowed the Rabbitohs to regain possession and Reynolds snapped another one-pointer to lock things up.
Despite a brave effort, the Dragons fell short in the end after a bizarre last-tackle play saw them run it and hand over possession inside their own half.
Reynolds proceeded to kick his third field goal of the night with this one being the difference between the two teams.
The win sees South Sydney take on the Roosters next week in a Saturday night blockbuster while the Dragons’ season comes to an end.
steveng
Roar Rookie
What about this 'GI might get charged over possible crusher tackle'? That was a very minimal type of a tangled tackle, not a crusher tackle! This was certainly nothing like Mitchell's, if this tackle on Lafai was a 'crusher tackle' then why didn't the NRL match review committee charge the Storm with a chicken wing? They should use the same logic as with that, that is if??? the NRL match review committee has any logic and/or looks at it the same, its a lottery???
Stevevo
Roar Rookie
I think it summed up the Dragons year.
Statler and Waldorf
Roar Guru
Thanks
R N
Roar Rookie
Correction- him! Not home ! Lockyer... no one else just Lockyer!
souvalis
Roar Rookie
Didn’t expect Saints to get that close,not that I don’t think they’re a good side,I’ve been sticking up for them...but strongly believed their opponents were GF bound...
R N
Roar Rookie
Agree jimmy... for whatever reason commentary was pretty good tonight! Except for Lockyer... he was horrendous as ever! If only that ear piece would make home explode!
Forty Twenty
Roar Rookie
I've had a look at the replay again of the Saints 5th tackle and if Mann looked to pass they had a three man overlap including the very quick sub. A decent play maker would have passed that for sure and the very least is that they would be way down the field. Maybe Hunt saw the overlap and his play was great. There is no reason for Mann not to understand what's happening outside him and pass the ball. I'm saying Hunt got it right now.
Cugel
Roar Rookie
It's happened 12 times, Ryenolds equalled Joe Jorgenson in the 1947 granny as the most with 13.
jimmmy
Roar Rookie
Just one more thing. Had to listen to the game on nine. Credit where it’s due. Gus stuck to commenting on the game and the tactics and he is so much better for it. No BS Ref baiting. No axes to grind . No grand bias. Well done Mr Gould . If only it would last.
JOHNY BULLDOG
Roar Rookie
Phew I won a couple of dollars on an AFL-NRL multi.... think I should send Reynolds a few bucks ;)
Statler and Waldorf
Roar Guru
How often has one player scored all of a winning teams points in a finals game?
Barney
Roar Rookie
How dumb were the dragons in the last minute of play,,,mind boggling stupidity
jimmmy
Roar Rookie
Well I’m not sure I can handle too many more finals like this one and my team are all in Bali. What an absolutely fantastic finals series this has been so far. The game of RL continues to astound me. Both games this week were Reffed perfectly . Only one blooper tonite . That stupid decision when McInnes passed into Murray. Otherwise as good as it can be. Well done Dragons too , great crowd , great season and great game
Birdman
Roar Rookie
Woo hoo - go Souths!