Match Report: NSW Cup R1 vs Rabbitohs

It was a match where the lead changed hands several times before the Bunnies snatched victory in the dying minutes.

The first try was totally against the run of play when an attacking kick from Manly was collected by Souths fullback Bayleigh Bentley-Hape who raced 80 metres down the left touch line to score.

In an error-strewn first half the home side hit back in the 19th minute, when a nice ball from half Jake Arthur put replacement centre Max Haley over in the northeastern corner to level the score at 4-4.

Souths crossed again 13 minutes out from half time when Bentley-Hape bagged his double, beating a couple of Manly defenders close to the line, to make it 10-4.

The Sea Eagles second try was created and scored by Clayton Faulalo. 

The fleet-footed fullback made an incisive break downfield to put his team in good field position, before again dazzling the defence with a big right- foot step, to put his team two points adrift.

The conversion attempt bounced off the paintwork to leave the Rabbitohs up 10-8 at half time.

A special effort from Caleb Nalale put the home side ahead just two minutes into the second half. 

The powerful lock broke the line from 40 metres out and stood up the fullback to score next to the posts,

Souths hit back 13 minutes later taking advantage of numbers on their left when centre Carson Kaho planted the ball over the line while carrying Arthur on his back.  The successful sideline conversion had the Bunnies up by two.

A neat short-ball from Brandon Wakeham sent middle forward Chris Patolo crashing through from close range, to have the home side up 20-16 with 15 minutes remaining.

Souths hit the front with less than five minutes to play when replacement forward Bear Williams was too strong for the Manly goal-line defence. 

It was the match-winning try, converted from in front, which sealed Souths a 22-20 first round victory.