Humphreys’ ice-cold field goal lifts Rabbitohs over Dragons

The South Sydney Rabbitohs have stunned the St George Illawarra Dragons in a dramatic 25-24 comeback victory at WIN Stadium, with young halfback Jamie Humphreys slotting a clutch 76th-minute field goal to secure the win.

In searing heat and despite a mounting injury toll, Wayne Bennett’s men found a way to grind out their second win of the season, with the NRL betting sites having them priced as a $2.56 outsider.

Trailing 24-12 early in the second half, the depleted Rabbitohs looked out on their feet as Clint Gutherson orchestrated the Dragons’ attack.

The co-captain set up two first-half tries for Tyrell Sloan and was instrumental in pushing his side into a dominant position. But South Sydney refused to go away, with Cody Walker and Sean Keppie crossing late to set up the grandstand finish.

NRL Round 2 Highlights: Dragons v Rabbitohs

Humphreys, who has edged high-profile English recruit Lewis Dodd for the Rabbitohs’ No.7 jersey, stepped up when it mattered most.

After Cody Walker spilled the ball, Siliva Havili managed to regather and flicked it to the halfback, who coolly slotted the decisive one-pointer.

“There wasn’t much thought to it, there wasn’t much process to it,” Bennett said.

“He just backed himself.”

The Dragons had opportunities to ice the game but were left to rue poor decision-making and a lack of energy late.

Coach Shane Flanagan was blunt in his assessment, saying his side had “too many poor decisions” and “some really soft tries.”

He lamented their inability to close the game out, adding, “We could have knocked them out with a bit of effort and energy, and we just couldn’t find it.”

With a growing injury list that already includes Latrell Mitchell, Cameron Murray, and Jack Wighton, South Sydney’s resilience was again tested as Tallis Duncan (hamstring) and Jai Arrow (head injury assessment) failed to finish the match.

The Rabbitohs were left with just two men on the bench for the final half-hour, yet they outlasted their opponents in the sweltering conditions.

“It was just a team that refused to give up,” Bennett said.

“They just got stronger at the end.”

The Dragons now head into the bye week searching for answers before facing a daunting clash against the Storm in Round 4, with the top online bookmakers currently having them priced as a $34 hope to win the 2025 Premiership.

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