Canberra Raiders Edge South Sydney Rabbitohs 36-34 in Thrilling NRL Clash at Optus Stadium
In a heart-stopping NRL encounter at Optus Stadium, the Canberra Raiders narrowly held off a determined South Sydney Rabbitohs fightback to claim a 36-34 victory. The match, played on April 11, 2026, saw the Raiders build a commanding 20-point lead at halftime, only for the Rabbitohs to mount a dramatic resurgence in the second half, setting the stage for a tense finish.
Weekes' Magic Try Halts Rabbitohs' Comeback Charge
The defining moment came from Raiders star Kaeo Weekes, who produced a breathtaking solo try that seemed to seal the game. Starting his run almost on his own goal-line, Weekes weaved through the South Sydney defence with dazzling footwork, accelerating past multiple defenders to score an unforgettable individual effort. This try appeared to extinguish the Rabbitohs' momentum, but the visitors refused to surrender, led by record-breaking winger Alex Johnston.
South Sydney's comeback bid was nearly capped off in the dying seconds when Latrell Mitchell launched a high ball towards Johnston, but the winger could not complete the catch, leaving the Rabbitohs just short of a miraculous victory. The near-miss underscored the relentless spirit of both teams in a match filled with twists and turns.
Injury and Early Exchanges Set the Tone
The Rabbitohs faced an early setback when full-back Jye Gray suffered a left shoulder injury, forcing him out of the game and prompting Latrell Mitchell to shift into the full-back role. After a scoreless opening 20 minutes, the Raiders broke the deadlock with Hudson Young touching down from a clever grubber kick by Tom Starling, giving Canberra a 6-0 lead.
South Sydney responded quickly as Mitchell and Johnston combined to set up Cody Walker for a try, though a missed conversion kept the Raiders ahead. Canberra extended their advantage when Savelio Tamale capitalised on a Mitchell error, scooping up a loose ball and scoring to push the lead further. Simi Sasagi then shone for the Raiders, creating two tries before halftime—first by setting up Weekes with a precise pass, and then by breaking through the defence to assist Young for his second try, sending Canberra into the break with a 24-4 lead.
Second-Half Surge and Final Drama
After halftime, the Rabbitohs launched a fierce comeback. Cody Walker scored his second try of the day, followed by a quick effort from Jamie Humphreys after a Johnston assist, narrowing the gap. Latrell Mitchell then powered over from close range and converted his own try, bringing South Sydney within two points at 26-24.
However, Weekes' spectacular try swung momentum back to the Raiders, stretching their lead. Hudson Young later set up Ethan Strange for a try under the posts, giving Canberra a 14-point cushion with 10 minutes remaining. Undeterred, the Rabbitohs fought back with tries from Johnston and Jack Wighton, the latter converted by Mitchell, making it a two-point game with just three minutes left.
In a frantic final set, South Sydney gained excellent field position but could not find the winning play, as the Raiders' defence held firm to secure the 36-34 win. This victory reinforces Canberra's competitive edge in the NRL, while South Sydney's valiant effort highlights their resilience despite the narrow loss.
