Magpies downed by in-form Rabbitohs

Western Suburbs Magpies have gone down 34-16 to an in-form South Sydney Rabbitohs side today in their Round 15 Canterbury Cup clash at Campbelltown Sports Stadium.

After coming from behind last week to down the Knights in a thrilling finish, Brett Hodgson's side again found themselves with work to do after tries to Jack Johns and Leigh Higgins gave the visitors a surprising 12-0 lead after 10 minutes.

It wasn't until the 33rd minute that Western Suburbs got themselves on the scoreboard, with Tommy Talau showing why he had been recently promoted to the 2019 NRL squad with a determined run in finish to cut the lead to 12-4.

Talau was again heavily involved in his side's second try as Bilal Maarbani crossed shortly after half-time to make it a two-point game before Braden Robson made it two tries in three minutes with a crafty finish close to the uprights.

Jock Madden's strong kicking in to the breeze ensured the Magpies would lead for the first time in the game, but it wouldn't last long as Bayley Sironen hit back.

As ill-discipline continued to cripple the Magpies' chances, South Sydney pulled further in front when a sharp left edge move put Dylan O'Connor over out wide with Mawene Hiroti converting from the sideline to put the Rabbitohs back up by eight.

Western Suburbs battled hard and threatened to hit back but couldn't get past an in-form Rabbitohs side, who extended their winning streak to four in a row when Ky Rodwell and Connor Tracey both scored late tries to secure the two points.