Live: Knights out to continue top four hunt against Manly

By the narrowest margin possible, the Warriors are top of the NRL after a thrilling Round 25 clash against the South Sydney Rabbitohs at the Sydney Football Stadium. The game ended with a scoreline of 24–23, with the Warriors edging ahead in the final minutes thanks to a last-minute try from winger Sosa Malama. This result kept the Warriors in second place in the regular-season standings, just one point behind the reigning premiers, while the Rabbitohs fell to third. The match was played under intense pressure, with both teams vying for crucial positions in the finals race. The Warriors, who had struggled to find consistency this season, showed flashes of brilliance throughout the contest. Their backline, led by halfback Josh Dugan, orchestrated several attacking moves, while forwards such as James Segeyutte and Will Liston provided the physicality needed to dominate in the trenches. The Rabbitohs, meanwhile, relied heavily on their star forward, Paul Gallen, whose efforts were instrumental in keeping their hopes alive. The game started evenly, with neither team able to establish a clear advantage in the early stages. Both sides traded possession and opportunities, with the Warriors managing to score the opening try in the 12th minute through a well-timed offload from centre Tom Hickey. The Rabbitohs responded quickly, capitalising on a defensive error to level the scores just past halftime. The second half saw increased intensity, with both teams pushing for a decisive breakthrough. A penalty try in the 67th minute gave the Warriors the lead, but the Rabbitohs refused to surrender, eventually forcing extra time. In the dying moments of the match, the Warriors' resilience was tested. With the clock ticking down, the Rabbitohs launched a final assault, but the Warriors' defense held firm. A crucial tackle from prop Sam Momo stopped a potential try, allowing the Warriors to retain possession. From there, Malama broke through the lines and touched down near the corner to seal the victory. The scoreboard read 24–23, and the Warriors celebrated their hard-won triumph. The win was particularly significant for the Warriors, who had entered the match with limited confidence. Coach Jason Demetriou praised his players for their determination and composure under pressure. “We knew this was a must-win game,” he said. “The boys showed great character today, especially in the final moments.” Meanwhile, Rabbitohs coach Wayne Bennett acknowledged the effort put in by his squad. “We fought until the end, but the Warriors were just a little bit better in the key moments.” This result sets up an intriguing scenario for the remaining fixtures in the regular season. The Warriors now sit just one point behind the league leaders, while the Rabbitohs remain in contention for the third spot. The upcoming matches will be critical in determining which teams qualify for the finals. With three games still to play, the Warriors will need to maintain their form if they hope to challenge for the title. The Rabbitohs, on the other hand, will look to bounce back in their next fixture against the Bulldogs. As the dust settles on this dramatic encounter, the focus shifts to the rest of the weekend’s action. In Newcastle, the Knights face the Manly Sea Eagles in a high-stakes clash, while the South Sydney Rabbitohs prepare to take on the Bulldogs later in the day. All eyes will be on these matches as the NRL season heads toward its climax.