The Warriors can challenge for the title. Souths need Latrell back to stand a chance

Latrell Mitchell, the star forward for the South Sydney Rabbitohs, hinted at his imminent return to action moments before kick-off at a packed stadium eager for his presence. Speaking to reporters shortly before the match began, Mitchell, dressed in his club-issued suit, said he was “close” to making his comeback. His return is crucial for the Rabbitohs, who have managed to stay in contention for the finals despite his absence for nearly three months. However, this match served as a stark reminder of how much the team relies on Mitchell's leadership and skill to compete with the top sides in the National Rugby League (NRL). Rabbitohs coach Wayne Bennett expressed confidence that Mitchell would be ready to take the field next week. He acknowledged that while the team had shown resilience and determination throughout the season, they had made mistakes in key moments. “We weren’t real smart at different times out there,” Bennett admitted. Despite these lapses, he praised the team's effort and noted that he hadn't entered a losing change room all year where the players hadn't beaten themselves. The Warriors' victory propelled them to the top of the NRL ladder, marking a significant improvement in their performance against the Rabbitohs. The final score of 45-26 was unusual, with the Warriors securing a narrow lead over the Panthers in terms of points differential. This win capped off a successful week for the Warriors, including the extensions of coach Andrew Webster and his assistant Andrew McFadden. The Warriors demonstrated their depth and versatility, achieving this victory with their fourth-choice halves pairing. They faced a formidable Rabbitohs side that had previously impressed against Canterbury at the same venue. Despite Jett Cleary coming close to making his debut, he remained on the bench, highlighting the Warriors' ability to perform without their usual starters. The team's balanced approach was evident, with much of the creativity stemming from the first touch of the ball, particularly through hooker Mitch Kenny. His clever plays set up several tries, showcasing the Warriors' strategic prowess. The Warriors' dominance was further emphasized by their ability to maintain pressure even when substituting players. An example of this was when Demitric Vaimauga passed to Eddie Ieremia-Toeava, who seemingly missed an opportunity but instead made an extraordinary pass for Chanel Harris-Tavita to score. However, the Warriors were not without their challenges. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak suffered an injury to his AC joint in his right shoulder during a tackle, which sidelined him for the rest of the match. Despite this setback, the Rabbitohs mounted a spirited comeback. Alex Johnston continued his remarkable form, scoring a double and setting a new personal record for consecutive match scores at the same venue. There was even a moment where it seemed the Rabbitohs might pull off an upset when Alex Johnston set up Cody Walker to reduce the deficit to just six points. However, the Warriors quickly regained control, ultimately securing their first win at the Rabbitohs' home ground this season. As the match neared its conclusion, the Warriors faced a critical test: whether they could extend their lead sufficiently to surpass the Panthers in points differential. With Taine Tuapiki successfully converting a sideline kick, the stage was set for young playmaker Luke Hanson to deliver the decisive field goal, ensuring the Warriors' position atop the league table.