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Latrell Mitchell escaped sanction for a late hit as South Sydney’s comeback win over Canterbury was marred by controversy and injuries.
South Sydney's 32-24 Good Friday win over Canterbury has been overshadowed by controversy, with fans questioning why Latrell Mitchell avoided punishment for a late collision with Bulldogs fullback Connor Tracey. The incident came late in the match and added to a night already disrupted by multiple injury concerns on both sides.
The Rabbitohs sealed victory with a strong second-half comeback after trailing 18-12 at the break. Alex Johnston opened the scoring with a 90-metre intercept try, extending his all-time record, before Marcelo Montoya responded for Canterbury. Mitchell and Cody Walker combined for South Sydney's second, but tries to Lachie Galvin and Sitili Tupouniua gave the Bulldogs the advantage at half-time.
Momentum shifted after Bulldogs captain Stephen Crichton left the field with a shoulder injury, prompting a backline reshuffle from coach Cameron Ciraldo. The changes, which included moving Matt Burton into the centres, failed to stabilise the side as South Sydney took control.
Cameron Murray crossed for his first try since 2024, and Tallis Duncan added another before Mitchell sealed the result with an opportunistic effort from a loose ball. However, attention quickly turned to a late moment involving the Rabbitohs fullback.
With South Sydney leading 32-18, Mitchell chased his own grubber as Tracey allowed the ball to run dead. In attempting to reach it, Mitchell made heavy contact with Tracey's back, sparking a confrontation between players. Despite the reaction, no penalty was issued, with Canterbury instead awarded a 20-metre restart.
Tracey later scored a consolation try, but the Bulldogs' second straight loss was compounded by concerns over Crichton's injury. Initial assessments suggested a high-grade AC joint issue, with the captain expected to miss an extended period pending scans.
South Sydney also face injury questions. Keaon Koloamatangi played through a suspected medial ligament issue, while Jye Gray left the field for a head injury assessment but was later cleared to return next week.