South Sydney star Latrell Mitchell has led his side to a dominant victory over Canterbury in the opening game of a bumper Good Friday double-header.
The centre scored a double and finished with 20 points as the Rabbitohs secured a 32-24 win in front of a big crowd at Accor Stadium.
Canterbury led 18-12 at half-time but the game turned four minutes into the second half when skipper Stephen Crichton suffered a shoulder injury. The centre played no further part in the match and will be sent for scans for the AC joint injury.
The Rabbitohs took control of the contest after Crichton left the fray and didn’t look back. Tallis Duncan was exceptional, while Cameron Murray also scored a try in an impressive second-half showing.
The Panthers then flexed their premiership muscle with a history-making victory over the Melbourne Storm.
Penrith ran in nine tries to secure a 50-10 win, their highest score against the Storm. In doing so, the Panthers also became the first team to win their first five games by at least 20 points.
Winger Tom Jenkins claimed another double, creating his own slice of history in the process. Jenkins has now scored 12 tries to start the year, the most ever by any player in the first five rounds. He also became the first player to score a double in five consecutive games to start a season.
As for Melbourne, they have now lost three in a row for the first time since 2022 and will need to regroup before they face the Warriors next Saturday.
Follow all the action from Round 5 of the NRL Telstra Premiership on NRL.com’s live blog.
Panthers v Storm at CommBank Stadium
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NRL Press Conference: Panthers v Storm – Round 5, 2026
Full-time: Penrith have repelled one last Melbourne attacking raid to close out another dominant victory. In winning 50-10, the Panthers have become the first team to win their first five games by at least 20 points. Melbourne fought hard but Penrith didn’t give them an inch in a suffocating performance. Panthers centre Casey McLean was outstanding while halfback Nathan Cleary pulled the strings for an attack that has found another gear in 2026. Panthers 50 – Storm 10.
78th minute: Thomas Jenkins has created a piece of history with a stunning try. The four-pointer is his second of the night and he has become the first player to score at least two tries in five consecutive games to start the season. The winger has also scored the most tries scored in the first five rounds of the season, with 12. Jenkins soared through the air to catch a short line dropout, hit the ground running and surged to the try-line. Penrith have now notched 50 points, their highest ever score against the Storm. Panthers 50 – Storm 10.
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Dylan Edwards Try
73rd minute: Nathan Cleary has taken his game to another level in 2026. The Panthers halfback attacked down the short side before throwing a superb cutout pass to Brian To’o. The winger passed back inside to Cleary, who linked up with Dylan Edwards for the try. Panthers 44 – Storm 10.
68th minute: The Storm have got one back, with Sua Faalogo surging through a gap to score in the corner. The attacking opportunity came after Penrith made an error down the other end of the field and Melbourne capitalised. In positive news for the Storm, Harry Grant has been cleared of a serious knee injury. He has put his hand up to return to the field but the club likely won’t risk further injury in the final 12 minutes of this match. Panthers 38 – Storm 10.
62nd minute: Melbourne’s night goes from bad to worse, with Harry Grant hobbling from the field with a knee injury. The skipper fell awkwardly while attempting to make a tackle and stayed on the ground clutching at his knee. Panthers 38 – Storm 6.
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Luke Garner Try
60th minute: The Panthers continue to show off their scintillating skills, Scott Sorensen producing a spectacular flick pass to Dylan Edwards, who links up with Luke Garner for the try. Panthers 38 – Storm 6.
55th minute: Penrith are threatening to break through for another and continue to find space down the left edge. This time, the last pass doesn’t go to hand and the ball sails into touch but the Panthers look ominous. Panthers 32 – Storm 6.
49th minute: Melbourne have to be flawless to get back into this contest and they can’t afford errors like the one we just saw from Stefano Utoikamanu. With his side hot on the attack, the prop was pinged for a roll ball, handing possession back to Penrith. Panthers 32 – Storm 6.
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Brian To’o Try
43rd minute: Just when you thought Penrith couldn’t get any better, they pull off plays like this one. After running the ball down the left on the last, the ball made its way to Dylan Edwards hands. The fullback produced a pinpoint cross-field bomb to Brian To’o. The winger outleapt Siulagi Tuimalatu-Brown to take the catch and score a spectacular try. Panthers 32 – Storm 6.
Kick-off: We are back at CommBank Stadium with Melbourne desperate to start fast and get back in this contest. Penrith have first use of the football as they look to pick up where they left off and continue grinding their opponents into dust. Panthers 26 – Storm 6.
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Casey McLean Try
Half-time: Casey McLean has produced a sensational play on the stroke of half-time, the Penrith centre slicing his way past multiple defenders to score an outstanding solo try in the final play of the half. Melbourne would have been fairly pleased trailing 14 at the break but the try takes the margin out to 20 and it is a long way back for the visitors. Panthers 26 – Storm 6.
36th minute: It’s taken 36 minutes but Penrith have their first error of the half. The Panthers were hot on the attack after more enterprising attack around midfield led to a line dropout. There were space out to the right and the ball made it’s way to Brian To’o but he wasn’t able to reel the pass in. Panthers 20 – Storm 6.
34th minute: We’re into a bit of an arm wrestle now, with the two sides trading set for set. Fatigue is starting to build and with just six minutes left in the half the game looks set to break open. Panthers 20 – Storm 6.
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Nathan Cleary Try
26th minute: The Penrith onslaught continues, with the Panthers rolling down the field on the back of a pair of penalties and a Liam Martin quick tap. Nathan Cleary eventually finds space, steps off his left foot, surges past Joe Chan and scores the try. Panthers 20 – Storm 6.
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Tom Jenkins Try
23rd minute: The Panthers have turned defence into attack, with a late Paul Alamoti offload laying the foundation for a long-range try. Dylan Edwards sensed the space down the left, the ball eventually made its way to Casey McLean, who broke through before drawing the fullback and sending Tom Jenkins away for his 11th try of the season. The Bunker took a close look at the offload before eventually clearing it and confirming the try. Panthers 14 – Storm 6.
21st minute: Excellent goal-line defence from the Panthers as they bundle Siulagi Tuimalatu-Brown into touch. The Storm winger had set sail for the corner, before pausing and attempting to cut back inside but there were too many Penrith defenders in his path. Panthers 10 – Storm 6.
18th minute: Penrith have lodged a Captain’s Challenge after they were ruled to have knocked the ball on in the contest for a bomb. Paul Alamoti leapt for the ball and attempted to tap it back but the Bunker has ruled it travelled forward and the Panthers have lost their challenge. Panthers 10 – Storm 6.
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Manaia Waitere Try
15th minute: Melbourne have hit straight back. A penalty deep inside their own half provided an attacking opportunity and they eventually capitalised. Cam Munster executed a well-worked short-side play. The five-eighth dummied to Sua Faalogo out the back before hitting Manaia Waitere with the short ball. The young centre crashed over for his first try with the Storm and the deficit is four. Panthers 10 – Storm 6.
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Freddy Lussick Try
11th minute: Penrith have capitalised on the field position that came after the penalty, with Freddy Lussick scoring his first try as a Panther. The dummy half is starting at hooker for the first time after Mitch Kenny was suspended and he burrowed over from dummy half to extend his side’s lead. Panthers 10 – Storm 0.
9th minute: Play has paused temporarily after Dylan Edwards clutched at his ankle following an awkward tackle. Penrith receive a penalty, with Trent Loiero placed on report for a hip-drop tackle. The fullback is hobbling but will play on. Panthers 6 – Storm 0.
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Liam Martin Try
5th minute: Liam Martin has a try in his milestone game, the edge forward scoring the opening try of the night in his 150th NRL match. The Panthers ran the ball on the last, winger Brian To’o put a grubber through, the ball was deflected, Martin picked it up, fended Cam Munster away and scored in the corner. Panthers 6 – Storm 0.
Kick-off: We are underway at CommBank Stadium with two of the most dominant teams of the modern era facing off in what is sure to be an instant classic. Melbourne prevailed in golden point the last time these sides faced off but the Storm have dropped their last two games. Penrith have dominated their rivals throughout the opening month of the season and can send a major statement with a fifth-straight win tonight. Panthers 0 – Storm 0.
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The Captains are at the desk ahead of kick off
Stat Attack
- The Panthers have won seven of their last eight games at CommBank Stadium.
- The Storm have won four of their last five games against the Panthers.
- Panthers winger Brian To’o has scored eight tries in his last eight games against the Storm.
- Storm hooker Harry Grant has scored four tries in his last five games at CommBank Stadium.
- Panthers second-rower Liam Martin will play his 150th NRL game.
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Munster: “we’ve just leaked too many points”
Late Mail
Panthers: No further changes for the Panthers after Billy Scott came into the 19 on Thursday night. Freddy Lussick has won the race to replace suspended hooker Mitch Kenny and will start for the first time as a Panther. Utility Jack Cogger is on track to make his return from a concussion and will come off the bench on Friday night. Panthers winger Brian To’o has scored eight tries in his last eight games against the Storm while Liam Martin will play his 150th NRL match.
Storm: Craig Bellamy has made one late change to his side, with Cooper Clarke coming into the starting side in Friday’s 90-minute update. The 19-year-old will start for the first time in his NRL career, with Alec MacDonald reverting to the interchange. Jack Howarth was ruled out on Thursday after failing to recover from a hip injury. His place is taken by Manaia Waitere. In positive news, Nick Meaney is back on deck from a back injury and will line up at centre in place of Moses Leo. Lazarus Vaalepu has also returned to the 19 after Tui Kamikamica suffered a medical episode on Monday.
Rabbitohs v Bulldogs at Accor Stadium
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Rabbitohs: Round 5
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Bulldogs: Round 5
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Rabbitohs v Bulldogs – Round 5, 2026
Full-time: South Sydney have produced a near flawless second half to run over the top of the Bulldogs and claim a comprehensive victory in the annual Good Friday clash. The Rabbitohs were on song in front of a big crowd at Accor Stadium, turning an 18-12 half-time deficit into a 32-24 win. Canterbury’s afternoon turned pear-shaped when captain Stephen Crichton suffered a shoulder injury in the 44th minute and he played no further part in the game. Rabbitohs 32 – Bulldogs 24.
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Connor Tracey Try
80th minute: Something to celebrate in the dying minutes for the Bulldogs with Connor Tracey crossing with just under 60 seconds left to play. Matt Burton nailed the conversion, but the deficit remains eight as the clock ticks down. Rabbitohs 32 – Bulldogs 24.
75th minute: Canterbury are starting to chance their arm as they chase points and the errors continue to mount. The Bulldogs have now made nine errors in the second half as this match slips away from his grasp. South Sydney have completed 24 of 24 sets after half-time, Canterbury are just five from 13. Rabbitohs 32 – Bulldogs 18.
70th minute: Ill discipline continues to hurt the Bulldogs and the Rabbitohs have extended their lead. This time it’s Sean O’Sullivan who is penalised for a high tackle on Jye Gray, moments after the South Sydney fullback dropped the ball. Gray has left the field for an HIA, while Latrell Mitchell slotted another penalty goal. He’s up to 20 points for the game now. Rabbitohs 32 – Bulldogs 18.
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Latrell Mitchell 2nd Try
67th minute: South Sydney have capitalised on the opportunity with Latrell Mitchell producing a sensational pick up to score his second. Cody Walker put the grubber through, Connor Tracey spilled the ball and Mitchell somehow picked it up off his shoelaces to extend his side’s lead. Rabbitohs 30 – Bulldogs 18.
64th minute: Canterbury continue to make life difficult for themselves, conceding another penalty to hand South Sydney an easy exit from their own end. In more disappointing news, captain Stephen Crichton has been ruled out for the remainder of the match and will go for scans on Saturday. Rabbitohs 24 – Bulldogs 18.
60th minute: Captain’s Challenge for the Bulldogs and this is a big moment in the game. Jacob Kiraz spilled the ball on the first tackle and argued the ball was stripped. The Bunker quickly dismisses his appeal and rules it was a loose carry. South Sydney have a scrum 15 metres out and a chance to kick further clear. Rabbitohs 24 – Bulldogs 18.
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Cameron Murray Try
57th minute: The Bunnies are back on top, with Cam Murray winning the race to a Jamie Humphreys grubber. Wayne Bennett’s men have had the upper-hand since Bulldogs skipper Stephen Crichton left the field and they now have the lead. Rabbitohs 24 – Bulldogs 18.
56th minute: Just when Canterbury looked to have turned the momentum, Cameron Ciraldo’s men concede another penalty and South Sydney are back on the attack. Rabbitohs 18 – Bulldogs 18.
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Tallis Duncan Try
48th minute: The Rabbitohs have pounced and it’s through the channel Stephen Crichton usually defends. A pair of high tackle penalties allowed South Sydney to build attacking pressure and they eventually pounced. Jye Gray stepped into first receiver, Tallis Duncan ran an excellent line and burst through a large gap to score the equaliser. Meanwhile, Crichton is being assessed for an injury to the AC joint in his shoulder. Rabbitohs 18 – Bulldogs 18.
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Bulldogs confirm Crichton injury
44th minute: Concern for players from both teams, with Bulldogs skipper Stephen Crichton clutching at his right shoulder after landing awkwardly in a tackle. Rabbitohs fullback Jye Gray is also struggling with a shoulder injury, having been tackled following a spectacular take of a bomb. Crichton has left the field and is heading straight up the sheds. Sean O’Sullivan enters the fray and will play in the halves, with Matt Burton shifting to the centres. Gray will stay on the field for now. Rabbitohs 12 – Bulldogs 18.
Kick-off: We are back underway in front of a big crowd at Accor Stadium. South Sydney have first use of the ball as they look to hit back early in the second half. Canterbury dominated the final 10 minutes of the first half and they are out to pick up where they left off. Rabbitohs 12 – Bulldogs 18.
Half-time: The siren has sounded on an entertaining 40 minutes and it’s Canterbury who take a six-point lead into the sheds. South Sydney were impressive in the first 20 minutes but the last 10 were all Canterbury. Tries to Lachlan Galvin and Sitili Tupouniua saw the Bulldogs turn a 12-6 deficit into an 18-12 lead and they will look to keep the momentum rolling after the break. Rabbitohs 12 – Bulldogs 18.
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Bulldogs apply the pressure and Tupouniua seals the deal
38th minute: Sitili Tupouniua came close to scoring a few minutes ago and now he’s got one of his own. Canterbury continued their tactic of kicking bombs to Alex Johnston, who spilled the ball. Enari Tuala scooped it up and was dragged down centimetres from the line by a desperate Jye Gray tackle. Tupouniua picked up the ball from dummy half and muscled his way past Gray to score in the corner. Rabbitohs 12 – Bulldogs 18.
35th minute: Canterbury have hit their stride and they have their first lead of the afternoon. A dominant set saw the visitors roll 100 metres down the field before Matt Burton put up a bomb on the last. Latrell Mitchell went up for a contest with Enari Tuala, Mitchell knocked it on and it was picked up by an offside Cody Walker. The Bulldogs opted for the penalty goal to take the lead. Rabbitohs 12 – Bulldogs 14.
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Lachlan Galvin Try
32nd minute: The Bulldogs have instantly capitalised on the opportunity, with Lachlan Galvin pouncing on a grubber in the in-goal. The halfback noticed Jye Gray was out of position and kicked for Sitili Tupouniua. The forward was in a tussle with Jack Wighton for the ball, it got deflected and Galvin was on the spot to score the try. Rabbitohs 12 – Bulldogs 12.
30th minute: Canterbury have their chance to hit back. Stephen Crichton produced a silky pass to send Jacob Kiraz away down the left flank. The winger threw an offload straight to Rabbitohs opposite Campbell Graham, who spilled the ball. Fresh set on the attack for the Bulldogs. Rabbitohs 12 – Bulldogs 6.
26th minute: Stephen Crichton has made an uncharacteristic error on the first tackle. The Bulldogs compounded the error by being slow to pack the subsequent scrum. The clock ran out, handing the Rabbitohs a penalty. Latrell Mitchell slotted the attempt at goal and the lead is six. Rabbitohs 12 – Bulldogs 6.
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Latrell Mitchell try
24th minute: Latrell Mitchell is claiming a try and the Rabbitohs have hit straight back. Tallis Duncan burst through the Bulldogs defensive line before being tackled by Connor Tracey. A couple of plays later, Cody Walker noticed Tracey was out of position and produced a deft kick into the in-goal for Mitchell to charge through. The centre got there just before it crossed the dead-ball line to put his team back in front. Rabbitohs 10 – Bulldogs 6.
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Marcelo Montoya Try
20th minute: South Sydney have largely controlled the opening 20 minutes of this game but we are all locked up after Marcelo Montoya produced a sensational effort to stay inside the field of play and score Canterbury’s first of the game. The Bulldogs have attacked extensively down their right edge this afternoon and shifted the ball that direction again as they chose to run the ball on the last. South Sydney had the defensive numbers, but Montoya bounced out of a tackle, kept his foot centimetres inside the sideline and scored the try. Rabbitohs 6 – Bulldogs 6.
15th minute: Another near-miss for the Bulldogs after Cody Walker unleashed Alex Johnston down the left flank. The winger drew Connor Tracey before passing inside to Latrell Mitchell. The centre had a clear path to the try-line but Johnston’s pass travelled forward and Canterbury survive another scare. Rabbitohs 6 – Bulldogs 0.
13th minute: Big scare for the Bulldogs as Jamie Humphreys comes agonisingly close to scoring. A towering Latrell Mitchell bomb befuddled Connor Tracey, who let the ball bounce. Humphreys was charging through and eventually regathered the ball but was dragged down a couple of metres before the line. Rabbitohs 6 – Bulldogs 0.
11th minute: We’ve entered the arm-wrestle phase of this clash, with both sides going set for set in the past few minutes. Canterbury continue to pepper the Rabbitohs back three with a string of bombs to Jye Gray and Alex Johnston but the Souths pair have been up to the task thus far. Rabbitohs 6 – Bulldogs 0.
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Alex Johnston Try
5th minute: There’s no stopping Alex Johnston. The NRL’s greatest try-scorer has another four-pointer, leaping high to pluck a Connor Tracey pass out of the air and racing 88 metres in the opposite direction to score the opening points of the game. Johnston has now drawn level with Josh Morris for most tries on Good Friday, with six.
The try came after an end-to-end start to the contest. The Rabbitohs had the better of the early exchanges but a classy kick return by Stephen Crichton and a set restart had the Bulldogs on the attack before Johnston struck. Rabbitohs 6 – Bulldogs 0.
Kick-off: A crowd of more than 50,000 fans has descended on Accor Stadium for the annual Good Friday blockbuster and we are set for an epic tussle this afternoon. South Sydney are well rested following last week’s bye, while Canterbury are desperate to bounce back from a shock loss to Newcastle in Round 4. Latrell Mitchell has kicked off and we are underway. Rabbitohs 0 – Bulldogs 0.
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It was a great day last year, hopefully we can replicate it – M.King
Stat Attack
- The Rabbitohs have won six of their last seven Good Friday games against the Bulldogs.
- The Bulldogs have lost their last three games at Accor Stadium.
- Rabbitohs winger Alex Johnston has scored 96 tries from 98 games at Accor Stadium.
- Bulldogs captain Stephen Crichton has scored 11 tries in 13 games against the Rabbitohs.
- Rabbitohs centre Latrell Mitchell has scored 12 tries in 14 games against the Bulldogs.
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Great day, great crowd, great contest! – Bennett
Late Mail
Rabbitohs: South Sydney will line up 1-19 after the squad was locked in 90 minutes before kick off. Campbell Graham will track to make his return from a shoulder injury as South Sydney prepare to play their first game since Round 3. Moala Graham-Taufa shifts to the interchange as a result, with Wayne Bennett able to rely on stability ahead of the Rabbitohs’ Good Friday blockbuster. Brandon Smith remains at least a week away from returning from a calf injury. Salesi Ataata and Latrell Siegwalt dropped out of the squad in Thursday’s 24-hour update.
Bulldogs: Skipper Stephen Crichton has been named at centre but could spend time in the halves, as he did in last week’s loss to Newcastle. Bronson Xerri has moved one step closer to his return to the fold and is listed on the six-man bench. Josh Curran will miss the showdown at Accor Stadium but Canterbury welcome Sam Hughes back from suspension. Harry Hayes (concussion) was named on Tuesday but coach Cameron Ciraldo said Hayes hadn’t pulled up as well as they hoped after training earlier in the week and would miss the match. Jake Turpin was initially added to the interchange on Thursday after Hayes dropped out but Turpin has been replaced by Logan Spinks on the six-man bench in Friday’s final team update.
