Ben Barba’s return no help as Bulldogs go down to South Sydney

Rabbitohs halfback Adam Reynolds stars as Bunnies remain undefeated.South Sydney shrugged off the hype surrounding the return of Canterbury Bulldogs fullback Ben Barba to record a 17-12 win in front of a massive crowd at ANZ Stadium.

While much of the talk before the game surrounded Barb’a return to the number one jersey, it was Rabbitohs playmaker Adam Reynolds who took centre stage, with the halfback pushing his claims for a New South Wales State of Origin jersey further.

However, Reynolds will have to continue to perform at a high level with NSW coach Laurie Daley publicly declaring his preferred halfback is Roosters’ star Mitchell Pearce.

It was a disappointing return to the field for Ben Barba, but he did give a glimpse of what could be in store in coming weeks when he touched down with 10 seconds remaining off a Josh Reynolds kick.