The South Sydney Rabbitohs have won their grand final rematch with the Canterbury Bullodgs by a point in controversial circumstances.
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The Bulldogs looked set for a great win after Trent Hodkinson nailed a field goal with only a few minutes left. But when James Graham tried to charge down an Adam Reynolds field goal attempt a minute later, the referee ruled foul play from Graham and Souths duly converted a kick right in front of the posts.
It was a controversial end to the game and a tough pill to swallow for Canterbury.
The first try of the encounter came from Curtis Rona when he powered over on the right wing.
Soon the Bullodgs lead stretched to 10-0 when Sam Perrett crossed.
Controversy struck earlier when Souths were awarded a penalty try, after Sam Kasiano kneed Isaac Luke as he charged for the try-line.
In the second half Josh Morris extended the Bulldogs’ lead.
Then the Rabbitohs hit back through Dave Tyrell.
And then Reynolds stepped up to convert a long-range penalty, tieing it up at 16-16. The match was tense.
But the twists weren’t over, with Trent Hodkinson edging the Bulldogs back into the lead with a field goal.
With just a few minutes on the clock, Graham tried to pressure Reynolds’ kick and he was penalised. It was accidental from Graham, not reckless, but the referees decided otherwise and Souths won the match.
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