South Sydney remains a slim chance of making the top-eight despite a horror first half of the season which resulted in Jason Demetriou being axed.
Since the head coach departed, the Rabbitohs have found a winning groove as they have claimed six victories from their past eight matches to surge up the ladder.
The Bunnies are four points outside the eight and still face an uphill task to force their way into the finals picture with a host of other contenders all caught in a mid-table log jam.
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Can South Sydney make the top-eight?
South Sydney’s five-match winning streak, which carried them off the foot of the ladder, was abruptly ended in Round 19 when they fell to the Dolphins.
Wayne Bennett’s men triumphed 36-28 in Redcliffe to severely dent the Rabbitohs’ finals hopes, so they knew entering into their clash against the Wests Tigers that they simply had to win.
Ben Hornby’s men made a rapid start in Gosford to race out to a 10-0 lead without Latrell Mitchell and Cameron Murray.
However, they were pinned back by a youthful Tigers outfit that had tasted just two victories since Round 5.
A strong second half showing handed the Bunnies the vital two competition points though with Alex Johnston grabbing a double in the 42-28 result.
The win, which marked Damien Cook’s 200th appearance for the club, saw them climb up to 12th spot on the ladder.
However, they were unable to string back-to-back victories together when they ventured to the nation's capital to take on the Canberra Raiders in Round 21.
And to make matters worse, Alex Johnston was added to the club's overflowing casualty ward as he succumbed to an Achilles injury.
The Bunnies will now face Cronulla, knowing only a win will do before they host the Melbourne Storm in Round 23.
MORE: Will Latrell Mitchell play for the Rabbitohs again this year?
South Sydney fixtures for finals run-in 2024
Round | Fixtures and Results |
21 | Canberra Raiders 32 def. South Sydney Rabbitohs 12 |
22 | Cronulla Sharks vs. South Sydney Rabbitohs |
23 | South Sydney Rabbitohs vs. Melbourne Storm |
24 | Wests Tigers vs. South Sydney Rabbitohs |
25 | South Sydney Rabbitohs vs. Newcastle Knights |
26 | Penrith Panthers vs. South Sydney Rabbitohs |
27 | South Sydney Rabbitohs vs. Sydney Roosters |