Tyrone Munro Faces Injury Setback as Wayne Bennett Makes a Triumphant Return to South Sydney

A tumultuous week has concluded with a narrow defeat for the Dolphins, who fell to the Rabbitohs by just two points in an electrifying second half showdown against their former coach, Wayne Bennett.

Initially scheduled to be held in Queensland, the Dolphins instead took the pitch at CommBank Stadium, mindful of the impending threat posed by Cyclone Alfred.

However, the thrilling contest was not without its own worries for the Rabbitohs, as one star player battled injury concerns while another awaited the outcome of a report filed against him.

Kristian Woolf’s side provided a formidable challenge to South Sydney during the first half but struggled to contain the speed and skill of young winger Tyrone Munro.

Munro proved nearly impossible to contain, scoring twice in quick succession to help the Rabbitohs secure a 12-4 lead at half-time.

However, the 20-year-old’s impactful first half presence was cut short due to a collarbone injury, raising concerns over his fitness, particularly after he underwent surgery on the same injury last season.

Another issue arose for Bennett’s squad in the 60th minute, as Jack Wighton was placed on report for a dangerous tackle involving a raised forearm.

Wighton must now await the match review committee’s decision, with his elbow making contact with Daniel Saifiti’s head during the incident.

Saifiti was subsequently forced from the match and unable to return, having previously undergone a head injury assessment earlier in the game.

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Earlier in the match, the Dolphins capitalised on Rabbitohs’ defensive changes, raising their intensity and putting pressure on the wing following Munro’s departure.

Isaiya Katoa and Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow combined expertly on the edge, setting up a quick opportunity for Jamayne Isaako to score his second try.

“That is bread and butter for the Hammer when he finds himself in those situations,” Billy Slater remarked on Nine.

“Too much speed and too much class.”

Isaako attempted to convert his own try to narrow the deficit, but unfortunately missed the kick.

Katoa created a try opportunity for Max Plath in the 52nd minute, momentarily giving the Dolphins a lead over South Sydney until Isaiah Tass responded shortly after with a try of his own.

“Everyone contributed to set up Tass’s try,” Slater noted.

“He finished off in the corner, and the Rabbitohs were back in front.”

The Rabbitohs seemed to have secured victory in the dying moments of the game, but the Bunker ruled out a try due to a strip in the lead-up to the four-pointer.

Despite this, the final whistle sounded with the score favouring the home side.

While the result was disappointing for the Dolphins, they received some positive news regarding their travel arrangements, confirming that they would not be stranded in Sydney following Cyclone Alfred’s arrival.

The club arranged a charter flight to ensure the team could return home on Saturday morning.