The Rabbitohs' recent elimination match against the Knights has sparked considerable debate among NRL supporters regarding a pivotal selection decision made by coach Wayne Bennett.
Fans expected Souths to be strong contenders for the premiership, yet they fell short during their performance at Allianz Stadium.
A key focus leading into the match was the choice between fullbacks Matt Dufty and Jye Gray.
Ultimately, Bennett opted for Dufty, a decision that many now believe may have contributed to the team's defeat.
Dufty struggled defensively, notably during Newcastle's opening two tries.
In the fourth minute, he misjudged coverage as Dom Young caught a high ball and assisted Jermaine McEwan, who scored easily.
Later, in the 25th minute, Dufty was again beaten when Dane Gagai reached a grubber kick just ahead of him for another try.
While Dufty has been touted for his offensive skills, his defensive capabilities were called into question, especially given that Gray has a reputation for solid backline defense.
Dufty secured the fullback position after Gray's shoulder injury in Round 7 and was recalled again in Round 19 to bolster the offense.
Despite expectations around Dufty's attacking prowess, he had a disappointing game against Newcastle, infamously passing the ball to Gagai during a crucial moment.
Gray, who had played in Round 27, was benched in favor of Dufty, which prompted heated discussions among fans on social media.
One user stated, "Why Dufty is at 1 over Gray boggles my mind," while another remarked on the importance of defense in championship play.
Yet, some fans defended Bennett's decision, suggesting Gray's recent form didn't merit a starting position.