LeagueNews.co | Jason Patrick
Latrell Mitchell was seen comforting a visibly upset Jai Arrow following South Sydney's disappointing seventh consecutive loss, the most Wayne Bennett has faced as a coach.
The Rabbitohs succumbed to a 30-10 defeat against the Panthers, while also adding Keaon Koloamatangi to their growing list of injuries.
Koloamatangi was injured mid-game, suffering an ankle injury while attempting a tackle, and is now likely to be sidelined.
Mitchell himself is also facing a potential end to the season due to a quad injury sustained in training, alongside teammates Cody Walker, Davvy Moale, and Campbell Graham, who are dealing with their own injuries.
Souths currently hold the record for the most games missed due to injury among NRL clubs this year, significantly impacting their performance.
This loss marked a low point for Bennett, who has never experienced seven consecutive defeats throughout his extensive coaching career.
With Souths positioned in 16th place, Bennett is on track to finish with the worst record of his career.
Historically, his teams have not placed lower than 13th, but they are now only two points above the last-placed Titans, placing Bennett at risk of earning his first-ever wooden spoon.
After the match, Arrow appeared crushed, burying his face in Mitchell's chest while being consoled.
Mitchell embraced Arrow and offered him some supportive words following another tough game.
Jack Wighton commented on the team's struggles, stating, "the effort is second to none, but we have moments when we let teams off the hook.
It's usually late in sets and it's really killing us.
But I'm proud of the boys for the effort."