LeagueNews.co | Jess Malloy
In a dramatic match, the Canterbury Bulldogs defeated the South Sydney Rabbitohs 24-18, with a weather interruption caused by lightning significantly affecting the game's momentum.
The match was paused at 4:40 PM (AEST), marking the first weather-related suspension in the NRL since a hailstorm on Anzac Day in 2015.
During the delay, which lasted 28 minutes, fans were ordered to take shelter as security announced warnings.
"When play resumed, Souths appeared revitalized.
Veteran winger Alex Johnston scored his 202nd career try shortly before halftime, marking the team's first significant advancement into the scoring zone." The Rabbitohs built on this momentum by targeting the left edge effectively.
They closed the gap to just eight points when Jack Wighton scored while Canterbury's Jake Turpin was temporarily sidelined due to a sin bin for a high tackle on Tyrone Munro.
Despite Souths' resurgence after the lightning pause, they fell short as the Bulldogs managed to hold onto their lead, securing a hard-fought victory.