The Rabbitohs led for much of a tight encounter before the Roosters’ man-of-the-moment Todd Carney sent back-rower Mitch Aubusson charging over.

Angry Souths fans hurled bottles at referee Jason Robinson, who awarded a controversial penalty to the Roosters in the lead-up to the try, after Aubusson scored.

The Roosters hung on in the final stages to score an emotional win in front of over 18,000 fans.

The Rabbitohs got on the board early, with hooker Beau Falloon exposing poor Roosters defence up the middle and scoring the simplest of tries from dummy half after just four minutes.

Halfback Chris Sandow converted to get the visitors off to a flying start at 6-0.

The Roosters should have drawn level in the 15th minute when a sweeping movement, including a superb soccer kick on the volley from winger Sam Perrett, saw Aubusson plunge over in the corner.

But referee Robinson ruled the final pass forward, earning a chorus of boos from Roosters fans.

The Rabbitohs extended their lead to 8-0 soon afterwards when Sandow landed a penalty goal from near the posts.

 

The Roosters clawed their way back into a lively encounter 15 minutes from the break, when in-form five-eighth Carney found the defence wanting with a smart solo run from short range.

 

Carney converted his own try and the score remained at 8-6 as the teams went to halftime.

The Roosters should have hit the front immediately after the resumption when skipper Braith Anasta put in a clever grubber kick.

Back-rower Aubusson led the chase for the ball but a cruel bounce denied him a try.
The Roosters made amends 18 minutes into the second half when a clinical backline move saw winger Sam Perrett dive over in the corner.

Carney landed a fine pressure goal as the Roosters hit the front for the first time at 12-8.

But the lead proved short-lived - six minutes in fact. Souths swept play downfield and centre Colin Best put winger Fetuli Talanoa over in the corner to level the scores.

Sandow then emulated Carney minutes earlier, piloting a superb sideline conversion over the crossbar to edge the Rabbitohs ahead 14-12, setting the scene for the thrilling finish.

Sydney Roosters 18
Tries: Perrett, Carney, Aubusson
Goals: Carney 3

South Sydney Rabbitohs 14
Tries: Talanoa, Falloon
Goals: Sandow 3