Last-placed South Sydney secured only their second win of the NRL season with a thrilling 35-28 win over the New Zealand Warriors in Auckland tonight.

The Warriors started the match in explosive fashion, racing to a 14-0 lead after 15 minutes but the Rabbitohs hit back with three quick tries to be in front 18-14 at the break.

A see-sawing second half saw scores locked at 28-all with nine minutes remaining before a try to lock Ben Lowe put Souths ahead and rookie halfback Chris Sandow booted a field goal in the last minute to seal the win.

It was a much-needed win for Jason Taylor's side, which is anchored to the bottom of the NRL table and has had to endure a host of off-field dramas in recent weeks.

Souths only other win this season came in round eight against North Queensland.

The win ended a 12-match losing streak against the Warriors dating back to 1999.

Jamie Simpson, Fetuli Talanoa, Manase Manuokafoa, Luke Capewell and Luke Stuart also bagged tries for Souths while winger Michael Crockett scored a hat trick for the Warriors.

Fullback Patrick Ah Vahn and centres Aidan Kirk and Jerome Ropati also crossed for the home side which suffered its second loss at Mt Smart Stadium this season.

Veteran prop Ruben Wiki put in a determined effort on his return to the NRL.

Issac Luke and Roy Asotasi were among the Rabbitohs' best while Sandow showed plenty of promise in his first-grade debut.

SOUTH SYDNEY 35 (L Capewell B Lowe M Manuokafoa J Simpson L Stuart F Talanoa tries I Luke 3 C Sandow 2 goals C Sandow field goal)
def.
NZ WARRIORS 28 (M Crockett 3 P Ah Van A Kirk J Ropati tries P Ah Van L Hohaia goals)

Crowd: 13,112.

We played for 80 minutes tonight at our best... Jason Taylor, South Sydney coach