South Sydney Rabbitohs lose second match of the season

South Sydney went down for only the second time in 2013 on Monday to the Cronulla Sharks in wet conditions.

Sharks v RAbbitohs

South Sydney went down for only the second time in 2013 on Monday to the Cronulla Sharks in wet conditions.

South Sydney went down for only the second time in 2013 on Monday to the Cronulla Sharks in wet conditions.

Despite missing NSW stars Luke Lewis and captain Paul Gallen, the Sharks contained the first-placed Rabbitohs in a strong wet weather performance that saw the penalty count blow out to eleven three in the Sharks favour.

Cronulla struck first through John Morris, who scored under the sticks in the fourth minute with Todd Carney adding the extra two points.

The Rabbitohs levelled the account nine minutes later with a sharp backline movement sending Bryson Goodwin over in the corner. Adam Reynolds landed the conversion.

The Sharks went on the attack again in the 32nd minute after a Todd Carney grubber ricocheted off John Sutton’s foot for Jayson Bukuya to score with the teams going in 12-6 at the half-time break.

Despite being placed on report for a dangerous tackle, Sam Burgess opened the second half by slamming the ball over the line to again level the scores at 12-12, but a string of knock-on’s and penalties ensured the Bunnies would not recover.

Todd Carney sealed the Rabbitohs’ fate with a penalty goal in the 58th minute – the final score finishing at 14-12.

The unexpected loss soured the achievements of three Rabbitohs’ earlier in the day, when Greg Inglis, Ben Te’o and Chris McQueen were all named in the Maroons side to take on the Blues in game one of this year's State of Origin clash on Wednesday, June 5.

All three players will be unavailable for this Saturday’s clash with the Newcastle Knights at ANZ Stadium.