Raiders coach Ricky Stuart has garnered acclaim for his “astute coaching” after delivering a stern message to winger Savelio Tamale, who inexplicably halted just short of scoring for his team.
With 11 minutes remaining in the first half and the Raiders up 6-4, the Rabbitohs let a loose ball drop at the halfway line. Tamale seized the opportunity, scooping it up and charging toward the try line.
Despite his evident speed, Tamale unexpectedly chose to stop right before crossing the line and was tackled by Cody Walker. Although he managed to ground the ball, he was met with Walker’s frustrated response as the Rabbitohs player punched the ball away in annoyance.
“What is he thinking?,” asked Fox League commentator Matt Russell regarding Tamale’s puzzling decision.
“Unless there’s an injury, how can you explain that?”
Stuart, observing from the sidelines, promptly called Tamale over for a few choice words.

Ricky Stuart and Savelio Tamale. Fox League
“He’s certainly got some speed, that’s for sure. Great feedback from the coach,” Jared Waerea-Hargreaves commented at the halfway point.
Cooper Cronk also commended Stuart’s “brilliant coaching,” labelling Tamale’s action as “showboating”.
Despite the show-off moment, the Raiders continued their dominant display in Perth, with Kaeo Weekes and Hudson Young scoring to extend their lead to 24-4 at halftime.
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South Sydney appeared to have received a classic motivational speech from Wayne Bennett during the halftime break, with Cody Walker, Jamie Humphreys, and Latrell Mitchell all scoring, narrowing the margin to 24-22 by the 57th minute.
The Raiders worked hard to hold off the comeback as Weekes and Ethan Strange crossed the line. However, the Rabbitohs continued their fightback, with Alex Johnston and Jack Wighton scoring to set up a thrilling finish at 36-34 in favour of Canberra.
A final play took place at full-time when Mitchell kicked to Johnston in the corner, but the winger was unable to secure the catch, denying the Raiders a much-needed victory.
The Rabbitohs also faced a setback during the match when Jye Gray left the field in the first half due to an AC joint injury, with the fullback later seen in a sling after the game.
Compiled by SportArena.au
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