The Dragons faced yet another significant setback just moments before their match against the Rabbitohs was set to start.
On a day when coach Shane Flanagan would have done anything for a smooth match and a win, he was compelled to make major adjustments after Jacob Liddle was ruled out due to a suspected hamstring injury sustained during the warm-up.
Liddle had already missed the early part of the season with a hamstring issue, and the latest injury is thought to involve the same leg.
According to Fox Sports’ sideline reporter Jake Duke, Liddle left the field expressing that he “felt it go,” indicating it “felt just like the grade three tear” that had previously sidelined him.
Jacob Liddle suffered a hamstring injury during the warm-up. FOX Sports
“It’s a cascade of misfortunes,” quipped Fox commentator Dan Ginnane.
Earlier, Flanagan had shifted Liddle into the starting line-up, replacing Damien Cook.
Josh Kerr also stepped in for Hamish Stewart, and Loko Jnr Pasifiki Tonga was added to the six-man bench.
Shortly after the match commenced, the Dragons found themselves trailing once more as Latrell Mitchell scored just five minutes in.
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South Sydney’s Peter Mamouzelos was sin-binned for a hip-drop tackle on Davie Fale. FOX Sports
However, the Dragons managed to take the lead by the 30-minute mark, with Cook and then Stewart both crossing the try line.
They received a further boost when Bunnies substitute Peter Mamouzelos was sent to the sin bin for a hip-drop tackle on David Fale.
Yet instead of capitalising on the extra player, Alex Johnston managed to score for the Rabbitohs just before half-time. Mitchell converted the try, putting the Rabbitohs in front 16-12 as the players headed to the sheds.
“That’s a significant setback for the Dragons – in the lead with a player advantage, yet Souths managed to score on the bell and convert as well,” Ginnane commented.
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