South Sydney Rabbitohs

Grand Final Week officially kicked off on Sunday evening with Brisbane City Hall, King George Tower and the Hilton lit up with iconic images from the season, tributes to Penrith and South Sydney, the game’s fans and a thank you to the Queensland community for their hospitality.

King George Square in the Brisbane CBD is being renamed King Wally Square in honour of Queensland Immortal Wally Lewis as part of a two-day NRL Fan Fest on Thursday and Friday, culminating with the appearance of both teams on Friday afternoon.

Will Adam Reynolds' last game in his beloved cardinal and myrtle jersey produce a second grand final ring for himself? Can Bennett in his farewell to the Rabbitohs win an eighth premiership at a third different club? 

Both men are heading to Queensland next year but in different directions so this is their swansong with South Sydney. Bennett hasn't forgotten how the Broncos showed him the "exit door" three years ago - and now he gets the chance to win a premiership right in front of their noses at Brisbane's home ground.

The Rabbitohs turned the finals series on its head with a shock win over Penrith in the opening week of the finals, ending the chances of another Panthers-Storm premiership decider.

Instead, South Sydney or Manly will advance from this Friday's clash at Suncorp Stadium following two sensational attacking performances from these clubs.

Earlier this season the Rabbitohs became the first team in premiership history to score 30 points in eight consecutive matches.

Johnston starred on the wing for the Bunnies in his rookie season in 2014 and seven years later he's now a leader at the club looking to send off Wayne Bennett and several of his teammates on the right note.

Last week's 16-10 upset win over the Panthers was a breakthrough effort from Bennett's side and earned them their first week off in a finals series since their last grand final appearance.

The Rabbitohs will play either the Sea Eagles or Roosters in week three as they eye their second grand final in 50 years.

The Sydney Morning Herald reports that Burgess left his vehicle after being filmed by another driver.

The England international allegedly got out of his car and took the other driver’s phone.

It wasn't the only new chapter written in the record books with the rampant Rabbitohs recording 10 straight wins for the first time since the 1989 team coached by George Piggins.

Wayne Bennett’s current crop can now also lay claim to having scored the most points in a season (689 and counting) for the proud foundation club.

And while the typically understated Bennett isn't fussed by statistical achievements, he can sense something special building.

Kicking his third conversion, but fourth goal of the game, put Reynolds on 1,842 points – finally passing the great Eric Simms (1,841) who retired 46 years ago.

It must be a bitter-sweet moment for the Rabbitohs faithful since the classy halfback is off to the Broncos next year. Still Reynolds now leaves his mark on the club he won a premiership with in 2014.

Meanwhile, things aren’t too rosy for Parramatta, who have now suffered their third straight defeat. If the Roosters have a win over Penrith on Saturday, the Eels will drop out of the top-four.

The Dragons had four players serving their one-game bans for a previous COVID breach and their makeshift centre pairing of Junior Amone and Corey Norman was targeted ruthlessly while Mitchell simply bullied the defence to the tune of two tries and 15 busts with Walker adding a try and four try assists of his own.

Broncos-bound halfback Adam Reynolds was also impressive with a try, two assists and seven goals while the Dragons were simply lacking in direction and experience.

Souths coach Wayne Bennett wasn't overly impressed with his team's performance.

A 23-year-old woman has claimed two high-profile South Sydney players exposed themselves during a video chat without her consent.

The video chat is reported to have involved several star players, but only two have been accused of misbehaving, reports the Daily Telegraph.

One player allegedly exposed his genitals, while a second flashed his bottom - which the reportedly woman has screenshots of.

It is understood the players were celebrating their 30-10 win over the New Zealand Warriors on May 26 in Auckland.

In years to come, the game might well be best remembered for the debut of teenage prodigy Payne Haas.

The 18-year-old reinforced his star qualities with an outstanding debut for the Broncos.

The 194cm, 117kg giant ran for 86 metres despite only being on the field for 21 minutes.

"You're seeing the birth of a superstar," Phil Gould said on the Nine Network commentary.

The Broncos have concerns over Josh McGuire, with the lock-cum-hooker spending most of the second half on the bench with an ankle injury.