The Rabbitohs’ victory in the 2015 Auckland Nines over the Cronulla Sharks remains one of the Club’s great modern tournament moments, a dramatic extra-time win capped by a storybook ending for returning veteran, Matt King.
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South Sydney started the final strongly, with Adam Reynolds controlling the tempo from the opening set. After sustained pressure, Bryson Goodwin opened the scoring out wide thanks to a pinpoint cross-field kick from Dylan Walker, with Reynolds converting for a 6–0 lead. Cronulla responded quickly through Siosaia Feki, who narrowed the margin to 6-4. Chris Grevsmuhl then produced one of the highlights of the tournament — charging down a kick, regathering cleanly and sprinting 30 metres to score. The Rabbitohs took a 10–4 lead into the break.
Cronulla struck early in the second half through Valentine Holmes, but Cameron McInnes powered over next to the posts to restore South Sydney’s advantage at 14–8. With less than a minute remaining, Cronulla crossed again via Jack Bird and nailed the sideline conversion to level the scores and send the final into extra time.
Golden point delivered plenty of tension. Reynolds produced a brilliant 40-20 kick and South Sydney appeared to score through Joel Reddy, only for the try to be called back for a forward pass. Both sides traded chances until the moment that sealed it.
Issac Luke found Matt King on the edge, and the veteran, who was returning to the Red and Green for the tournament, dived over out wide to secure an 18–14 victory. It was the perfect ending to a gripping contest and a memorable triumph in Rabbitohs history.
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The 2015 Auckland Nines triumph was more than just a tournament win, it was a reminder of the spirit that defines South Sydney. Heart, resilience, and a never-give-up attitude carried the team to victory, capped by a fairy-tale finish for a fan favourite. Moments like these are woven into the fabric of our Club and stand as proof of why, since 1908, South Sydney is still here.
