Souths deliver masterclass to win World Club Challenge

South Sydney Rabbitohs claimed their first ever World Club Challenge with an emphatic 39-0 win over St Helens.

It would be easy to criticise the expanded World Club Series after Souths’ victory confirmed a three nil series whitewash for the NRL.

But Michael Maguire’s team were relentless and deserved their seven try victory over a spirited St Helens side.

It was a case of deja vu as the Australian side struck first, scoring through Glenn Stewart inside two minutes from Adam Reynolds’ grubber. 

Saints looked for a response and would have taken the lead had it not been for fantastic cover defence by Greg Inglis and Isaac Luke on wingers Adam Swift and Mark Percival respectively. 

Instead Reynolds added a penalty goal before shunning Jordan Turner with the sidestep to set up Dylan Walker in the 18th minute.

Souths demonstrated their attacking prowess to score through Inglis for an 18-0 lead but their fourth try was the result of a freak bounce which landed perfectly for Joel Reddy.

Keiron Cunningham’s side ended the half on the front foot but without any points as Percival spilled the ball under more intense pressure.

The impressive Souths, who must surely be favourites to retain their NRL Premiership, put the result beyond doubt when Luke Keary touched down from Reynolds’ kick for 30-0.

Substitute Chris McQueen added his side’s sixth try of the evening before Reddy grabbed his second in a thoroughly dominant display.

Reynolds rubbed salt into the wounds with a drop goal in the 78th minute for 39-0, the widest ever World Club Challenge winning margin.