Final on the brink for South Sydney after bundle loss to Wayne Bennett’s Dolphins

South Sydney’s five-game winning streak is over but veteran player Cody Walker is confident they can score another goal and put themselves in contention for a place in the final.

The Rabbitohs lost 36-28 to the Dolphins in Redcliffe on Thursday night and are currently three points behind eighth-placed Manly.

They will be at least four points behind the top eight at the end of Round 19 and will be without fullback Latrell Mitchell for a month or more due to a foot injury.

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Forward Jai Arrow, who played against the Dolphins, is now undergoing delayed shoulder surgery that will keep him out for the rest of the season.

Despite these setbacks, the Rabbitohs showed great resilience in the defeat to the Dolphins, with both teams scoring six times.

Walker, who scored four tries in another top performance, said the team could get back on winning track if they addressed their shortcomings.

“I think so. We’re confident we can beat anyone on a good day, but we’ve probably taken a step back in terms of our discipline,” Walker said.

“We’re happy with our effort, but our kicking and our scrimmage on some of their attempts in the first half probably took a step back. So there’s a couple of things we need to improve on to even be able to make a run.

“Our most important match is always our next match.”

Walker managed just one conversion from three attempts, as did Taane Milne when he took over kicking duties. Mitchell, the regular kicker, will be missed for his overall play and ability with the boot.

“You probably underestimate the importance of scoring goals, but I have more respect now for all the goalscorers in the NRL,” Walker said.

“It’s a tough task, especially at Kayo (Stadium) where the crowd is so close together. Trell is obviously a great kicker and he shoots them from everywhere, so you’re going to miss a guy like Trell’s goal-kicking ability.

“I raise my hand. I take full responsibility. It just wasn’t good enough.”

Rabbitohs coach Ben Hornby said Walker, who has moved from left half to right wing, should not be so hard on himself.

“It shouldn’t just be about goals,” Hornby said.

“We had a few chances in the second half to score points that we should have capitalized on. That’s not why we lost the game.

“Cody has been outstanding. To be on the other side of the field and not have any drop-offs in his performance, and to do that for this team, speaks to what the team is all about.”

Mitchell’s replacement, Jye Gray, only 20, was excellent in attack and defence.

“He’s still learning the game but he’s done a great job and nothing will be lost if he keeps playing over the next few weeks,” Hornby said.

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