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The Rabbitohs held off a fast-finishing Warriors outfit to return to the winners’ list on Saturday, but the triumph was soured by a serious injury suffered by Jacob Host.
The second-rower left play with the help of a trainer after reaggravating an injury to his right shoulder during the first set of the game.
Host combined with Jai Arrow for a tackle on Aaron Pene and came out of it grimacing, having dislocated his shoulder.
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« I think he’s dislocated his shoulder again, » Souths coach Jason Demetriou said.
« He’ll have to go see the specialist, more than likely he’ll have surgery. »
The Rabbitohs took a 26-6 lead into the half-time break but the Warriors fired in the second 40-minute period, closing the deficit to 32-30.
The Warriors scored their final two tries when the Rabbitohs had just 12 men on the field, after hooker Damien Cook was sin-binned for impeding Reece Walsh as the speedster pursued a Shaun Johnson grubber.
Cody Walker had appeared lost without former halves partner Adam Reynolds over the opening nine rounds of the season, but the gun five-eighth returned to form in brilliant fashion on Saturday.
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Perhaps buoyed by gaining the captaincy in the absence of the injured Cameron Murray, Walker set up three tries and showed glimpses of his exceptional attacking best.
« It’s no surprise to me how he played, » Demetriou said.
« He’s been having moments like that in the last few weeks, it’s just that little bit more responsibility, I thought he handled it really well. His kicking game was outstanding. »
Warriors coach Nathan Brown was left to lament a disastrous start, that effectively cost his side the match.
« We’ve got to focus on why the first half happened, » he said.
« That’s certainly not where you want to be as a football club. »
The Warriors will meet the Dragons at Jubilee Oval next Saturday, while the Rabbitohs are set for a clash with the Raiders in Dubbo next Sunday.
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