NRL 2021: South Sydney Rabbitohs smash Canterbury Bulldogs 38-0 as strugglers sequal unwanted record smh.com.au - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from smh.com.au Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
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NRL fans were left stunned this afternoon after Bulldogs playmaker Lachlan Lewis was allowed to temporarily remain on the field despite suffering a gruesome head knock.
Lewis was left helpless on the ground, and then struggled to stay on his feet once he made his way up off the Stadium Australia turf. Rabbitohs players were forced to assist the five-eighth before a Bulldogs trainer came over for a closer look.
But to the shock of many, which included legendary rugby league commentator Ray Warren, Lewis remained on the field for a handful of plays before referee Grant Atkins blew time, with the club trainer coming back on to the field to take the five-eighth off for a Head Injury Assessment.
Commentators and fans have labelled the Canterbury Bulldogs a disgrace after a clearly concussed player was allowed to continue despite twice stumbling over.
Bulldogs forward Lachlan Lewis made an awkward tackle on South Sydney Rabbitohs winger Josh Mansour in the opening stages of their annual Good Friday clash where he copped several shots to his head.
Lewis attempted to stand up and get back into the defensive line but stumbled twice before being held up by two opposition players.
Despite being treated by the team trainer, Lewis was allowed to continue - to the shock of commentators Dan Ginnane and Braith Anasta.
Venue: Stadium Australia, Sydney
Rounding out a miserable four weeks that come after a miserable four years, this is now Canterbury s worst start to a season in 50 years.
Not since 1971 have Canterbury been winless after the opening month, with South Sydney in cruise control for a decent portion of their six-tries-to-zip Good Friday victory.
Coach Trent Barrett was widely heralded as the puppeteer pulling the strings for Penrith last year, but he pulled no punches after this latest shutout.
He can see the problem, and the solution. But as for any progress being made by his pedestrian attack?
Struggling attack not the only worry for Barrett