NRL 2021: Benji Marshall brilliance on show as South Sydney Rabbitohs beat Cronulla Sharks

Kiwis captain Benji Marshall has wound back the clock with a vintage display to lead South Sydney Rabbitohs to a 32-22 NRL victory over Cronulla Sharks.

The 36-year-old was at his scintillating best early on, as he laid on two tries with his trademark skill to help Souths to their eighth win of the season.

Marshall was instrumental in the Rabbitohs' performance with two line breaks assists, two try assists and 49 running metres.  

Souths were looking to bounce back from their 50-0 thrashing by the Melbourne Storm came out of the blocks fast thanks to tries through Keaon Koloamatangi, Alex Johnston - assisted by Marshall - and Cody Walker to race out to an 18-0 lead. 

But the Sharks struck just before halftime through fullback Will Kennedy and reduced the deficit to 18-6 at halftime. 

Cronulla stormed out of the sheds to set up a nail-biting contest, with tries to forwards Aaron Woods and Briton Nikora.

Despite the scare, Souths put the contest to bed with two tries in three minutes, through Walker and Jai Arrow to open up a 16 point lead. 

The Sharks managed a late consolation through Mawene Hiroti but it was too little, too late. 

The victory sees Souths jump up to third on the ladder, one win behind league leaders Penrith Panthers while the Sharks drop to 14th on the table with their sixth straight loss. 

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