South Sydney appeared to be dead on their feet just three weeks ago when Brisbane romped to a 60-14 win.
After Broncos stars had lined up to feast on the Rabbitohs' carcass, Wayne Bennett admitted post-match that he feared the result had been coming.
Too many injured players had piled up in a casualty ward that had long since been one for the ages, while the troops he did manage to get out on the field were simply running on fumes.
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Why 'fascinating' fullback decision awaits Rabbitohs next season
Souths still had four matches remaining of a tumultuous campaign, with Bennett suddenly faced with the very real prospect of picking up the first wooden spoon of his illustrious career.
Yet the Bunnies have managed to ease their injury burden somewhat since that rout at the coach’s old stomping ground.
And they have relied upon stars of the future, such as Jye Gray, Ashton Ward and Tallis Duncan, who have kicked up another gear.
The trio were in brilliant touch against St George Illawarra as Souths rolled to a 40-0 result.
The rousing victory marked their third successive win since that galling loss to Michael Maguire’s side as they lifted themselves out of the doldrums.
Latrell Mitchell returned from injury against the Gold Coast in Round 23 and slotted into his former position in the centres.
While stationed there, he laid it on a platter for Alex Johnston to cross for a double, while Gray did all the dirty work out of yardage with his customary gusto.
However, Mitchell’s run in the side was extremely short-lived, as injury once again struck down the club’s talisman before they faced Parramatta.
Gray once again grasped his opportunity with both hands as he produced another stellar display that featured multiple try-saving interventions during the Rabbitohs' win over the Eels.
To top off this uplifting run, the diminutive No.1 was right in the thick of the action as he starred against the Dragons in their penultimate game of the season.
Gray grabbed a four-pointer during the demolition job, while also topping the run metre charts.
"You simply cannot ignore Gray," Mick Ennis stated on Fox League.
"I think Gray stays at fullback and Latrell goes back to left centre against the Roosters."
Given the 21-year-old’s obvious value to the team, his eye-catching late-season displays have posed a potential dilemma for Bennett next season.
Should the Bunnies go with Gray at the back from the start of the 2026 campaign, while switching Mitchell into the centres in a move akin to how Manly have attempted to manage Tom Trbojevic?
After all, since his move from the Sydney Roosters five years ago, Mitchell has failed to register more than 17 appearances in a season as he has been plagued by injuries and disciplinary issues.
"The bigger question is, do they begin next season in that formation of Gray at fullback and Mitchell in the centres?" Warren Smith queried.
"It will be fascinating," Ennis replied. "That will be absolutely fascinating."