NOWRA-born Cody Walker and his South Sydney Rabbitohs suffered their first defeat of the 2020 NRL season on Friday, after losing 22-18 to the Brisbane Broncos at an empty Suncorp Stadium.
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Despite the early injury to halfback Brodie Croft, the Broncos dominated the opening exchanges, largely due to a 94 per cent completion rate.
This saw centre Kotoni Staggs and five-eighth Anthony Milford cross for the hosts, to lead 10-nil after 23 minutes.
Despite this, the visitors somehow snatched a 12-10 half-time lead after Walker set up a 30th-minute try for Campbell Graham before helping himself to one four minutes later.
However, Brisbane kicked away when Staggs completed his hat-trick by crossing in the 49th and 57th minutes, before makeshift Rabbitohs fullback Alex Johnston scored a consolation 74th-minute try for the visitors.
While there was a concern for Croft (AC joint), the hosts also had winger Corey Oates leave the field in the 78th minute with a suspected rib complaint.
Adding injury to insult for Walker's side, who crashed back to earth after their opening round 22-14 win over Cronulla-Sutherland, second-rower Cameron Murray came off in the 77th minute with a suspected knee injury.
This marks the first time Brisbane has started a season with consecutive wins since 2016.
Walker's Rabbitohs will now look to rebound against the Sydney Roosters next Friday.
