The South Sydney Rabbitohs have defeated the Wests Tigers 20 points to 10 in its trial match at Central Coast Express Advocate Stadium tonight (Saturday).

The crowd of 10,470 fans saw the Rabbitohs run in four tries to two in an enthusiastic and strong performance.

Centre Todd Polglase scored the first try for the night in the 20th minute after consistent pressure in both defence and attack.

Three minutes later Polglase was over for try number two, the Rabbitohs having success down the right hand side of the field in attack.

The Tigers replied in the 28th minute through a try to winger Pat Richards who followed through from a Ben Reynolds kick to score in the corner.

The Rabbitohs held their 8-4 lead into the half time break with captain Bryan Fletcher leading up front and winger Mark Christensen playing strongly in his debut for Souths.

Souths continued to hold the Tigers' forwards at bay with former Tiger Willie Manu causing havoc for Wests' defence.

Polglase pulled off a fantastic try-saving tackle on prop Anthony Laffranchi to hold on to the four point lead.

New Tigers' recruit, fullback Brett Hodgson, scored a questionable try in the 65th minute after what looked like a knock-on and a penalty to the Tigers that could have easily gone the way of the Rabbitohs.

Hodgson converted his own try to give the Tigers a 10-8 lead, the first time they had led in the match.

Young gun Rhys Hanbury came off the interchange bench to score the next try for Souths after following through a Dean Byrne kick to regain the lead for Souths.

Byrne converted to give the Rabbitohs a four-point buffer.

Jamie Russo then charged on to a pass after Mark Leafa had split open the Tigers' defensive line, with Byrne again converting the try.

The Rabbitohs ran out winners 20 - 10 in a thoroughly deserved victory.

The entire forward pack played strongly for Souths with Fletcher again leading by example up front.

Lock Shane Rigon was a workhorse in both attack and defence and second-rower Mark Minichiello made a very successful comeback from off season surgery.

The Rabbitohs next trial game is against the Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles next Saturday night at Wynnum in Brisbane.

South Sydney Rabbitohs 20 (Todd Polglase 2, Rhys Hanbury, Jamie Russo tries; Dean Byrne 2 goals)

defeated

Wests Tigers 10 (Pat Richards, Brett Hodgson tries; Hodgson goal)

In Premier League action, The Rabbitohs defeated the Balmain Tigers 20 points to 18 in a tough affair.

Souths scored four tries to three to secure victory with Beau Mundine scoring a double for the Rabbitohs.

Mundine scored the first two tries for Souths giving them an 8 - nil lead early.

The Tigers scored through Ben Carney to take the half time score to 8 - 6.

Winger Joven Clarke scored next before M. Pethybridge scored for the Tigers keeping it a close match.

Steve Skinnon scored next for Souths out on the wing before Ben Carney scored his second to bring the Tigers within two points.

The Rabbitohs held them out for a solid win.

South Sydney Rabbitohs 20 (Beau Mundine 2, Joven Clarke, Steve Skinnon tries; Clarke 2 goals)

defeated

Balmain Tigers 18 (Ben Carney 2, M. Pethybridge tries; J. Nowland 3 goals)

In the Jersey Flegg match up, South Sydney ran out convincing winners 42 - 20 against the Balmain Tigers.

Fullback Dominic Maley scored a hat-trick of tries to help the Rabbitohs to their decisive victory.

Ricardo Young also impressed in what is a well drilled and talented young side.

South Sydney Rabbitohs 42 (Dominic Maley 3, Brad Barrett, Manase Manuokafoa, Rhys Hanbury, Metui Maile, Matt Keating tries; Hanbury 4, Matt Brinckley goals)

defeated

Balmain Tigers 20 (M Harper, N. Lavers, S. Dellar, F. Kmet tries; Kmet 2 goals)

In the Jim Beam Cup, 2003 Premiers The Entrance Tigers defeated the Ryde-Eastwood Hawks 20 points to 16.

In what was at first a dour affair, the game became closer as the Hawks wound back the hefty points deficit in the second half.

The Entrance Tigers 20 (M. Smith 2, Jason Thorne, T. Bolton tries; Bolton, N. Thomas goals)

defeated

Ryde-Eastwood Hawks 16 (Greg Hilton, M. Kelly, J. McNicollas tries; Hilton 2 goals)