South Sydney Rabbithos

Despite being well beaten in a 36-16 defeat to the Canberra Raiders last Sunday, the Warriors powered through the middle of the park, averaging 49 metres on every set in Round 23.

Their total haul of 1814 metres was beaten only by the St George Illawarra Dragons last week, with Jacob Lillyman, Ben Matulino and Simon Mannering all running for over 100 metres individually.

For rookie big man Isaiah Papali'i, it has been heartening to get the job done without the presence of injured frontline props James Gavet and Albert Vete, as well as veteran back-rower Bodene Thompson.

It was the first time the club has won three straight games without their inspirational playmaker, and suggests their premiership chances aren't over yet despite losing both Thurston and co-captain Matt Scott to season-ending injuries.

The win came despite a second-half breakdown in discipline and ball-handling from the Cowboys, with their completion rate dropping from 85 per cent to 76 per cent by the end of the game.