When it’s not your night it’s not your night, but that did’t stop Riverina from finishing off strong in the trial against South Sydney at Albury Sportsground on Saturday.

Outclassed for the majority of the game by a young Rabbitohs side looking to impress new coach Wayne Bennett, Riverina had the last laugh.

They outscored their rivals in the last quarter including supplying the moment of the night.

In the final minutes, a deft kick from Tyron Gorman off a scrum over 50 metres out of their line sparked a footrace with Junee fullback Daniel Foley having too much pace for Mawene Hiroti to score under the posts.

It was enough for Riverina to edge their rivals in the last stanza 10-6 and give the strong crowd on hand something to cheer for.

Despite being blown off the park in the first half, they trailed 32-0 at half-time, coach Josh Cale wasn’t too disappointed with his side’s performance.

“Obviously they are so well drilled, fast and strong,” Cale said.

“We were probably a bit smothered in the first half, we didn’t really get out of our own end much.

“There were a couple of bad options on the fifth play, we didn’t kick that well, but we had a bit of fun at the end and on the sidelines the boys were having a bit of a laugh so I think they had a great time.”

Winning the final stanza was a great way to finish off the night.

“We were just starting to come good,” Cale joked. “It is a shame the game finished.”

Cale was thrilled with how his team bought into the experience and with what South Sydney brought to the border as well.

“They have been great,” he said.

“Wayne Bennett and Sam Burgess have been all about town for the last couple of days and Souths have got heaps of supporters.

“It was a great crowd and to see everyone come onto the ground and enjoy it with both teams was just awesome.

“It is what rugby league is all about.”

Nathan Rose and Jack Lyons looked dangerous for the home inside, including combining for Riverina’s first try to start the fourth quarter.

Jake Goodwin and Nick Skinner got through plenty of work up the middle trying to control what was a rampaging Rabbitohs forward pack.

Sam Elwin made an impact off the bench and said it was a good experience to be apart of after graduating from the under 23s this season.

“It’s definitely one of the toughest games I’ve had to play,” Elwin said. “It’s a weird feeling as I’m not sore but it was just more the fact they were really quick.”

“It’s very draining and more fatiguing but definitely a good experience.”

RELATED COVERAGE