South Sydney has started its NRL title defence in ominous form, belting Brisbane 36-6 in the season opener at Suncorp Stadium.
South Sydney hooker Isaac Luke Photo: Photosport
What was supposed to usher in a new Broncos era under coach Wayne Bennett only marked more of the same from the Rabbitohs.
The stage had been set for the Broncos to make a bold statement under seven time premiership winning mentor Bennett in his first game back with the Brisbane reins since 2008.
Especially with backrower Corey Parker becoming just the second Brisbane player to shatter the 300-game barrier.
However, the portents weren't good from the outset when a power outage sabotaged the pre-match entertainment by singer Guy Sebastian.
The only ones on song from there were the Rabbitohs as nothing else went to plan for the hosts in front of 36,057 fans.
South Sydney led 10-2 at halftime before the floodgates opened for the visitors, defying steamy conditions.
John Sutton (43rd), the man who replaced him as skipper Greg Inglis (48th), Luke Keary (58th) and Joel Reddy (69th) all piled in for second half tries to silence a rabid Brisbane crowd.
Broncos forward James Gavet was placed on report for a shoulder charge on Rabbitohs rake Issac Luke, resulting in a final penalty goal on fulltime for the visitors.
In the only concern for Rabbitohs coach Michael Maguire, South Sydney forward Ben Lowe was placed on report for a 52nd minute crusher tackle on Sam Thaiday.
The Broncos hardly fired a shot despite boasting what was supposed to be an exciting new halves pairing in Ben Hunt and big name recruit Anthony Milford.
