The Rabbitohs have sounded an ominous alarm to top eight clubs, shredding through the Broncos in a 22-12 win that had Souths fans marvelling.

A drizzly Accor Stadium housed a Bunnies riot that showed plenty of promise for the clubs future and spine setup.

Latrell Mitchell, Cody Walker, Damien Cook and Jack Wighton all starred in the gutsy team performance, that cemented Walker’s position as a right side No.7 in this new look outfit.

Souths were away early with a 70-metre Mitchell line-break, only to be run down by Jordan Riki who saved a certain try.

After a six-again call in the Broncos 20-metre, the Rabbitohs failed to convert momentum to points, where they had numbers and time.

Post-game, interim coach Ben Hornby was full of praise for his side and star players, who could feature for the Blues in game two.

“Latrell is ready to go,” Hornby said.

“I thought the case was compelling three weeks ago when I said it.”

Cam Murray also backed his fullback for a return to the Origin arena, along with himself.

“I’ll never say no to a New South Wales jumper if I’m ready,” Murray said.

“He’s (Mitchell) definitely earned it.”

Following a scoreless first 10 minutes, it was Damien Cook who took advantage of a lazy marker – darting over the try line to show the NRL that class and experience always rises to the top.

The Broncos were seemingly low on energy, missing tackles and allowing the Bunnies middle to get a roll-on – something they have struggled to do all year.

Cody Walker looked slick in the dewy conditions – putting the ball on a string in the 17th minute for a leaping Keaon Koloamatangi to score.

Latrell Mitchell entered the fifth-tackle phase, hoisting up wobbly bombs which forced errors from Deine Mariner and Josiah Karapani.

His multi-faceted skillset was sure to have Blues coach Michael Maguire licking his lips – where we could see Mitchell featuring on the Blues left edge for Origin game two.

Mitchell went on to steamroll Jock Madden and cross the line in the 20th minute – showing NRL fans how good the No.1 really is with purpose, passion and when he is in a mood. He is one of the most powerful players in the game and an athletic enigma.

Patrick Carrigan did his talisman best to inspire the Broncos, putting Xavier Willison through a hole – but a poor pass to Ezra Mam ruined that breakaway.

The Rabbitohs showed grit in the final 10 minutes of the first half with 12, going into the sheds with an 18-0 lead.

Meanwhile, Kevin Walters’ side hobbled in with a 65% completion rate.

The Bunnies came out in the second with no signs of slowing down – Alex Johnston the first man over after a Mitchell left-side blitz.

Kotoni Staggs looked dangerous with ball in hand, helping his right side winger Deine Mariner to two tries.

The Broncos chanced their hand late, but the damage was already done.

Mitchell storms into Blues camp – surely

Latrell Mitchell is a problem.

The No.1 was at his passionate, imposing best – charging through the Broncos defence and making many plays with boot and hand.

Mitchell’s highlight reel consisted of breakaway runs, cut-out passes, big-man hit-ups and towering bombs that haunted Brisbane’s back three.

The 26-year-old was level-headed and settled for the majority of the contest, all while asserting his dominance and flair.

His playmaking ability with the boot only beefed up his selection for Origin two – adding another trick up New South Wales’ sleeve.

Why wouldn’t you pick him? Enough of the ‘he’s not team oriented’ hogwash.

Sin-bin drama, but Bunnies rally through it all

Richie Kennar put the Rabbitohs under late first half stress when taking out Selwyn Cobbo.

The centre swung his arm with force into the chin of Cobbo in the 30th minute – it was an easy sin-bin call for referee Adam Gee.

What was most inspiring about the otherwise dismal shot, was the fight and ticker shown by the Bunnies in keeping out Brisbane.

The Rabbitohs threw themselves into contact to stop the Broncos at every turn, making critics question the prior poor attitude of Ben Hornby’s men.

Jordan Riki set the game a light – but not through legal action. The backrower blatantly took out Cam Murray without the ball, with the skipper ordered to undertake a HIA, which he passed.

Mitchell was sent-off after flying in and shoving Riki, ‘escalating’ the incident and bringing a bit of heat to the contest. The Broncos edge man was also put to the bin for his illegal contact.

Mitchell took the call with respect, heading off the field no questions asked.

Cody Walker and Cam Murray were strong in defence, proving their worth as leaders.

Souths on the ladder charge

Yes, the ladder reality is grim for the Rabbitohs. But, their dominant win tonight – aided by the return of captain Cam, sounded warning bells for the rest of the competition.

With nothing to lose and a spine now cemented, Souths can go on a rampant winning spree, ruining the hopes of many top eight sides.

A side with no worries spells dangerous for other clubs, especially when the likes of Cody Walker and Latrell Mitchell are heating up in form.

With the expected return of Junior Tatola and Campbell Graham in the coming weeks, the Bunnies are extremely threatening.

Every outfit will have their work cut out for them, granted the Rabbitohs can continue this stellar run.

Cook ain’t no oldie

Damien Cook was back to his running best. The 32-year-old, who turns 33 in less than a fortnight, was arguably the Rabbitohs’ best.

Cook made 41 tackles, scored a try and ran the ball eight times out of the ruck – proving a handful throughout all 80 minutes of the match.

The Dragons were right to chase after the veteran, who could add valuable experience to their roster, meanwhile his performance may have made management at Heffron Park question their stance towards Cook’s contract.

The Bunnies have reportedly told Cook he is free to look elsewhere, but after tonight, it seems there is plenty of worth still in the legs.