Mitchell stars as Dragons slump continues

South Sydney took advantage of an early Dragons error to draw first blood through Mitchell who slipped through to finish off a left-side shift and make it 4-0.

Emre Guler was placed on report for a dangerous tackle a quarter of the way in with Mitchell stepping up to knock over a penalty goal off it.

The Dragons crafted a needed response their next set with Damien Cook – who was elevated into the starting line-up late – taking in a timely Toby Couchman offload and showing off his trademark zip to slither to the stripe.

Cook's brilliant opening persisted moments later with the Dragons steaming onto the attack courtesy of Luciano Leilua and Kyle Flanagan combining for a line break.

Cook jumped out of dummy-half the following play and drifted across field before sending Hamish Stewart pouring through a hole to dive over for a sensational four-pointer under the sticks.

Mitchell came up with an answer for South Sydney powering his way over out of dummy-half off the back of an Alex Johnston break.

Peter Mamouzelos was binned for the hosts four minutes out from the break for a dangerous tackle on David Fale.

It was the Rabbitohs however who found next points with Alex Johnston sliding his way over in the left-hand corner to give the home side a 16-12 half-time advantage.

The first points of the second forty belonged to the Rabbitohs with Matt Dufty slicing into space down the right-hand side and diving over in the corner.

Jaydn Su’A was sent from the field for a dangerous shoulder on Cameron Murray with 11 minutes remaining.

Mitchell notched his third of the night off the back of it muscling his way over in the left-hand corner to extend the hosts' lead out to a dozen.

Mitchell's stellar night continued moments later with the Blues and Kangaroos star slamming the ball down for his fourth try of the match.