South Sydney 44 Sharks 0

South Sydney belted an under-strength Cronulla side 44-0 in an NRL trial match at Gosford's Bluetongue Stadium.

The Rabbitohs took full advantage of the weakened Sharks outfit, their small men running riot and recruit Craig Wing one of the stars after coming on in the second half.

Souths ran in eight tries to nil to claim a confidence-boosting victory heading into the new season and next week's Charity Shield clash against St George Illawarra.

Halfback Wing, hooker Issac Luke and five-eighth Eddie Paea were all outstanding in the lopsided contest, while the Rabbitohs forwards dominated the battle up the middle.

The Rabbitohs led 20-0 at halftime thanks to a double from secondrower Ben Lowe while Luke and winger Sam Huihahau also crossed.

Prop Michael Greenfield, Beau Falloon, Beau Champion and Wing all scored four-pointers in the second half to complete the drubbing.

It was Wing's first try for the Rabbitohs since 1999 and the overall performance of the Bunnies leaves coach Jason Taylor with several selection headaches heading into next week's clash with the Dragons.

"It was a really good performance," Taylor said.

"We came here with some things we wanted to work on and commit ourselves to and we did that tonight.

"We wanted to practice them for the full 80 minutes and we did that because the scoreboard kept ticking over.

"In years gone by players didn't necessarily have to earn their first grade spots here but that was something we changed last year and it is continuing into 2008.

"A lot of guys put in some strong performances tonight. It is a great place to be in for the club."

The Rabbitohs were without skippers David Kidwell and Roy Asotasi while the Sharks rested several star players including Paul Gallen, Greg Bird, Reece Williams, Luke Douglas, Ben Ross and Lance Thompson.

Capping a disastrous night for the Sharks, forward Jacob Selmes was heavily concussed and fullback Brett Kearney suffered a badly bruised hip.

AAP