Rabbitohs on verge of grand final berth

South Sydney are one step away from their first grand final appearance in 41 years after brushing aside Canberra 38-16 in their NRL semi-final at ANZ Stadium.

Rookie halfback Adam Reynolds was the star of the show for the Rabbitohs, scoring a try and kicking seven goals.

"At times it didn't go right but we just got back in the structure and if it didn't go right, we just tried to get repeat sets and play field position."

Coach Michael Maguire says his side still has some work with their discipline.

"Teams at this level take their opportunities and it even showed the other night, we gave away a couple of penalties and then all of a sudden Canberra came back at us so that's areas we need to make sure we clean up for next week."

Raiders halfback Sam Williams says they blew it all with one miserable outing.

However coach David Furner is a little more philosophical.

"I'm proud where the players got to. Teams go through that adversity and this team's been through plenty. A lot of injuries and the opportunities that were given to some of those young players, they'll learn from that and to have two semi-final games, as players and as a team we can only get stronger."

Halfway through it looked like the only thing the green machine was going to win was the wooden spoon.

Furner believes there's a message for everyone following his side's run into the NRL playoffs.

"I know we had the injuries but I never thought this group were going top be wooden spooners. I believed in the playing group and the ones that had opportunities but I've always preached that you judge a team, judge a coach, at the end of the year."

The Rabbitohs will face minor premiers, the Bulldogs, on Saturday night for a spot in the grand final.

Manly travel to Melbourne for the opening preliminary final on Friday night.

With no AFL clash in town on the night, AAMI Park is expected to be at capacity.

Photo: Photosport