Wayne Bennett commended Alex Johnston for his outstanding performance with four tries and Latrell Mitchell for his exceptional efforts in Souths' narrow 25-24 Golden Point loss to the Storm.

Johnston's impressive four-try display brought him within six tries of Ken Irvine's record, while Mitchell's contributions were crucial in pushing the game to golden point.

Bennett expressed his satisfaction with Johnston's performance, highlighting the player's career milestone and potential contract extension beyond 2025. He also lauded Mitchell's impact on the game, emphasizing his importance to the team.

Souths captain Jack Wighton echoed Bennett's sentiments, praising Mitchell's leadership and game-changing plays, particularly his assist for Tyrone Munro's crucial try.

Despite the loss, Bennett acknowledged Souths' fighting spirit and resilience in close matches against top teams. He emphasized the team's strength and determination, even in challenging circumstances.

While injuries have affected Souths' season, Bennett remains optimistic about the team's potential to compete with the top sides once key players return. He noted the team's recent performances against top four teams as a source of confidence and motivation.

Bennett hinted at the possible return of several injured players in the upcoming weeks, providing a boost to the team's lineup. However, he refrained from discussing Josh Schuster's situation, respecting the player's privacy and well-being.