South Sydney's NRL season is all but over following their heartbreaking 14-12 NRL defeat to arch-rivals Sydney Roosters at Allianz Stadium.
Michael Maguire's side must now win six of their final eight regular-season matches to be any chance of making the finals.
The Rabbitohs turned in a daring yet error-riddled performance on Friday night as they had their two match-winning streak snapped.
They came into round 18 in 11th spot and two wins outside the eight but daring to dream after handing Penrith a 42-14 flogging last week.
But any momentum they had has now been sapped and Maguire to lament their lack of control over the game and fundamental errors.
News that makes sense
Your trusted source for staying up-to-date with the world around you. Get free daily news updates and analysis, straight to your inbox.
"It was nice to get a performance like that (against Penrith) and we set out to do that again tonight but it's all about the pressure and gaining momentum," Maguire said.
"The start was a pretty good arm wrestle, we went set for set and we ended up giving away a penalty, we kicked it dead and we ended up on our own tryline.
"They're the areas of the game you've got to be spot on."
In recent times the Rabbitohs have exhibited a willingness to be adventurous and throw the ball around.
It's a departure for a side which has been criticised over the last several seasons for being too monotonous and predictable.
Maguire said the loss couldn't be blamed on their newfound penchant for chancing their arm, pointing out that their key errors were simple ones and didn't come from failing to hold onto the ball.
"We've just got to build pressure through our sets and I thought there were periods through the game we did that," Maguire said.
"Through discipline, handling errors, those sorts of things, just fundamental ones around the play the ball. That's not chancing your arm, that's individuals making sure they do their job."
