Wayne Bennett says South Sydney aren’t doing anything new and it’s “debatable” if their modus operandi can break a 43-year premiership drought; rival Michael Maguire responded by detailing how the Rabbitohs have evolved.

Souths’ quest to play controlled football with just enough flair to outpoint any opposition appeared to take a step to the good when they ran up 32 points before making their first error in their 50-10 win at Cairns’ Barlow Park.

Rabbit romp: Kirisome Auva'a scores one of his two tries. Credit:Getty Images

The lingering question for the bunnies is whether they can reach the “next level” required to win their first premiership since 1971; on Friday against Manly we may get closer to an answer.

“Souths aren’t going to change,” said Bennett, whose only joy came from two tries in a three-minute period during the second half.