The Sydney Roosters extended their mastery over South Sydney as the gallant Rabbitohs' efforts to end an 11-year losing streak in the local derby ran out of numbers at Aussie Stadium.

The Roosters overturned a 12-0 halftime deficit to record a 24-12 win over Souths in their opening round National Rugby League clash.

The Rabbitohs looked set to break their decade-long, 12-game losing sequence to the Roosters until they suffered a series of injuries to crucial players.

Fullback Adam MacDougall, who played only five games in his first season for the Rabbitohs last year, lasted just 47 minutes before being concussed and taking no further part in the game.

The luckless Rabbitohs also lost forwards Ashley Harrison (eye) and Scott Geddes (knee) to injury.

Both sides made a heap of errors, but the Roosters scored four second-half tries against their depleted local rivals.

The comeback started in the 50th minute when prop Jason Cayless crashed over.

New signing Joel Monaghan crossed seven minutes later.

Young back Iosia Soliola and five-eighth Chris Flannery added further tries in the final quarter to seal the Roosters win.

At one stage, it looked as if it would be a case of Sydney Roosters past putting one over Sydney Roosters present as the Rabbitohs side included eight former Roosters.

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