Michael Chee-Kam's magnificent solo try settled a tight clash in favour of Wests Tigers, who won 14-9 to condemn South Sydney Rabbitohs to a fourth straight NRL defeat.

The Rabbitohs' win over the Tigers a month ago had seen Wayne Bennett's side move to a 10-1 record but Thursday's loss at Bankwest Stadium leaves them four points adrift of leaders Melbourne Storm, having played two extra games.

Greasy conditions meant flowing rugby was proving difficult and, after Adam Reynolds' drop-goal put the Bunnies 9-8 up with seven minutes remaining, Chee-Kam produced a moment of magic to decide the contest, surging over from halfway.

The Rabbitohs could have been down to 12 in the early stages when George Burgess was put on report for an eye gouge on Robbie Farah. Esan Marsters slotted the resulting penalty.

Reynolds levelled from the tee and the Rabbitohs claimed the first try as John Sutton laid on an inside pass for Braidon Burns, who broke clear and fed Corey Allan to score.

Corey Thompson dotted down Luke Brooks' grubber as the Tigers went into half-time level, and the next score did not arrive until the 73rd minute, as Jacob Liddle's knock-on at the base of the scrum gave Reynolds excellent field position from which to drop at goal.

The Tigers hit back emphatically, however, as Chee-Kam's dummy left three men trailing in his wake before he cut inside the last defender to race over and win it for the hosts.