They were down to one player on their bench and managed to stay in the contest, but Lakes coach Robbie Payne gave full credit to Souths following Sunday's loss at Townson Oval.
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The visiting Seagulls suffered injuries to centre Lachlan Farr (knee) and winger Cody Robbins (ribs) while prop John Tolefoa came off for a HIA test before returning to the field during the 22-6 defeat.
The Lions scored all the first half points courtesy of tries to fullback Harry van Dartel, centre Dylan Lucas and five-eighth Ryan Glanville. Front rower Jack Cameron continued the momentum in the second stanza.
Tolefoa was the only player to cross for Lakes.
"We had a few injuries and we were down to one on the bench for a while, but full credit to Souths," Payne said.
"The effort was there but it just wasn't our day. We've got a lot of young guys finding their feet in first grade."
Souths coach Andrew Ryan said winger Ethan Fowles got the coaches award.
Consecutive tries to Rosellas trio Sione Tuitupou Kuta, Dylan Parlane and Hendry saw the hosts overcome the Butcher Boys, getting in front when it mattered most for a 24-20 victory.
Central had led 14-6 at half-time and opened the scoring after the break courtesy of Junior Roqica's second try for the afternoon, but the 14-point advantage was reeled in by Wests throughout the final 30 minutes.
"We did the hard way, but we got there in the end," Rosellas coach Todd Lowrie said.
"It probably took us 60 minutes to work out what was working and what wasn't."
Also in round four Wyong conceded three tries in the closing stages at Morry Breen Oval on Sunday but had already done enough against Maitland to triumph 26-18.
"It wasn't the ideal way to finish but we were never going to lose the game," injured captain-coach Mitch Williams said.
The Roos now move to top spot on the ladder just three weeks after returning to the Newcastle Rugby League competition, which followed the cancellation of the Central Coast campaign.
Williams, who underwent surgery on a broken cheek bone suffered in round two, hopes to be "back in a few weeks"
Cessnock, who sit equal second on the ladder, had the bye.
Meanwhile, outright President's Cup leaders the Pickers return to the NSW Rugby League competition on Saturday when they host the Western Rams at Maitland Sportsground on Saturday. The undefeated Maitland had the bye while Hills, Wests Illawarra, North Sydney and Thirroul all recorded wins over the weekend.
LADDER: Wyong 8; Cessnock, Central 6; Lakes, Souths, Wests 4; Maitland 0.
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