In an electrifying second week of the NRL Finals, the Penrith Panthers and Cronulla Sharks delivered knockout performances, sending the Canterbury Bulldogs and Canberra Raiders packing. The Panthers’ commanding victory over Canterbury and the Sharks’ strategic dismantling of Canberra set the stage for an exciting semifinal showdown.
Panthers’ Precision Overwhelms Bulldogs
On Sunday afternoon, the Penrith Panthers, clear favorites, stunned the crowd with a 46-26 victory over the Canterbury Bulldogs. The game was effectively decided within the first 20 minutes, as the Panthers raced to a 36-8 halftime lead. Their dominance was so pronounced that anyone predicting such a scoreline might be considered prophetic.
Despite the Bulldogs’ spirited second-half effort, Penrith’s early blitz had already sealed their fate. The Panthers shifted into preservation mode, their focus now firmly on their finals campaign. Notably, Casey McLean suffered a scare with an injury, and Liam Martin briefly appeared in distress but returned to the bench seemingly unscathed. With five consecutive wins, Penrith’s momentum is undeniable.
Sharks’ Strategic Mastery Against the Raiders
Meanwhile, the Cronulla Sharks capitalized on the Canberra Raiders’ conservative play style, securing a 32-12 victory. The Raiders, known for their dynamic attack, inexplicably reverted to a cautious approach, playing into Cronulla’s defensive strengths. Jamal Fogarty and Tom Starling’s predictable plays were easily countered by the Sharks’ defense.
Cronulla’s KL Iro and Addin Fonua-Blake were instrumental in exploiting the Raiders’ defensive weaknesses, while Billy Burns and Teig Wilton added to the onslaught. The loss of Ethan Strange was a blow to Canberra, but it highlighted their reliance on a more varied offensive strategy. The Sharks now head to Melbourne, confident in their ability to challenge the Storm.
Defensive Struggles and Standout Performances
The weekend’s matches also highlighted significant defensive lapses. Penrith’s left edge, Canberra’s right edge, and any Canterbury edge were vulnerable, allowing attackers to thrive. The Bulldogs’ defensive struggles were compounded by injuries and recruitment issues, underscoring the need for cohesion in finals play.
Despite the setbacks, several players shone brightly. Nicho Hynes of Cronulla silenced critics with a stellar performance, orchestrating plays and scoring crucial tries. Blayke Brailey’s 61 tackles with just one miss showcased his defensive prowess. Additionally, KL Iro and Paul Alamoti emerged as top backs, with Alamoti scoring a hat-trick.
Looking Ahead: Semifinal Showdowns
As the finals progress, anticipation builds for the upcoming matches. The Sharks will face the Melbourne Storm on Friday, a team they’ve bested in the regular season. Meanwhile, the Panthers are set to clash with the Brisbane Broncos on Sunday, promising an intense battle.
The finals have also sparked discussions on officiating and player conduct. Referee Ash Klein’s controversial decisions have drawn criticism, while the leniency in player suspensions has raised eyebrows. The NRL’s handling of these issues will be under scrutiny as the season draws to a close.
With only three games left in the 2025 season, fans are eagerly awaiting the next chapter in this thrilling finals series. As the competition intensifies, the remaining teams will vie for a place in the grand final, each determined to prove their mettle.
