In a dramatic second week of the NRL finals, the Canberra Raiders and Canterbury Bulldogs were eliminated following commanding performances by the Cronulla Sharks and Penrith Panthers. The matches, held over the weekend, saw the Panthers crush the Bulldogs with a stunning 46-26 victory, while the Sharks dispatched the Raiders 32-12.
The announcement comes as both Penrith and Cronulla showcased their strengths, leaving their opponents to reassess their strategies. The Panthers, clear favorites, executed a near-perfect game, leaving Canterbury struggling to keep up. Meanwhile, Cronulla capitalized on Canberra’s conservative tactics to secure their win.
Panthers’ Precision Overwhelms Bulldogs
The Penrith Panthers entered Sunday afternoon’s game as favorites, but few could have predicted the sheer dominance they displayed. Within just 20 minutes, the Panthers had effectively decided the match, leading to a 36-8 halftime scoreline. Their relentless attack and strategic play left the Bulldogs reeling.
Despite Canterbury’s efforts to rally in the second half, Penrith’s decision to shift into preservation mode ensured their victory was never in doubt. The Panthers’ performance was not without its challenges; Casey McLean appeared to suffer an injury, and veteran forward Liam Martin had a scare but returned to the bench seemingly unscathed.
“Five in a row is most definitely on,” remarked a confident Panthers supporter, highlighting the team’s pursuit of consecutive victories.
Sharks Sink Raiders with Tactical Precision
In stark contrast, the Canberra Raiders’ decision to adopt a conservative approach proved costly. Known for their expansive and chaotic attack, the Raiders reverted to a one-dimensional strategy that played into Cronulla’s hands. The Sharks’ defense, led by standout performances from KL Iro and Addin Fonua-Blake, was impenetrable.
Cronulla’s strategic targeting of Canberra’s defensive weaknesses, exposed in previous matches, resulted in a decisive 32-12 victory. Despite losing Ethan Strange, the Raiders lacked the creativity needed to challenge the Sharks effectively.
“Cronulla will ride this solid defense into Melbourne where the Storm are hugely gettable,” noted an analyst, pointing to the Sharks’ upcoming challenge against the Melbourne Storm.
Defensive Struggles and Standout Performances
This weekend also highlighted significant defensive issues across several teams. Both Penrith and Canterbury struggled with edge defense, allowing opponents to exploit these weaknesses. The Raiders, in particular, found their right side defense exposed under the finals spotlight.
On a more positive note, individual performances shone through. Nicho Hynes excelled for Cronulla, showcasing his creativity and playmaking abilities. Meanwhile, Blayke Brailey’s defensive prowess was evident with 61 tackles and only one miss.
“Do we have two of the best backs in the game at the moment?” pondered a commentator, praising KL Iro and Paul Alamoti for their exceptional performances.
Looking Ahead: The Road to the Finals
As the NRL finals progress, only three games remain in the 2025 season. The upcoming matches promise excitement, with Cronulla facing Melbourne Storm on Friday and the Brisbane Broncos taking on the Panthers on Sunday. Both games are set to be thrilling encounters, with each team eager to advance.
Meanwhile, the finals have sparked discussions around officiating and disciplinary actions. Controversial decisions and lenient penalties have raised questions about consistency, with some calling for stricter enforcement as the finals intensify.
“Based on his two outings this series, Klein just cannot be allowed anywhere near these last three games of the year. There’s too much at stake,” argued a critic, reflecting on referee Ash Klein’s recent performances.
As the finals continue, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see which teams can capitalize on their strengths and address their weaknesses. The stage is set for a thrilling conclusion to the NRL season.
