In a dramatic second week of the NRL finals, the Canberra Raiders and Canterbury Bulldogs faced early exits, overwhelmed by standout performances from the Cronulla Sharks and Penrith Panthers. The weekend’s matches highlighted both the brilliance and vulnerabilities of the teams as they battled for a spot in the next round.
Panthers’ Dominance Overwhelms Bulldogs
On Sunday afternoon, the Penrith Panthers, clear favorites, delivered a stunning 46-26 victory over the Canterbury Bulldogs. The match was effectively decided within the first 20 minutes, as the Panthers surged to a 36-8 lead by halftime. This commanding performance left little room for a Bulldogs comeback, despite their efforts to rally in the second half.
Penrith’s strategy was clear and effective, transitioning into a preservation mode as they solidified their plans for the finals. Notably, Casey McLean suffered an injury scare, while veteran forward Liam Martin temporarily left the field but returned to the bench in good spirits. With this victory, Penrith’s quest for a fifth consecutive title remains firmly on track.
Sharks Outmaneuver Raiders
The Cronulla Sharks capitalized on a conservative approach from the Canberra Raiders, securing a decisive 32-12 win. The Raiders, known for their dynamic and expansive play, opted for a more restrained strategy that played into Cronulla’s defensive strengths. Jamal Fogarty and Tom Starling’s reliance on short passes was repeatedly thwarted by the Sharks’ well-prepared defense.
Key players like KL Iro and Addin Fonua-Blake were instrumental in exploiting the Raiders’ defensive weaknesses, a vulnerability that had been evident in previous matches. Despite the loss of Ethan Strange, the Raiders struggled to generate the creativity and unpredictability needed to challenge the Sharks.
Highlights and Lowlights of the Weekend
Defensive Struggles
One of the weekend’s recurring themes was the vulnerability of edge defenses. Teams attacking Penrith’s left edge, Canberra’s right edge, or any Canterbury edge found significant success. This defensive frailty was particularly costly for the Raiders and Bulldogs, both of whom exited the finals in straight sets.
Standout Performers
- Nicho Hynes shone for Cronulla, leveraging his creativity to set up tries and score, benefiting from Braydon Trindall’s field kicking.
- Blayke Brailey delivered another stellar performance with 61 tackles and minimal misses, setting the stage for a competitive matchup against Harry Grant.
- KL Iro and Paul Alamoti impressed with their performances, with Alamoti scoring three tries, highlighting the strength of Penrith’s and Cronulla’s backs.
Looking Ahead: The Final Stages
As the finals progress, only three games remain in the 2025 season. The upcoming matches promise intense competition, beginning on Friday with the Melbourne Storm facing a confident Cronulla Sharks. The Sharks have had recent success against the Storm, raising questions about whether they can maintain this form in a high-stakes match.
The weekend concludes with a Sunday showdown between the Brisbane Broncos and the Penrith Panthers. On paper, this matchup is a highlight of the finals, but Penrith’s recent form suggests they may continue their dominant run.
Random Observations
- Expect a week filled with narratives of underdog determination as teams vie for the finals spotlight.
- Disciplinary actions appear lenient in the finals, with fines replacing suspensions for infractions, as seen with Toby Rudolf’s high shot.
- Referee decisions have come under scrutiny, particularly those by Ash Klein, whose controversial calls have impacted game outcomes.
- Television ratings show the AFL outperforming the NRL, emphasizing the importance of strong performances from Brisbane and Penrith to boost league viewership.
The weekend’s matches have set the stage for a thrilling conclusion to the NRL season, with fans eagerly anticipating the next round of finals action.
