NRL Round Up 24: Storm pip the Panthers, Bulldogs keep winning, Tigers finally win and Cowboys thump the Raiders

Aug 19, 2024

Here are the latest happenings in the NRL at the end of Round 24.

1. Storm Just Beat the Panthers 24-22

It was the game everyone was waiting for. A showdown between reigning premiers and ladder leaders, and boy, did it deliver. We thought Melbourne would be thrown off by the Penrith crowd, but Anderson and Katoa scored the game’s opening tries. The Panthers quickly responded via Smith and Tago.

The teams exchanged tries throughout the game until, in the 72nd minute, with the game all tied up, Melaney kicked the game-winning penalty. The Storm were able to hold out the Panthers in the final eight minutes.

2. Bulldogs Decisively Beat the Dolphins 30-10

The Bulldogs have finally figured out how to win on the road as they travelled to Bundaberg to put a beatdown on the Dolphins. The Doggies scored five tries to two and kept the Dolphins scoreless in the second half. Canterbury has one of the best defences in the NRL and is peaking perfectly for the finals.

3. Tigers Outlast the Rabbitohs 18-16

The struggling Tigers recorded just their fifth win of the season with their most recent performance against the Rabbitohs. In front of a small crowd out at Campbelltown, the Tigers got off to an electrifying start, scoring three tries within the first 30 minutes courtesy of Staines, Laulilii and Doueihi. The Bunnies kept the first-half score respectable with a try from Gray.

The second half looked like a completely different game, with the Tigers’ defence and attack falling apart. Koloamatangi scored in the 57th minute for the Rabbitohs, and then Cook’s try brought the Bunnies within two. However, Benji Marshall’s side somehow managed to keep the fast-finishing South Sydney at bay.

4. Cowboys End the Raiders’ Season 42-4

The Raiders had a chance of making the finals coming into this one, but the Cowboys quickly extinguished that dream. Canberra looked absolutely lost from the opening whistle, we are blaming the Townsville heat.

Jake Clifford scored for North Queensland in the fourth minute, and the Cowboys didn’t stop scoring until 58th. North Queensland managed to cross the line seven times and racked up 42 points. With that win, the Cowboys are sitting in 7th position, two points clear of the Dragons. They have a bye next week and will likely have to win their final two games to make the top eight.