NRL Round Up 25: Tigers catch Sea Eagles, Raiders over run Panthers, Broncos are the comeback kids and the Storm seal minor premiership

Aug 26, 2024

Here are the latest happenings in the NRL at the end of round 25.

1. Tigers Upset Sea Eagles 34-26

The Sea Eagles were brimming with confidence when they showed up at Leichhardt Oval. And everything was going according to plan when they scored the game’s three opening tries courtesy of Jason Saab (6’), Lehi Hopoate (10’) and Tom Trbojevic (22’).

However, thanks to 3 sinbins, the Tigers came roaring back, scoring 3 unanswered tries. Despite Trbojevic scoring a hat-trick, the Tigers ended up 34-26, with Aidan Sezer and Apisai Koroisau kicking 5/6 conversions.

2. Raiders Shock Panthers 22-18

The Raiders obviously took some inspiration from the Tigers’ performance after downing the reigning premiers in Canberra. It was a very close affair, with each team trading tries. Ultimately, Xavier Savage won the game for the Raiders, scoring a try in the 70th minute. The Panthers look like a very different team without Nathan Cleary, let’s hope he is ready come finals time.

3. Broncos Pull Off Come From Behind Win Against Eels 30-24

A huge crowd packed into Suncorp to watch the Broncos in a do-or-die match against the Eels. However, the game could not have gotten off to a worse start for Brisbane as the Eels scored three unanswered tries within 10 minutes of the game.

Brisbane looked absolutely shell-shocked until Adam Reynolds skipped across the line, dummied and then threw a great ball to Tristan Sailor, who ran 30 meters and smoked the Eels defenders. The Broncos then scored four unanswered tries, and Kotoni Staggs won the game for Brisbane in the 67th minute after Parramatta dropped a highball. Reynolds was perfect with the boot, kicking five goals.

4. Storm Thrash Dolphins 48-6

The Storm made the Dolphins look like a NSW Cup side. Despite the Dolphins keeping Melbourne at bay for 19 minutes after Sualauvi Faalogo scored, the floodgates completely opened. The Storm ran in 9 tries and scored every 7 minutes for the rest of the match.

It looked like the Dolphins wouldn’t even get on the scoreboard, but then, in the 66th minute, the Storm dropped the ball on their line. Jake Averillo fell on it for a soft try, and Jamayne Isaako nailed the conversion. With that win, Melbourne has secured the minor premiership and will be the strong favourites going into the finals.