NRL Round 20: Broncos Stun Panthers, Warriors Survive Controversy

Edward Briggs

This week saw the Brisbane Broncos producing one of the biggest upsets of the season, the Sydney Roosters strengthening their top-four credentials, and the New Zealand Warriors overcoming a controversial contest to cement their place near the top of the ladder. Elsewhere, Canberra held off a spirited South Sydney comeback, while the Dolphins and Titans enjoyed important victories.

Panthers 12-14 Broncos

The Brisbane Broncos produced a stunning upset to kick off Women in League Round, edging the Penrith Panthers 14-12 at CommBank Stadium thanks to an inspired performance from Reece Walsh.

Brisbane struck first after an early Dylan Edwards error, with Walsh’s perfectly weighted grubber allowing Jordan Riki to open the scoring. Edwards quickly redeemed himself by sending Brian To’o over, but Walsh continued to cause problems throughout the opening half, combining with Kotoni Staggs to restore the Broncos’ advantage.

Penrith hit back through To’o’s second try before the break to lead 12-8, but Brisbane dominated territory after halftime. Walsh again proved the difference, catching the Panthers defence napping from dummy-half before Josiah Karapani crossed to level the scores. Walsh calmly converted from the sideline, and the Broncos defended desperately in the closing stages to secure a memorable victory and end their lengthy winless run.

Sharks 20-18 Knights

Cronulla claimed a hard-fought 20-18 victory over Newcastle in an entertaining Friday night contest at Sharks Stadium.

The Knights started brightly through Kalyn Ponga before William Kennedy responded for the home side after a Brayden Trindall bomb caused confusion in Newcastle’s backfield. Greg Marzhew restored the visitors’ advantage after slick work from Ponga, Dylan Brown and Bradman Best, but Sione Katoa’s try swung momentum back towards the Sharks.

Dylan Lucas gave Newcastle another lead before halftime, only for Trindall’s superb passing game to create Ronaldo Mulitalo’s try early in the second half. Newcastle thought they had answered through Francis Manuleleua, but the Bunker intervened to deny the try. Marzhew crossed late after some clever improvisation following a spilled bomb, but Cronulla held firm to claim the two competition points.

Roosters 14-6 Storm

The Sydney Roosters climbed into second on the live ladder with an impressive defensive display in a 14-6 victory over the Melbourne Storm at Allianz Stadium.

With both teams missing several stars, Daly Cherry-Evans controlled field position brilliantly while prop Naufahu Whyte dominated through the middle with another outstanding performance.

Cherry-Evans helped create the opening try for Siua Wong before Billy Smith extended the lead midway through the first half. Melbourne suffered a major blow when winger Will Warbrick was forced from the field with a confirmed Achilles injury, although the Storm remained within striking distance through determined defence.

Harry Grant’s short ball sent Stefano Utoikamanu over to reduce the deficit to two after halftime, but the Roosters responded through their forwards before Daniel Tupou crossed in the corner with six minutes remaining. Sam Walker nailed the sideline conversion to seal an important victory for the Tricolours.

Raiders 34-24 Rabbitohs

Canberra built a commanding first-half lead before holding off a determined South Sydney fightback to record a 34-24 victory at GIO Stadium.

The Raiders raced to a 28-6 halftime advantage with tries to Owen Pattie, Hudson Young, Kaeo Weekes twice and Noah Martin, as Ethan Strange produced several moments of brilliance including a long-range intercept that led to one of Weekes’ tries.

South Sydney responded strongly after the break through Alex Johnston and Cameron Murray to breathe life into the contest, but Canberra regained breathing room when Jed Stuart raced 85 metres after collecting a loose ball.

The Rabbitohs continued to press through Cody Walker and twice went close through Campbell Graham, only for both efforts to be ruled out by the Bunker. While Canberra celebrated an important win, concern surrounded Hudson Young after the back-rower suffered a suspected Achilles injury that could sideline him for the remainder of the season.

Warriors 20-12 Dragons

The Warriors secured a top-two position with a 20-12 win over the Dragons in a match overshadowed by several controversial officiating decisions.

Adam Pompey opened the scoring before Clint Gutherson responded for the visitors. A penalty goal and another Warriors try briefly gave the home side control, but Hamish Stewart’s clever dummy sent St George Illawarra into halftime with a surprise 12-10 advantage.

The second half became increasingly heated as a series of contentious calls frustrated the Dragons. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak’s try followed what appeared to be a forward pass, while several bunker interventions and disputed penalties continued to favour the Warriors.

Late penalty goals ultimately secured the eight-point victory, but much of the post-match discussion centred on the officiating rather than the result itself.

Bulldogs 32-0 Tigers

Canterbury produced a ruthless display to shut out the Wests Tigers 32-0 after dominating from the opening whistle.

Sean O’Sullivan’s opening-set 40/20 laid the platform for an early try to Jethro Rinakama before Josh Curran crossed minutes later. Enari Tuala added another before halftime as the Bulldogs built an 18-point advantage against a Tigers side that struggled for creativity and discipline.

The visitors briefly improved after the break, but two sin bins to Latu Fainu and Alex Twal effectively ended any hopes of a comeback. Matt Burton added a try of his own before Curran completed his double after a charged-down kick as Canterbury completed a comprehensive shutout victory.

Titans 38-32 Sea Eagles

The Gold Coast Titans boosted their hopes of avoiding the wooden spoon with an entertaining 38-32 victory over the Sea Eagles.

Manly exploded out of the blocks through Tom Trbojevic and Jason Saab before the Titans responded with tries to Dean Ieremia and Oliver Pascoe. Trbojevic’s afternoon was cut short by a hamstring injury, and the Titans took full advantage to establish a 28-14 halftime lead.

The Sea Eagles threatened after the break, but poor discipline proved costly as Beau Fermor and Jojo Fifita crossed to maintain Gold Coast’s advantage. Tolu Koula’s try after the full-time siren only narrowed the final margin as the Titans celebrated an important fifth win of the season.

Dolphins 36-16 Cowboys

The Dolphins bounced back from last week’s disappointment with a convincing 36-16 victory over the North Queensland Cowboys at Suncorp Stadium.

Tom Dearden inspired the Cowboys to a 10-0 lead after scoring one try and setting up another for Jeremiah Nanai, but Jamayne Isaako sparked the Dolphins’ revival with a spectacular finish in the corner before Felise Kaufusi levelled the momentum just before halftime.

Isaako added another try after the break before Tom Gilbert extended the lead. Although the Cowboys briefly threatened after Scott Drinkwater capitalised on a bunker review, the Dolphins finished strongly as Max Plath and Connelly Lemuelu crossed late to seal an emphatic victory.