NRL Round 8: Cowboys Roll On, Storm Lose Seven, Knights Edge Classic

Edward Briggs

Round 8 delivered a mix of gritty wins, blowouts, and one of the wildest finishes you’ll see all season. North Queensland produced a composed performance in Sydney, the Dolphins handed Melbourne a seventh straight loss, and Newcastle and South Sydney played out a historic thriller. Here’s how each game unfolded.

Cowboys 28 – 12 Bulldogs

North Queensland overcame a slow start to put away a disappointing Canterbury side at Accor Stadium, with Reed Mahoney steering the ship in a man-of-the-match display.

The Bulldogs controlled early territory and opened the scoring through Lachlan Galvin, but the Cowboys absorbed the pressure and struck back through Reuben Cotter off a Tom Dearden kick. Momentum swung late in the first half when Scott Drinkwater crashed over, and from there the visitors took control.

Drinkwater finished with a double, while Jason Taumalolo’s powerful running set the tone in a milestone match that saw him equal Johnathan Thurston’s games record for the club. Late tries to Jake Clifford and Burns sealed the result, with Canterbury left to rue missed chances and errors.

Dolphins 28 – 10 Storm

In wet conditions at Suncorp Stadium, the Dolphins produced a stirring second-half comeback to defeat a struggling Melbourne outfit.

The Storm looked in control early, with Tyran Wishart and Sua Faalogo crossing for a 10-0 lead, but injuries and missed opportunities left the door open. The Dolphins finally found their rhythm after the break, with Jamayne Isaako levelling the scores before Jack Bostock produced two key moments to swing the game.

A late surge, capped by Kulikefu Finefeuiaki, secured the win and condemned Melbourne to a seventh straight defeat in what has become a worrying slide down the ladder.

Raiders 28 – 12 Titans

Canberra delivered a controlled performance to account for Gold Coast, leaning on discipline and defensive resolve.

Simi Sasagi starred early with a first-half double, while Kaeo Weekes and Ethan Sanders kept the Titans under constant pressure. Gold Coast had their chances but were undone by errors, including a disallowed try and missed opportunities out wide.

Late tries to Savelio Tamale and Sebastian Kris ensured the Raiders maintained a comfortable margin, with the Titans’ inconsistency again proving costly.

Warriors 36 – 14 Eels

The Warriors continued their strong season with a convincing win over Parramatta at CommBank Stadium, finishing with a dominant final quarter.

The Eels started brightly through Ronald Volkman, but errors crept in and the Warriors capitalised. Leka Halasima and Alofi Khan-Pereira turned the game, while Dallin Watene-Zelezniak added a crucial try before halftime.

Parramatta briefly threatened after the break, narrowing the margin to four points, but the Warriors pulled away late with tries to Jackson Ford, Khan-Pereira and Roger Tuivasa-Sheck to seal a 22-point win.

Roosters 38 – 24 Broncos

The Roosters surged to a 24-0 halftime lead before holding off a fierce Brisbane comeback in an entertaining clash.

Daly Cherry-Evans, Daniel Tupou and Sam Walker led the early charge as Sydney dominated the opening half. The Broncos roared back after the break, scoring four quick tries through Reece Walsh, Xavier Willison, Patrick Carrigan and Jordan Riki to cut the margin to six.

A costly sin bin to Kotoni Staggs halted Brisbane’s momentum, and late points to Walker and Reece Robson ensured the Roosters closed out a 38-24 victory.

Knights 42 – 38 Rabbitohs

Newcastle and South Sydney produced a historic shootout, with the Knights holding on in the first-ever 42-38 result in NRL history.

The Knights raced to a 28-6 lead behind doubles from Greg Marzhew and strong play from Kalyn Ponga, but Souths stormed back in a remarkable second half. Alex Johnston and Cody Walker led the charge, before Latrell Mitchell produced a stunning solo try to give the Rabbitohs a late lead.

Newcastle had the final say, with Dylan Brown setting up Trey Mooney for the decisive try, before a last-gasp Souths effort fell short.

Sharks 52 – 10 Tigers

Cronulla bounced back in emphatic fashion, piling on 52 points against the Tigers in a dominant home performance.

Teig Wilton and KL Iro both grabbed hat-tricks as the Sharks punished repeated Wests Tigers errors, particularly in a one-sided second half that yielded six unanswered tries.

Despite an early effort from Adam Doueihi and a brief Tigers lead, the hosts quickly took control and never looked back, recording their biggest win of the season.

Panthers 18 – 16 Sea Eagles

Penrith survived a late scare to edge Manly in a tight contest at CommBank Stadium.

Brian To’o and Blaize Talagi helped the Panthers to a halftime lead, but Manly responded strongly after the break, with Ethan Bullemor and Lehi Hopoate crossing to take the advantage.

The defending premiers steadied through Izack Tago, whose try ultimately proved the difference. Despite a sin bin to Jack Cogger and sustained pressure from Manly, Penrith held on for a narrow 18-16 win.