NRL
Utterly magnificent! That’s the only way to describe Week 1 of the 2025 NRL finals series. Four full-blooded, high octane, totally engrossing clashes that must have gladdened the hearts of all supporters of ‘the greatest game of all’. Not without the odd controversial moment, not without key interventions by The Bunker, not without the odd whinge from coaches, not without ramifications for Weeks 2 and 3. But, surprisingly, come Monday morning the focus was on what a great weekend of footy it was and what the games ahead hold in prospect. Even the judiciary seems to have been given a solid ‘pass’ mark.
Week 1 got off to a cracking start with the pulsating Storm v Bulldogs game in Melbourne. Finals football at its best as neither side gave an inch. The game had it all – swings of momentum aplenty, hard-nosed defence, the whiff of a Bulldogs upset, a key injury to Crichton and a proverbial arm wrestle down to the final minutes before an intercept by Warbrick settled the issue. That play could have gone the other way if the Kikau pass had found its mark. It was always going to come down to such a moment. A much welcomed week off is the reward for the victors, a tough call to back up this weekend for the vanquished – against the Panthers!
The Elimination Finals were played in just that fashion – if we don’t win, we’re gone, so let’s give it our very best! The Warriors have been out of form for more than a month but they showed up on Saturday evening to take the game up to the Panthers who were playing to keep their dynasty alive. The final 24-8 scoreline was probably about right but doesn’t reflect the effort and courage of the Wahs. But the Panthers just don’t give in and showed all their resilience to defend tenaciously when required and then take their opportunities when they came. The difference between the teams was about 2-3% but, at this level, that’s a lot, and more than enough for a tidy full time score.
The Sharks were on a hiding to nothing as they took on the in-form Roosters but played with a level of energy and purpose that hasn’t always been there this season. Hynes was good but allowed Trindall to run their attack, perhaps blindsiding the Roosters given that Hynes has been dominant in the past few weeks. Instead it was the Tricolours who battled to stay in the game, their key players stifled of opportunities. The 20-10 scoreline was probably about right on the balance of play but, for the Sharks, it was a major step towards knowing that they have the game to take it to the best sides. Now they have the opportunity to prove it when they meet minor premiers Canberra this weekend.
But none of that prepared us for the second Qualifying Final between Canberra and Brisbane, possibly the match of the season. A few pundits have already suggested that there was enough in this game to write a book about it. Fair call, say I. Ninety-five minutes of hell for leather, in your face (literally, in one or two cases), never a backward step, totally committed endeavour from all 34 players that swung back and forth so many times before the final denouement of Hunt’s 39-yard, ‘in-off’ field goal. The match was an instant classic! I thought it was all over with 20+ minutes to go when Weekes sprinted the length of the field for his second try. Strange’s effort two minutes later was surely icing on the cake – but the very kickable conversion went astray. Cyclone Walsh made up for his earlier stupidity with two or three magical plays and the difference was back to 2 points with time on the clock. A two-point field goal attempt bounced back off the crossbar and another effort was smothered. Canberra thought they had it won twice, once in extra time and then in golden point, but on both occasions The Bunker got it right. Brisbane thought they may have won it in extra time before a Shibasaki pass was called forward – again, correctly. Imagine the relief of knowing you have an extra week to recover; imagine the challenge of getting up in just six days before you have to do it all again.
And so to Week 2. Can it possibly be even half as good? On Saturday night it’s the Raiders v the Sharks. Can Canberra regroup, refresh and re-engage after just six days to take on a Sharks outfit that has found a new level of self-belief in its ability to take on the best? ‘Sticky’ certainly has his work cut out for him this week but if anyone can do it, it’s Ricky Stuart. There are no reports of serious injuries so he’ll have a full squad to choose from. Big Papa seems to have emerged unscathed after earlier injury concerns. Canberra just have to believe in what they’ve achieved all season, stick to their guns and they should be there at the end. They have the grunt and the flash to get the job done. Cronulla are a bit of an enigma. At their best they are a very good side; when they’re even a little off their game they can be ordinary. The Sharks seem to be coming good at the right time and might have come up against a probably fatigued Canberra at just the right time. Can they grasp the opportunity? An upset wouldn’t surprise me but I’ll stick with Canberra who have had too good a season and who are too good a team to go out in straight sets. I expect the home crowd to be particularly intimidating after last Sunday’s disappointment.
On Sunday afternoon the battered Bulldogs meet the predatory Panthers for whom the cards seem to be falling the right way at the right time. Like the Warriors, the Dogs had their best game in ages against the Storm but it wasn’t enough. The probable loss of Crichton is huge. I hope they don’t take the risk and play him anyway, even if he’s 80% fit. The Panthers won’t show any mercy to a former favourite son and will run their big men at him any time they can. As I see it, the Dogs are one classy forward short of a complete pack; without Crichton they’re now without their fearless leader who is also their best back. By contrast, the Panthers are rolling along well, even if not quite at their very best. The worrying sign for their opponents this week, and in the weeks ahead, is the return to form by Edwards in the game against the Warriors. “Danger, Will Robinson!” Frankly, I can’t see any result but a win for the Panthers in this game but it has all the ingredients for a huge upset in a finals series that is likely to go down as one of the best in recent times.
NRLW
The last minor round provided a key moment that has the potential to shake up the overall finals series. The season-ending injury to Taryn Aiken is a major blow to the undefeated Roosters. They managed to cover the earlier loss of Kelly for a game or two but Aiken is the lynchpin of their whole game plan and will be much harder to cover in the furnace of finals footy. It will be interesting to see how the Tricolours line up in Week 2.
This week we have two elimination games starting with the Knights hosting the Titans on Saturday afternoon. The Knights made heavy work of the modest Dragons last week while the Titans came from a long way behind to pip the Raiders. Both teams have been solid this season without ever really catching the imagination. Historically the Knights have the better record in recent seasons at boast one of the best players in the comp, Jesse Southwell. And therein lies the difference, methinks. Southwell’s game sense and her superb skills should see the Knights live to fight another day.
On Sunday the Cowboys play the Sharks in Townsville in what should be a game of contrasting styles. The Cowboys like to play fluent, attractive footy while the Sharks are more structured and methodical. Both teams are coming off bad last time losses. The Cowboys copped a real flogging from the Broncos while the Roosters ran all over the Sharks. How will the teams respond? I’m going to go with the Cowboys because I think they have more points in them and the warmer conditions of Townsville will play in their favour. The Sharks will be honest and steady but I can’t see them creating enough chances to move into Week 2 of the finals.
We can only hope that this weekend serves up a repeat of last weekend’s absolute feast of top footy. Strap yourselves in for the ride!
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About Ian Hauser
A relaxed, Noosa-based retiree with a (very) modest sporting CV. A loyal Queenslander, especially when it comes to cricket and rugby league. Enjoys travel, coffee and cake, reading, and has been known to appreciate a glass or three of wine. One of Footy Almanac’s online editors who enjoys the occasional editing opportunity to assist aspiring writers.