1m agoFri 22 Aug 2025 at 8:19amLive: Penrith Panthers vs Canberra Raiders5m agoFri 22 Aug 2025 at 8:16am15′ TRY: Panthers score first in Mudgee
5m agoFri 22 Aug 2025 at 8:16am15′ TRY: Panthers score first in MudgeePenrith centre Casey McLean (number 4) has scored the first try of the match.
A grubber kick from five-eighth Blaize Talagi ricocheted off the legs of Raiders halfback Jamal Fogarty, then it came off the legs of McLean and bounced towards the goal line.
McLean chased, dived on the ball, then rolled away from any potential defenders and reached out to score.
This came following sustained pressure. The Raiders had spent several minutes on their goal ine, as the Panthers peppered them with attacks.
The Raiders had repelled them twice, but could not do it a third time.
Nathan Cleary kicks the goal.
Panthers 6
Raiders 0
10m agoFri 22 Aug 2025 at 8:10am
8′ Raiders miss the first opportunity
Penrith are the first team to make a mistake tonight.
Centre Casey McLean was cut down by a great tackle from Raiders hooker Tom Startling, leading to a knock-on.
The Raiders have a full set at the Panthers’ goal line, but it is not an inspiring set.
The Raiders have four tackles without much direction. Then a poor pass from dummy half bounces and is knocked on by fullback Kaeo Weekes.
14m agoFri 22 Aug 2025 at 8:06am
5′ Panthers and Raiders trading sets on a slippery field
There was a little rain around Mudgee in the lead-up to kick-off, and it is noticeable.
A couple of players have slipped over with the ball in hand.
The start of this contest has been fast and furious. The intensity of the tackling has been matched by the ferocity of the ball-running from both sides.
“If the opening sets are anything to go by, this is going to be an absolute cracker.” — Former Raider and ABC Sport commentator Alan Tongue
19m agoFri 22 Aug 2025 at 8:01amKICK-OFF: Panthers and Raiders begin in Mudgee
Referee Grant Atkins blows his whistle, and we are underway in Mudgee.
The Canberra Raiders kick away, and the Panthers will have the first use of the footy.
The Panthers will run to the left of your screen.
Moses Leota takes the first hit-up of the night, and he is met by the Canberra welcoming committee.
Penrith complete three tackles, and the premiers put in an early kick.
Could that be a tactic tonight? The Panthers may try to work the Raiders forwards around.
23m agoFri 22 Aug 2025 at 7:58am
Listen to the NRL on the ABC Sport website
24m agoFri 22 Aug 2025 at 7:56am
Match officials for Panthers vs Raiders
Referee: Grant Atkins
Touch Judge: Matt Noyen
Touch Judge: Drew Oultram
Senior Review Official: Liam Kennedy
31m agoFri 22 Aug 2025 at 7:50am
Raider Reuben meets players after taunting Panthers mid-week
Did you see Mudgee lad Reuben show off his Canberra Raiders jersey to Penrith players this week?
Well, the Raiders certainly saw the clip.
Young Reuben is at Glen Willow Oval tonight to cheer for his Raiders, and got to meet a pair of his heroes before kick-off.
How good is rugby league?
41m agoFri 22 Aug 2025 at 7:40am
Tongan international Keaon Koloamatangi reveals dream to represent Australia
After losing Payne Haas to Samoa, Australia appears likely to get a star player converting to represent the Kangaroos at next year’s Rugby League World Cup.
Read more by tapping the link below.
51m agoFri 22 Aug 2025 at 7:30am
Catch up on Thursday’s NRL action
The Rabbitohs have cantered to a thumping 40-0 victory over the Dragons with Alex Johnston scoring the 210th try of his career to move one step closer to breaking the all-time record.
Catch up on the NRL action from last night by tapping the link below.
1h agoFri 22 Aug 2025 at 7:15amTEAM NEWS: Panthers welcome back co-captain
Penrith co-captain Issah Yeo has returned for the Panthers after missing the previous few weeks with a shoulder injury.
Issah Yeo. (AAP)
Yeo (number 19) will start from the bench, with Matt Eisenhuth dropping out of the team.
The Raiders have named the same team that defeated the Manly Sea Eagles last weekend.
(NRL)1h agoFri 22 Aug 2025 at 7:10amWhat time is the NRL tonight?
Here are the kick-off times for both matches in your state or territory:
Penrith Panthers vs Canberra Raiders
6pm AEST: NSW, ACT, Qld, Vic, Tas5:30pm ACST: South Australia, Northern Territory4pm AWST: Western Australia
Melbourne Storm vs Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs
8pm AEST: NSW, ACT, Qld, Vic, Tas7:30pm ACST: South Australia, Northern Territory6pm AWST: Western Australia1h agoFri 22 Aug 2025 at 7:04amWelcome to the ABC Sport NRL blog
Good evening, Australia.
Welcome back to ABC Sport’s live digital coverage of the 2025 NRL premiership season.
Few Friday nights have produced two matches as highly anticipated as this evening, with both matches have an effect on the top four, and the minor premiership.
Let us know your thoughts throughout the evening on all things rugby league in the comment section.
Let’s go.