who survived a late fightback to defeat the Canterbury Bulldogs 20-14<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\nBulldogs captain Stephen Crichton thought he had scored a try in the 79th minute to send the match to golden point, but replays showed he dropped the ball in the in-goal, and then was unable to re-grip the ball prior to grounding it.\u00a0<\/p>\n
The win for Melbourne means they are four points clear of the Bulldogs, who sit third, with two matches remaining.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Melbourne’s points differential is also 144 points better than Canterbury’s, meaning only a pair of cataclysmic defeats in rounds 26 and 27 would deny them a top-two finish.<\/p>\n
Relive all the action from Friday’s NRL matches in the blog below.<\/p>\n
Key Events<\/p>\n
3h ago3 hours agoFri 22 Aug 2025 at 11:58am<\/p>\n
3h ago3 hours agoFri 22 Aug 2025 at 11:46am<\/p>\n
4h ago4 hours agoFri 22 Aug 2025 at 11:33am<\/p>\n
Show all key events<\/p>\n
2h agoFri 22 Aug 2025 at 1:01pm<\/p>\n
That is all for the blog this evening![\"Michael](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/lcimg-29b510d5-6326-4e3c-9ad1-1ebbebabcba5.jpeg\")
<\/p>\n
This Friday night promised to be epic, and it did not disappoint.<\/p>\n
The Raiders defeated the Panthers in one of the craziest finishes seen on a footy field.<\/p>\n
The Storm then held on to beat a very good Bulldogs team, who thought for a moment they had also sent their match to extra time.<\/p>\n
The results mean the top two on the NRL ladder heading into finals will almost certainly be Canberra and Melbourne.<\/p>\n
The Raiders cannot finish lower than second, and the Storm would need to suffer a pair of cataclysmic losses to finish lower than second.<\/p>\n
We will end tonight’s blog here.<\/p>\n
ABC Sport will be back tomorrow for more NRL action.<\/p>\n
We hope you join us then.<\/p>\n
2h agoFri 22 Aug 2025 at 12:57pm<\/p>\n
Melbourne coach speaks about game of two halves<\/p>\n
Melbourne Storm coach Craig Bellamy said the penalties and errors his side committed in the second half will not cut it in the finals.<\/p>\n
The Storm held a 12-0 lead at half-time over the Bulldogs, but had to hold on for the 20-14 win.<\/p>\n
Bellamy said he was happy with the start of the contest, but was disappointed with the second 40 minutes.<\/p>\n
“I was really happy with our first half,” he says.<\/p>\n
“We played a really controlled game and stuck to what we wanted to do, and how we wanted to do it.<\/p>\n
“I was a bit disappointed with our second half, with our lack of discipline \u2026 it looked like we were a bit complacent”<\/p>\n
2h agoFri 22 Aug 2025 at 12:41pm<\/p>\n
Bulldogs coach taking the positives out of tonight’s loss<\/p>\n
Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs coach Cameron Ciraldo has spoken to the media following his side’s narrow 20-14 loss to the Storm in Melbourne.<\/p>\n
Ciraldo was a frustrated man last week after his men were well beaten by the Roosters, lamenting the team’s inconsistency.<\/p>\n
Despite tonight’s defeat, the coach says he will walk about from this week’s match in a better mood because his team played well, and were narrowly beaten in a terrific game.<\/p>\n
“We’ll walk away with plenty of lessons tonight,” he says.<\/p>\n
“But the main thing is how well we prepared for this game.<\/p>\n
“Performance was much better, and that’s made me a lot happier.”<\/p>\n
3h agoFri 22 Aug 2025 at 12:27pm<\/p>\n
Papenhuyzen praises big Melbourne crowd after victory over Bulldogs<\/p>\n
More than 25,000 fans packed into AAMI Park for tonight’s clash between the Melbourne Storm and Canterbury Bulldogs.<\/p>\n
Storm fullback Ryan\u00a0Papenhuyzen, who scored a try in the 20-14 win, praised his home fans for the energy they brought this evening.<\/p>\n
“Every time we come out here, they give us so much energy,” Papenhuyzen tells ABC Sport.<\/p>\n
“When we need a momentum, they got really loud, and that’s what you love.<\/p>\n
“I love going back there after a try and giving them a clap, and the response you get, it’s pretty special.”<\/p>\n
3h agoFri 22 Aug 2025 at 12:11pm<\/p>\n
Matt Burton joins ABC Sport after Bulldogs’ six-point loss<\/p>\n
Canterbury-Bankstown five-eighth Matt Burton has joined ABC Sport, following his team’s 20-14 loss to the Melbourne Storm.<\/p>\n
The Dogs’ number 6 described the result as disappointing and highlighted his team’s inability to capitalise on the chances they had at the Storm’s goal line.<\/p>\n
“We had opportunities there, we just didn’t ice them. That’s what big games are about,” says.<\/p>\n
“You’ve just got to take your opportunities when you get them \u2026 we’ll learn from that.”<\/p>\n
3h agoFri 22 Aug 2025 at 11:58amFULL-TIME: Melbourne Storm 20 def. Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs 14<\/p>\n
\u2014 reporting by AAP<\/p>\n
Melbourne has all but locked down a top-two ladder position with two rounds to play after holding out Canterbury in their blockbuster NRL showdown.<\/p>\n
Following a golden-point victory by Canberra over Penrith that put the Raiders in prime position to claim the minor premiership earlier on Friday night, the Storm were forced to work hard for a 20-14 win over a much-improved Bulldogs outfit.<\/p>\n
The match also almost went to golden point when Canterbury looked to have scored with just over a minute remaining off a Matt Burton bomb, which would have locked up the match with a successful conversion.<\/p>\n
But the bunker ruled a knock-on by skipper Stephen Crichton.<\/p>\n
The AAMI Park victory put Melbourne four points clear of third-placed Canterbury, but they have a far superior points differential.<\/p>\n
The Storm took a 12-0 lead into halftime, but hooker Bailey Hayward burrowed over from dummy-half to put his team on the scoreboard in the 43rd minute.<\/p>\n
Melbourne then lost prop Tui Kamikamica to a head knock and skipper Harry Grant to the sin bin for a no-arms shot on Harry Hayes.<\/p>\n
It looked like the visitors would take advantage immediately, but Ryan Papenhuyzen managed to dislodge the ball from Jacob Kiraz as he dived over the tryline.<\/p>\n
Instead, it was the Storm pushing the margin out to 18-6 when Jonah Pezet put through a pinpoint crossfield kick into the in-goal for Xavier Coates to score.<\/p>\n
Canterbury, who last week were humbled 32-12 by the Sydney Roosters, showed their fighting spirit with halfback Lachlan Galvin mixing up the attack with a fresh running game.<\/p>\n
Hayes looked certain to score after he made a 35 metre dash but was unsupported and lost the ball thanks to a heavy tackle from Coates, with the Bulldogs second-rower injuring his knee.<\/p>\n
They were finally rewarded in the 69th minute with a Kiraz try before Crichton caused some nervous moments for the home side.<\/p>\n
3h agoFri 22 Aug 2025 at 11:58am<\/p>\n
79′ NO TRY: Bulldogs denied by the Bunker<\/p>\n
Canterbury captain Stephen Crichton is claiming a try.<\/p>\n
Matt Burton kicks to the in-goal.<\/p>\n
There is a contest for the ball, and Crichton has grounded the ball.<\/p>\n
The Bunker will check this.<\/p>\n
Crichton comes through; he dropped the ball, and as it approaches the ground, the Bulldogs’ skipper grounds the ball.<\/p>\n
Unfortunately, Crichton had to re-grip the ball, then ground it.<\/p>\n
It’s a knock-on. It’s unlucky, but that is the rule.<\/p>\n
At least one Bulldog is claiming Crichton was tackled without the ball. But that has been dismissed as well.<\/p>\n
3h agoFri 22 Aug 2025 at 11:53am<\/p>\n
78′ Ryan Papenhuyzen misses a field goal attempt<\/p>\n
Melbourne\u00a0Ryan Papenhuyzen has a shot at a field goal to ice the match.<\/p>\n
He is about 35 metres out, and he misses to the right.<\/p>\n
The Bulldogs will have a 20m restart, and a seven-tackle set.<\/p>\n
3h agoFri 22 Aug 2025 at 11:51am<\/p>\n
75′ Viliame Kikau drops the ball<\/p>\n
Canterbury’s chance to level the scores has been wasted.<\/p>\n
Second-rower\u00a0Viliame Kikau took a crash ball close to the Storm defensive line.<\/p>\n
Kikau bobbles the ball, and Melbourne winger Grant Anderson, who made a mistake just one minute earlier, nails a good tackle, which ensures the knock-on.<\/p>\n
Storm 20<\/p>\n
Bulldogs 14<\/p>\n
3h agoFri 22 Aug 2025 at 11:49am<\/p>\n
74′ Burton kicks a 40\/20<\/p>\n
The Bulldogs have a set at the Storm line.<\/p>\n
Matt Burton has kicked a 40\/20.<\/p>\n
He was not going for it. He kicked long, from inside his 40m.<\/p>\n
Melbourne winger Grant Anderson let the ball bounce, and it went into touch 15 metres from the Storm’s goal line. Anderson could have caught that ball.<\/p>\n
3h agoFri 22 Aug 2025 at 11:48am<\/p>\n
73′ Stephen Crichton’s conversion hits the post<\/p>\n
It was a good kick from the Canterbury captain, but his conversion attempt hit the post and is a miss.<\/p>\n
Storm 20<\/p>\n
Bulldogs 14<\/p>\n
3h agoFri 22 Aug 2025 at 11:46am71′ TRY: Kiraz scores for the Bulldogs<\/p>\n
The Bulldogs are over in the right corner.<\/p>\n
After multiple strong runs near the goal line, the Bulldogs go to the right wing.<\/p>\n
Stephen Crichton draws in two defenders and then passes to Connor Tracey.<\/p>\n
Fullback Tracey tips the ball onto winger Jacob Kiraz, who scores untouched.<\/p>\n
3h agoFri 22 Aug 2025 at 11:43am<\/p>\n
68′ Xavier Coates pulls off a try-saving tackle<\/p>\n
The Bulldogs looked certain to score.<\/p>\n
Interchange\u00a0Harry Hayes busts through a hole in the Melbourne defence and runs 50 metres to the goal line.<\/p>\n
Hayes is showing plenty of pace.<\/p>\n
Melbourne fullback\u00a0Ryan Papenhuyzen wraps his arms around him, but Hayes is still marching to the line.<\/p>\n
Storm winger Xavier Coates has come from nowhere, joined the tackle, and forced the ball loose. Brilliant from Coates.<\/p>\n
3h agoFri 22 Aug 2025 at 11:41am<\/p>\n
65′ PENALTY GOAL: Melbourne extend their lead from another odd penalty<\/p>\n
The Melbourne Storm have been awarded a penalty, 10 metres out. They kick the goal.<\/p>\n
Cam Munster played the ball, after wrestling in the tackle with Bulldog Bailey Hayward.<\/p>\n
The pair seem to exchange words. Munster then walks and engages with Hayward. Melbourne penalty. If it’s for the pushing and shoving, it appeared that it was started by Munster.<\/p>\n
It is a call that surprised former Melbourne premiership player Ryan Hoffman.<\/p>\n
“I really don’t understand how Melbourne get the penalty there.”<\/p>\n
Storm 20<\/p>\n
Bulldogs 10<\/p>\n
4h agoFri 22 Aug 2025 at 11:33am58′ Bulldogs score after being awarded a soft penalty<\/p>\n
Bulldogs forward Viliame Kikau has scored near the left corner.<\/p>\n
Off a soft and contentious penalty, the Bulldogs have scored their second try.<\/p>\n
A great offload from Marcelo Montoya, who was being flung into touch, has led to that try. It’s a great pass.<\/p>\n
It should have been a scrum to Melbourne after a Matt Burton knock-on. Melbourne winger Grant Anderson gave Burton a little head pat, then a shove to the head.<\/p>\n
Burton threw the ball at a Melbourne player, then Kikau launched a two-handed shove to Anderson’s head. That shove appeared to make more contact with Anderson’s head than the incident that led to Harry Grant being sent to the bin.<\/p>\n
But ref Adam Gee has penalised Anderson.<\/p>\n
Former Melbourne premiership player\u00a0Ryan Hoffman was not impressed with that call:\u00a0“Players have been doing that, every single game this year.”<\/p>\n
Storm 18<\/p>\n
Bulldogs 10<\/p>\n
4h agoFri 22 Aug 2025 at 11:27am<\/p>\n
56′ Harry Grant returns from the sin bin4h agoFri 22 Aug 2025 at 11:22am52′ Melbourne score a sensational try, down one player<\/p>\n
In a season of amazing tries, this one is right up there.<\/p>\n
Melbourne left winger Xavier Coates has finished off a great try.<\/p>\n
The play started 60 metres away from the goal line. A great cut-out pass from\u00a0Ryan Papenhuyzen to right winger Grant Anderson has the Storm flyer streaking down the wing.<\/p>\n
Anderson chips and\u00a0Nick Meaney chases through, catches the ball, and is brought down two metres from the line.<\/p>\n
The Storm play the ball quickly, passes left to interchange\u00a0Jonah Pezet. Pezet kicks to the left wing. Coates is all alone, catches the footy, and grounds the ball.<\/p>\n
The wide conversion is successful.<\/p>\n
Storm 18<\/p>\n
Bulldogs 6<\/p>\n
4h agoFri 22 Aug 2025 at 11:17am48′ NO TRY: Jacob Kiraz drops the ball over the line<\/p>\n
Canterbury is celebrating as winger\u00a0Jacob Kiraz crosses in the right corner.<\/p>\n
The Bulldogs can level the game \u2026 HANG ON!<\/p>\n
The Bunker wants to have a look, and for good reason. The ball comes from Kiraz’s grip before he grounds it.<\/p>\n
The Storm get away with one there.<\/p>\n
4h agoFri 22 Aug 2025 at 11:16am46′ SIN BIN: Harry Grant sent for a shoulder charge<\/p>\n
WELL.<\/p>\n
The play has stopped as Melbourne interchange\u00a0Tui Kamikamica lies on the ground with a concussion.\u00a0Kamikamica reeled out of a tackle when his head hit the elbow of a Bulldog.<\/p>\n
The Bunker has raised an issue. Three plays earlier, Harry Grant nailed a shoulder charge.<\/p>\n
The Melbourne captain is sent to the bin for that shot. They must believe it made contact with the head.<\/p>\n
4h agoFri 22 Aug 2025 at 11:10am44′ TRY: Bulldogs strike early in the second half<\/p>\n
Bulldogs hooker Bailey Hayward has scored.<\/p>\n
The Bulldogs have made a bright start to the second half.<\/p>\n
The visitors got a full set at the Melbourne goal line, after the Storm had charged down a kick, which was recovered by the Bulldogs.<\/p>\n
Hayward took a dart from dummhalf and scored his first try of the year.<\/p>\n
Storm 12<\/p>\n
Bulldogs 6<\/p>\n
Show more posts<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"The top two places on the NRL ladder have all but been secured, after the Canberra Raiders and…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":87814,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[568],"tags":[64,63,4532,16658,160,4466,761,762,158,4598,63602,159,161,85],"class_list":["post-87813","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-nrl","tag-au","tag-australia","tag-canberra-raiders","tag-canterbury-bankstown-bulldogs","tag-live-blog","tag-melbourne-storm","tag-national-rugby-league","tag-nationalrugbyleague","tag-nrl","tag-penrith-panthers","tag-round-25","tag-rugby-league","tag-season","tag-sports"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/87813","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=87813"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/87813\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/87814"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=87813"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=87813"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=87813"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}