{"id":92099,"date":"2025-08-24T10:24:10","date_gmt":"2025-08-24T10:24:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/92099\/"},"modified":"2025-08-24T10:24:10","modified_gmt":"2025-08-24T10:24:10","slug":"nrl-updates-brisbane-broncos-secure-finals-wests-tigers-player-adam-doueihi-taken-to-hospital-in-loss","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/92099\/","title":{"rendered":"NRL updates: Brisbane Broncos secure finals, Wests Tigers player Adam Doueihi taken to hospital in loss"},"content":{"rendered":"

Wests Tigers’ hopes of ending a 14-year finals drought have been extinguished, after the North Queensland Cowboys scored three late tries to snatch a thrilling 34-28 win.<\/p>\n

Needing a win to keep in the hunt, the Tigers looked on track for victory when they held a 12-point lead with 15 minutes to play.<\/p>\n

But Cowboys fullback Scott Drinkwater orchestrated a magnificent comeback from the Cowboys, who scored three tries in a stunning six-minute stretch<\/a> to sour the mood of the big crowd at Leichhardt Oval.<\/p>\n

The Tigers’ loss was compounded by the loss of halfback Adam Doueihi, who was taken to hospital after a nasty collision in the first half.<\/p>\n

Tigers’ five-eighth Jarome Luai described the loss, which ended their finals hopes, as disappointing.<\/p>\n

“Hopefully, as a team we can take a lot out of that,” he says.<\/p>\n

“We’ve still got two more weeks of footy, and yeah, disappointed with where we are.”<\/p>\n

Meanwhile, the Brisbane Broncos have moved to fifth on the NRL ladder and earned a berth in the NRL finals with a 46-12 win over the Newcastle Knights<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Brisbane made a fast start with two tries in the opening eight minutes, but were tested by the Knights, who sit 16th on the ladder.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Brisbane fullback Reece Walsh played a starring role in the second half, highlighted by a 65-metre individual try.<\/p>\n

Look back at all the action in our live blog below, and check out all the stats in the full ScoreCentre<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Key Events<\/p>\n

2h ago2 hours agoSun 24 Aug 2025 at 8:03am<\/p>\n

2h ago2 hours agoSun 24 Aug 2025 at 7:52am<\/p>\n

2h ago2 hours agoSun 24 Aug 2025 at 7:46am<\/p>\n

Show all key events6h agoSun 24 Aug 2025 at 4:05amNRL and NRLW Sunday live scores\"Michael<\/p>\n

1h agoSun 24 Aug 2025 at 8:45am<\/p>\n

That is all for the blog this evening\"Michael<\/p>\n

This is where we will leave the live coverage today.<\/p>\n

The Brisbane Broncos have secured their place in the NRL finals, while Wests Tigers have had their dreams of the top eight dashed.<\/p>\n

Keep up to date with all the sport news from across the country and around with the world on the ABC Sport website.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

2h agoSun 24 Aug 2025 at 8:19am<\/p>\n

Jarome Luai speaks to ABC Sport after Tigers lose to Cowboys\"Michael<\/p>\n

Wests Tigers had a 12-point lead with 15 minutes to play, but three late tries to the Cowboys resulted in a North Queensland win.<\/p>\n

The loss ends Wests’ slim chances of making the finals series.<\/p>\n

Jarome Luai spoke to ABC Sport’s John Gibbs after the disappointing afternoon.<\/p>\n

“Hopefully, as a team we can take a lot out of that,” he says.<\/p>\n

“We’ve still got two more weeks of footy, and yeah, disappointed with where we are.”<\/p>\n

When asked about the loss of halves partner Adam\u00a0Doueihi, Luai said his absence was no excuse for losing the match.<\/p>\n

“We were two tries up without AD. We’ve got to close that one out a lot better,” he says.<\/p>\n

“I thought our defence wasn’t up to scratch with where we wanted it to be.”<\/p>\n

2h agoSun 24 Aug 2025 at 8:03amFULL-TIME: North Queensland Cowboys 34 def. Wests Tigers 28\"Michael<\/p>\n

\u2014 reporting by AAP<\/p>\n

Wests Tigers’ hopes of a fairytale first finals berth in 13 years are in tatters after a demoralising 34-28 loss to North Queensland at Leichhardt Oval.<\/p>\n

After the Sydney Roosters’ loss to Parramatta blew the race for eighth spot open, the Tigers looked ready to stay in the hunt on Sunday when they led 28-16 in the final 15 minutes.<\/p>\n

Mid-season recruit Taylan May had nabbed two tries to help erase a 10-0 first-half deficit, before Jarome Luai celebrated his 150th NRL game with a first Tigers four-pointer that had the home fans ballistic.<\/p>\n

But with his side seemingly down for the count, fullback Scott Drinkwater orchestrated a skirmish that yielded three tries in five minutes for a Cowboys side with nothing to play for \u2014 as far as finals were concerned.<\/p>\n

The heartbroken Tigers’ own finals hopes are now hinging on a miracle, given their for-and-against is significantly worse than the other three teams vying for the last remaining top-eight spot.<\/p>\n

The only way the Tigers can secure a first finals spot since 2011 is to win their next two games and hope the Roosters lose of both theirs.<\/p>\n

The margins of those four results will need to be 46 points on average, and the Tigers are also relying on the Dolphins and Manly’s games falling their way.<\/p>\n

Making matters worse, the Tigers look set to be without their form player Adam Doueihi for next week’s already difficult clash against Canberra.<\/p>\n

The halfback left Leichhardt Oval in an ambulance with suspected facial fractures after colliding with the knee of Cowboys veteran Jason Taumalolo early in the first half.<\/p>\n

The Tigers’ quest for late points was rocked when Latu Fainu, Doueihi’s replacement at number 7, left the field for a HIA in the final 15 minutes.<\/p>\n

The Cowboys looked down for the count when Luai and Brent Naden scored in back-to-back sets for the Tigers with around 20 minutes to play.<\/p>\n

But Semi Valemei, after a tough day defensively, crossed in the right corner to give the Cowboys a sniff, before Drinkwater’s cutout pass to Braidon Burns helped the Cowboys draw level.<\/p>\n

Working upfield again, Drinkwater belted past Brent Naden and had Jaxon Purdue in support, with the wiry youngster restoring the Cowboys’ lead.<\/p>\n

The Tigers had one final raid in the dying minutes but Jahream Bula’s offload landed in the hands of Cowboys forward Reuben Cotter and the visitors held on.<\/p>\n

2h agoSun 24 Aug 2025 at 8:01am<\/p>\n

77′ Tigers pressing as Cowboys hold on\"Michael<\/p>\n

Wests Tigers had a golden chance get the score they need to level the scores.<\/p>\n

Wests have a scrum, 30 metres from the Cowboys line.<\/p>\n

DROP.<\/p>\n

Wests drop the footy on the first play.<\/p>\n

North Queensland are able to march downfield and turn the ball over on the Tigers’ goal line.<\/p>\n

2h agoSun 24 Aug 2025 at 7:52am71′ TRY: Cowboys make it a triple treat and take the lead\"Michael<\/p>\n

It’s three tries in three sets of six for the Cowboys.<\/p>\n

Jaxon Purdue has scored in the left corner.<\/p>\n

The Tigers are stunned.<\/p>\n

They have not touched the footy for about five minutes, and the Cowboys have scored three tries in that time.<\/p>\n

Fullback Scott Drinkwater threw a dummy and sliced through the Tigers’ line.<\/p>\n

Drinkwater drew in the fullback and passed to Purdue who scored in the corner.<\/p>\n

Drinkwater, again, successfully kicks the conversion from the sideline.<\/p>\n

Cowboys 34<\/p>\n

Tigers 28<\/p>\n

2h agoSun 24 Aug 2025 at 7:51am<\/p>\n

10 MINUTES TO GO: Tigers 28 \u2014 Cowboys 28\"Michael<\/p>\n

2h agoSun 24 Aug 2025 at 7:50am<\/p>\n

68′ TRY: Cowboys go bang, BANG\"Michael<\/p>\n

The North Queensland Cowboys have gone back-to-back.<\/p>\n

Braidon Burns has scored in the left corner.<\/p>\n

The visitors run the ball on fifth tackle down the short side.<\/p>\n

Burns is taken down in a terrific tackle, but he was able to reach out and score the try.<\/p>\n

Scott Drinkwater now has a conversion kick from the left sideline \u2014 AND HE NAILS IT.<\/p>\n

Tigers 28<\/p>\n

Cowboys 28<\/p>\n

2h agoSun 24 Aug 2025 at 7:46am66′ TRY: Cowboys strike back as Valemei scores a second\"Michael<\/p>\n

North Queensland needed a quick reply, and they got it.<\/p>\n

A repeat set at the Tigers’ line allowed the Cowboys to build pressure.<\/p>\n

With space on the right flank, the Cowboys shifted the ball to the wing and Semi\u00a0Valemei scored in the corner.<\/p>\n

Scott Drinkwater nails the conversion from the sideline.<\/p>\n

Tigers 28<\/p>\n

Cowboys 22<\/p>\n

2h agoSun 24 Aug 2025 at 7:40am62′ TRY: Tigers go bang, BANG and Brent Naden scores\"Michael<\/p>\n

The Cowboys have suffered another defensive lapse, and the Tigers strike again.<\/p>\n

Tigers playmaker\u00a0Latu Fainu put up a high kick.<\/p>\n

Cowboys fullback Scott Drinkwater runs towards the ball, lets it bounce, and a flying\u00a0Brent Naden races through to collect the footy and score under the posts.<\/p>\n

Tigers 28<\/p>\n

Cowboys 16<\/p>\n

2h agoSun 24 Aug 2025 at 7:36am60′ TRY: Jarome Luai scores to give Tigers the lead\"Michael<\/p>\n

Wests Tigers have retaken the lead, after North Queensland’s right-edge defence suffered a complete failure.<\/p>\n

Jarome Luai passes out the back to his fullback\u00a0Jahream Bula.<\/p>\n

Cowboys centre Viliami Vailea misread the play and watched Bula slice through.<\/p>\n

Bula has teammates left and right. He passes right and Luai scores under the posts.<\/p>\n

It is a try for Luai in his 150th NRL match.<\/p>\n

Tigers 22<\/p>\n

Cowboys 16<\/p>\n

3h agoSun 24 Aug 2025 at 7:23am49′ TRY: Tom Dearden picks up a loose ball and scores for the Cowboys\"Michael<\/p>\n

Tom Dearden has scored against the run of play, and the North Queensland Cowboys are back level.<\/p>\n

Taylan May dropped the ball in a tackle by Semi Valemei.<\/p>\n

Dearden picked the ball up and ran 35 metres to score under the posts.<\/p>\n

Tigers 16<\/p>\n

Cowboys 16<\/p>\n

3h agoSun 24 Aug 2025 at 6:59amHT: Wests Tigers 16 leading North Queensland Cowboys 10\"Michael<\/p>\n

The Tigers fans are giving their team a standing ovation.<\/p>\n

They have a six-point half-time lead with one of the finest rugby league tries scored this season.<\/p>\n

Maybe in the past 20 years.<\/p>\n

The Cowboys started well, but it has been all Tigers in the final 20 minutes.<\/p>\n

3h agoSun 24 Aug 2025 at 6:54am38′ TRY: Tigers score one of the great NRL tries\"Michael<\/p>\n

That try was as good as the Raiders’ game-winner on Friday!<\/p>\n

The Cowboys looked set to score, but Reece Robson dropped the ball going for the line.<\/p>\n

The was picked up by the Tigers, and an offload to Jarome Luai has the Tigers on the attack.<\/p>\n

Luai gets the balls to\u00a0Taylan May who runs towards halfway.<\/p>\n

May is headed to the sideline and produces a flick pass, just like Benji in the 2005 grand final, to\u00a0Sunia Turuva.<\/p>\n

Turuva goes over halfway. He beats one, beats two, beats three.<\/p>\n

The winger is over the 30m and beats a FOURTH.<\/p>\n

Turuva passes to fullback to\u00a0Jahream Bula who scores.<\/p>\n

YES, YES, YES.<\/p>\n

3h agoSun 24 Aug 2025 at 6:45amAmbulance called for Tigers player Adam Doueihi\"Michael<\/p>\n

ABC Sport sideline eye John Gibbs has reported that an ambulance has been called for Wests Tigers player Adam Doueihi.<\/p>\n

Doueihi was left lying on the ground after reeling out of an attempted tackle on Cowboys prop Jason Taumalolo.<\/p>\n

Doueihi was treated by three medics before being able to walk off the field under his own power.<\/p>\n

But it has been decided that the Tiger needs to be checked over at a hospital.<\/p>\n

Fox Sports is reporting that\u00a0Doueihi has suffered an injury to his eye socket.<\/p>\n

3h agoSun 24 Aug 2025 at 6:39am<\/p>\n

25′ TRY: May scores a double for the Tigers\"Michael<\/p>\n

Great vision from Jarome Luai.<\/p>\n

After receiving the ball at first receiver, he goes straight back towards the ruck, which is near the sideline.<\/p>\n

He catches out the Cowboys defence, who were not expecting the ball coming back towards them.<\/p>\n

Two passes later,\u00a0Taylan May crosses over in the left corner.<\/p>\n

Tigers 10<\/p>\n

Cowboys 10<\/p>\n

3h agoSun 24 Aug 2025 at 6:37am<\/p>\n

21′ NO TRY: Scott Drinkwater pulls off the perfect try-saving tackle\"Michael<\/p>\n

Every fan at\u00a0Leichhardt Oval thought the Tigers were going to score.<\/p>\n

Prop forward\u00a0Fonua Pole charged through a hole close to the goal-line.<\/p>\n

But fullback Scott Drinkwater, giving up at least four weight classes, cuts down the big man with the perfect legs tackle just one metre from the line.<\/p>\n

Pole, out of instinct, then promotes the footy to score, but it’s a double movement.<\/p>\n

He knows it too, putting his hands on his head in disbelief.<\/p>\n

3h agoSun 24 Aug 2025 at 6:34am<\/p>\n

20′ Adam Doueihi ruled out\"Michael3h agoSun 24 Aug 2025 at 6:28am18′ TRY: Tigers get their first try\"Michael<\/p>\n

Wests Tigers centre\u00a0Taylan May has scored in the left corner.<\/p>\n

The Tigers were gifted a penalty for high contact while attacking the Cowboys’ goal line.<\/p>\n

The Tigers took the quick tap, to apply more pressure on the Cowboys.<\/p>\n

That pressure pays off as Cowboys winger Semi Valemei rushes out of the line, misses May, and the Tigers score.<\/p>\n

Cowboys 10<\/p>\n

Tigers 4<\/p>\n

3h agoSun 24 Aug 2025 at 6:25am<\/p>\n

15′ Adam Doueihi is being treated in the middle of the field\"Michael<\/p>\n

It’s a bad sight at\u00a0Leichhardt Oval.<\/p>\n

Adam Doueihi is being treated by a trio of trainers after coming off second best, trying to tackle Jason Taumalolo.<\/p>\n

Doueihi is walking slowly off the field and will go for a Head Injury Assessment.<\/p>\n

As he goes off,\u00a0Taumalolo approaches to offer his hand and an encouraging word. A really classy act.<\/p>\n

Show more posts<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Wests Tigers’ hopes of ending a 14-year finals drought have been extinguished, after the North Queensland Cowboys scored…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":92100,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[568],"tags":[64,63,160,761,762,158,159,161,85],"class_list":["post-92099","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-nrl","tag-au","tag-australia","tag-live-blog","tag-national-rugby-league","tag-nationalrugbyleague","tag-nrl","tag-rugby-league","tag-season","tag-sports"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/92099","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=92099"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/92099\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/92100"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=92099"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=92099"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=92099"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}