NRL 2025 Semi-Finals recap: Raiders and Bulldogs bow out
The semi-finals had everything you want in September footy, tight contests, momentum swings, and some heartbreak for fans.
Raiders vs Sharks
Canberra came in as the minor premiers, but finals are a different beast. The Sharks turned up with serious intent, grinding Canberra down in the middle and capitalising on errors. Their discipline was spot on, and a couple of clutch plays late sealed the upset. The Raiders’ dream run ended earlier than expected, proving again that ladder position guarantees nothing in finals.
Bulldogs vs Panthers
The Bulldogs were the fairytale story of the season, but Penrith showed why they’re still the kings of knockout football. It wasn’t flashy, it rarely is with the Panthers – but their ability to strangle teams with possession and kick pressure was on full display. b fought hard but couldn’t crack the wall. Penrith march on, and suddenly look as dangerous as ever.
NRL Preliminary Finals 2025: What’s at stake
Now it’s down to four. Two Preliminary Finals, one weekend, and a ticket to the Grand Final on the line. The Storm, Sharks, Broncos, and Panthers are all just 80 minutes away from the biggest game of the year.
For Melbourne, it’s about proving their finals pedigree despite injuries. For Cronulla, it’s about turning momentum into history. For Brisbane, it’s the return to the stage their fans crave. And for Penrith, it’s chasing yet another Grand Final berth to cement their dynasty.
Storm vs Sharks: Melbourne’s experience vs Cronulla’s surge
Match Details:
- When: Friday, Sept 26
- Where: AAMI Park, Melbourne
- Kick-off: 7:50pm AEST
This one’s fascinating. The Storm are perennial contenders, they just know how to win in September. But their injury toll remains the story. Jahrome Hughes and Ryan Papenhuyzen are still sidelined, which leaves a huge chunk of their spine missing. That puts the weight squarely on Cameron Munster and Harry Grant to run the show.
The Sharks, on the other hand, are brimming with confidence. Knocking off the minor premiers on their home turf is the kind of win that can spark a full-blown run. Nicho Hynes is in sharp form, and their pack looks united and relentless.
Key Battle: Munster vs Hynes
It’s the playmakers who’ll decide this one. Munster has the experience and big-game nous, but Hynes has been electric all year. Whichever No. 6 can impose their style, structured chaos vs calm control, probably drags their team over the line.
Joe’s Take:
AAMI Park is a fortress, and the Storm rarely let teams leave Melbourne with finals wins. But the Sharks feel like they’re peaking at the right time. If Munster has a blinder, Melbourne go through. If the Sharks can frustrate him early and keep Grant pinned, Cronulla might just cause another boilover.
Broncos vs Panthers: Power vs Precision in the Match of the Year
Match Details:
- When: Saturday, Sept 27
- Where: Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane
- Kick-off: 7:45pm AEST
If you’re only watching one game this weekend, make it this one. It’s Brisbane’s raw power and youthful energy against Penrith’s clinical, methodical style.
The Broncos thrive on chaos, offloads, broken play, and explosive runs. Reece Walsh at the back can change a game in a heartbeat, and their forward pack loves quick rucks that open up the middle.
Penrith, though, are masters of control. They’ll slow the tempo, grind down sets, and force Brisbane to earn every metre. Nathan Cleary’s kicking game is the ultimate weapon, keeping teams trapped and suffocated.
Key Battle: Walsh vs Cleary
It’s the clash of philosophies. Walsh’s X-factor brilliance versus Cleary’s ice-cold precision. Walsh might break the game open with a highlight-reel try, but Cleary can strangle the Broncos out of rhythm with tactical kicking and tempo control.
Joe’s Take:
Suncorp will be rocking, 50,000 fans behind Brisbane is no small thing. But Penrith are unfazed by hostile crowds. This feels like the finals match of the year, and I reckon it comes down to who handles the last 20 minutes better. Broncos can win with flair, but if it’s tight late, you’d back Cleary every time.
NRL Finals records and storylines to watch
Storm chasing another GF: Melbourne are gunning for their 12th Grand Final appearance since 1998.
Sharks’ shot at redemption: Cronulla are chasing just their second premiership after 2016’s breakthrough.
Broncos’ big stage return: Brisbane haven’t lifted the trophy since 2006. A Grand Final berth would re-ignite the city.
Panthers’ dynasty in play: Penrith could reach their fifth Grand Final in six years, a staggering run of consistency.
My mate Alex’s preliminary final predictions
I asked my good mate and former Bronco Alex Glenn to give his view on the prelims:
Storm vs Sharks
“Melbourne at home is always dangerous, especially in September. But the Sharks are riding a serious wave of belief right now. If Nicho Hynes keeps his form, they can shock a few people. Still, I can’t go past the Storm’s experience, they know how to close these games out.”
Broncos vs Panthers
“This is the blockbuster. Broncos at Suncorp? The energy will be insane. Reece Walsh and Ezra Mam can light it up if they get space. But Penrith… they’re just so hard to break down. Cleary knows how to control big moments. My heart says Broncos, my head can’t ignore Panthers. It’s that close.”
My final word: Expect drama, not certainty
Preliminary finals are brutal. One win and you’re in the big dance. One slip and your season’s gone.
The Storm and Sharks will give us a classic Melbourne arm-wrestle. The Broncos and Panthers will give us fireworks at Suncorp. Both games could swing on one big play, a Munster step, a Hynes cut-out ball, a Walsh break, or a Cleary 40/20.
That’s why I love this time of year. Nothing’s guaranteed, everything’s on the line, and the only safe bet is that the drama will be off the charts.