5 Key Takeaways From NRL Magic Round
NRL Magic Round has been and gone with another huge weekend of football in beautiful Brisbane we look at 5 of the biggest takeaways from the weekends matches.
1. Raiders Edge Storm in Controversial Golden Point Thriller as Discipline Issues Plague Storm
In a dramatic finale, the Canberra Raiders defeated the Melbourne Storm 20-18 in golden point. A disallowed field goal by Ryan Papenhuyzen, due to a prior penalty, and subsequent errors by the Storm allowed the Raiders to capitalize. Storm players Trent Loiero and Stefano Utoikamanu who's brain explosions toward the end of the game were costly avoided charges from the match review committee. Jamal Fogarty's penalty goal sealed the win, propelling Canberra to second on the ladder with a record of 7-2.
2. Nathan Cleary Sparks Panthers' Resurgence
The Penrith Panthers rediscovered their form with a commanding 32-8 victory over the Brisbane Broncos. Nathan Cleary's standout performance, including a pivotal 40/20 kick and a solo try, was instrumental in the win, signaling a potential turnaround for the reigning premiers. Cleary is heating up just in time for Origin selection with teams due to be named in the coming weeks.
3. Jahream Bula's Coast-to-Coast Try Stuns
Wests Tigers' Jahream Bula delivered a highlight-reel moment by capitalizing on a dropped ball from the Dragons Jayden Sua, sprinting the length of the field for a sensational try. This play was pivotal in the Tigers' 30-24 victory, showcasing Bula's exceptional athleticism with this moment being a huge turning point in the game Sua would love his time again.
4. Magic Round Crowd Delivers Electric Atmosphere Once Again
The Magic Round lived up to its name off the field as well, with Suncorp Stadium drawing massive crowds across all three days.
Fans from around the country and New Zealand created an electric, festival-like atmosphere, proving once again that Magic Round is one of the premier events in the NRL calendar.
The event continues to boost tourism, merchandise sales, and league visibility, making it a win for clubs, sponsors, and supporters alike.
5. Warriors Hold Off Cowboys in High-Scoring Contest
The New Zealand Warriors secured a thrilling 30-26 win over the North Queensland Cowboys. Key performances from Luke Metcalf and Erin Clark were instrumental, as the Warriors managed to withstand a late surge from the Cowboys, underscoring the competitive spirit of the Magic Round.
The 2025 NRL Magic Round delivered a weekend of exhilarating rugby league action, marked by dramatic finishes, standout individual performances, and significant implications for the season ahead.
Watch the full recap on the Chad Townsend YouTube