Round 22 of the NRL delivered upsets, breakout performers, and a few big warning signs. Here are the three biggest takeaways every fan needs to know — and what they mean for the weeks ahead.
1. The Top Four Isn’t Settled Just Yet
While the top four has been stable for most of the season, three upsets this round has opened up the race for a double chance.
Canberra, Canterbury-Bankstown, and the NZ Warriors all lost, while Melbourne scraped home against Parramatta.
The leaves Canberra (36 points, +152) in outright first, Melbourne (34, +228) and Canterbury (34, +122) separated by points differential, and the Warriors (30, +26) hanging onto fourth.
But Penrith (29, +83), Brisbane (28, +124), and Cronulla-Sutherland (28, +43) are right on the Warriors’ tail. Even The Dolphins (26, +171) are an outside chance as they have the second best differential.
While the Warriors have a favourable run home, consecutive home losses to the Gold Coast and the Dolphins have hurt them. They still have two more home games (St George Illawarra and Parramatta), which are both must-win.
And while the top three of Canberra, Melbourne, and Canterbury looks set, who will claim the top two chance?
Embed from Getty Images2. The Titans Keep Fighting
A few weeks ago, the Gold Coast seemed destined for the wooden spoon and Des Hasler was all but out the door: another failure from a troubled rugby league franchise that’s struggled since the Gold Coast-Tweed Giants days.
But a dominant win over the Warriors and a Golden Point loss to Penrith has seen them relegate Souths to last place. They trailed Penrith 24-0 at half-time, but worked their way back to lead 26-24. If they beat Souths next weekend, they’ll surely avoid the spoon.
Though Titans fans have seen this movie before: they won their last five in the shortened 2020 season (finishing ninth) and made the finals in 2021. Since then, they’ve finished 13th, 14th, and 14th.
If the Titans continue to fight and give their fans hope for 2026, will Des keep his job? Or will someone like Josh Hannay (currently Cronulla’s assistant coach) be brought in for fresh ideas?
Embed from Getty Images3. Can Adam Reynolds Catch Cameron Smith?
While Adam Reynolds kicked 10 goals from 10 in Brisbane’s hammering of Parramatta, his second goal was significant: taking him past 2,500 points. By the time the rout was finished, Reynolds was up to 2,516 points.
Reynolds is only 270 points behind Cameron Smith (2,786): can he catch the Storm, Maroons, and Kangaroos legend?
Reynolds has played 19 games in 2025, underlining his importance to Brisbane’s finals run. Assuming he continues for at least 2026, he’s every chance of catching Smith. He’s passed 200 points in eight of his 14 seasons and is on 172 for 2025 (with five regular season games and at least one finals game left). He may need less that 200 points in 2026.
Reynolds will be a popular choice if he passes Smith: he’s universally loved among footy fans and Roy and HG have affectionally called him “Brisbane’s captain/coach” on their Bludging on the Blindside radio show/podcast.
Embed from Getty ImagesWhat stood out most for you in Round 22? Drop your thoughts in the comments or tag us on social media.
