Check out what happened in the National Rugby League Preliminary Finals.
Review
Embed from Getty ImagesMelbourne and Brisbane will play in the 2025 NRL Grand Final.
The grand final is a rematch of 2006 and is the fourth NSWRL/ARL/Super League/NRL Grand Final without any Sydney teams.
Melbourne qualified for their 11th grand final under Craig Bellamy after beating Cronulla-Sutherland at AAMI Park. The returning Jahrome Hughes proved he was ready for another premiership tilt when he ran 30 metres – and beat multiple Cronulla defenders – to score in the 15th minute. Leading 16-8 at half-time, Melbourne sealed the win with Xavier Coates’ try in the 74th minute. Sione Katoa scored a first half double for the Sharks. GAME BREAKER: Coates’ match-winning try was started with a Harry Grant dummy-half run (from his 45 metre line). The ball then went down the left edge, via Shawn Blore and Jack Howarth, for Coates to score in the corner.
Like their qualifying final win against Canberra, Brisbane came from 14 points down to beat Penrith at Suncorp Stadium, with tries to Kotoni Staggs, Xavier Willison, and Deine Mariner. Penrith tried to set up a two-point field goal, but couldn’t execute as time ran out, with over 52,000 fans celebrating Brisbane’s second grand final appearance in three seasons (and ending Penrith’s run of four straight premierships from five grand finals). Paul Alamoti scored a first half double as Penrith led 14-0 at half-time. GAME BREAKER: With five minutes left, Blaize Talagi attempted to stop a Broncos attacking play but knocked on, giving Brisbane the scrum feed. Mariner scored off the next set (as Reece Walsh popped up a basketball pass while being tackled) and Adam Reynolds converted to give Brisbane a 16-14 lead.
Embed from Getty ImagesResults
Melbourne Storm 22, Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks 14 (AAMI Park, 26/09/2025)
Melbourne Storm: Ryan Papenhuyzen (1 try), Will Warbrick (1 try), Jack Howarth, Nick Meaney (3 goals), Xavier Coates (1 try), Cameron Munster, Jahrome Hughes (1 try), Stefano Utoikamanu, Harry Grant, Josh King, Eliesa Katoa, Shawn Blore, Trent Loiero, Ativalu Lisati, Tyran Wishart, Tui Kamikamica, Alec MacDonald, Joe Chan (18th man – did not play)
Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks: William Kennedy, Sione Katoa (II) (2 tries), Jesse Ramien, KL Iro (1 try), Ronaldo Mulitalo, Braydon Trindall, Nicho Hynes (1 goal), Addin Fonua-Blake, Blayke Brailey, Toby Rudolf, Billy Burns, Teig Wilton, Jesse Colquhoun, Briton Nikora, Siosifa Talakai, Oregon Kaufusi, Braden Hamlin-Uele, Daniel Atkinson (18th man – did not play)
Brisbane Broncos 16, Penrith Panthers 14 (Suncorp Stadium, 28/09/2025)
Brisbane Broncos: Reece Walsh (1 goal), Josiah Karapani, Kotoni Staggs (1 try), Gehamat Shibasaki, Deine Mariner (1 try), Ben Hunt, Adam Reynolds (1 goal), Corey Jensen, Cory Paix, Payne Haas, Brendan Piakura, Jordan Riki, Tyson Smoothy, Ezra Mam, Kobe Hetherington, Xavier Willison (1 try), Ben Talty, Jesse Arthars
Penrith Panthers: Dylan Edwards, Paul Alamoti (2 tries), Izack Tago, Casey McLean, Brian To’o, Blaize Talagi, Nathan Cleary (3 goals), Moses Leota, Mitch Kenny, Lindsay Smith, Scott Sorensen, Liam Martin, Isaah Yeo, Brad Schneider, Liam Henry, Isaiah Papali’i, Luke Garner, Daine Laurie (18th man – did not play)
