The race for the minor premiership tightened in Round 20 as Brisbane snapped an eight-game losing streak with a stunning win over Penrith, while the Warriors maintained pressure near the top of the ladder and the Dolphins bounced back in style. Elsewhere, Cronulla strengthened its top-four hopes, Canberra continued its strong form, and the Titans outlasted Manly in a Sunday points-fest.
Round 20
Ladder
Penrith (32 points, +278) are two points ahead of the New Zealand Warriors (30, +202), and the Sydney Roosters (30, +84), with Cronulla-Sutherland (28, +125) in fourth. The Dolphins (26, +84), Newcastle (26, +37), South Sydney (24, +76), and North Queensland (24, -36) rounded out the top eight. The Dolphins moved up the ladder, while the Knights and Rabbitohs slipped down.
Review
Brisbane broke their eight-game losing streak, beating Penrith at CommBank Stadium. Brian To’o’s double set up Penrith’s 12-8 half-time lead, but they were kept scoreless after the break, with Josiah Karapani scoring the only second half try (off a Reece Walsh dummy half run and cut-out pass). A crucial Captain’s Challenge decision in the 78th minute – with Karapani taken into touch after intercepting a Paul Alamoti pass – arguably cost Penrith their last attacking opportunity. GAME BREAKER: Just like he did during Brisbane’s incredible finals run last year, Walsh stood up when the Broncos needed him to. He had three try assists and kicked the sideline conversion to put Brisbane ahead.
Cronulla-Sutherland stayed in top four contention with a win over Newcastle at Ocean Protect Stadium. While the Knights scored four tries to three (including a double to Greg Marzhew), Nicho Hynes’ four goals from four attempts (after 11/11 against the Dolphins) was the difference, while Kalyn Ponga kicked one goal from four attempts. Despite the loss, Newcastle are still only two points outside of the top four. GAME BREAKER: Braydon Trindall’s try assist to Ronaldo Mulitalo was almost a copy of their combination against the Dolphins, with Trindall throwing a long and high cut-out pass for Mulitalo to score in the left corner, giving Cronulla a 20-12 lead.
The Warriors joined the Sydney Roosters in equal second with a win over St George Illawarra at Go Media Stadium. The Dragons continued their steady improvement under coach Dean Young, leading 12-10 at half-time, but were held scoreless in the second half. The Couchman brothers combined for 103 tackles: 56 for Toby and 47 for Ryan. Hamish Stewart made 47 tackles and scored a try. Chanel Harris-Tavita kicked three penalty goals, including one in the 69th minute after a contentious Escort penalty against Valentine Holmes. Setu Tu was denied a try in the 60th minute which could have put the Dragons ahead 18-16. GAME BREAKER: Dallin Watene-Zelezniak scored the only try of the second half, giving the Warriors a 16-12 lead after 46 minutes.
The Dolphins rebounded from their 66-0 loss to Cronulla-Sutherland with a win over North Queensland at Suncorp Stadium. The Dolphins scored six tries to stay in top four contention. Jamayne Isaako scored 20 points (two tries and six goals), putting him on 222 for the season. The Cowboys are in eighth, just two points ahead of Manly and Canterbury. The returning Tom Dearden gave the Cowboys an early 10-0 lead, scoring the opening try and putting in a grubber for Jeremiah Nanai’s try. GAME BREAKER: While it took the Dolphins 30 minutes to score, two tries in six minutes to Isaako and Felise Kaufusi gave them a 12-10 half-time lead.
- The Sydney Roosters beat Melbourne at Allianz Stadium. Already missing Jahrome Hughes and Cameron Munster, the Storm also lost Will Warbrick to a potentially season-ending Achilles injury.
- Canberra beat South Sydney at GIO Stadium, leading 28-6 at half-time (a double to Kaeo Weekes). There was another Achilles injury, with Hudson Young leaving the field after 55 minutes.
- Canterbury-Bankstown beat the Wests Tigers at Accor Stadium, with a double to Josh Curran and 16 points to Matt Burton (a try and six goals).
- The Gold Coast beat Manly Warringah at Cbus Super Stadium. Oliver Pascoe (Titans), Jojo Fifita (Titans), and Jason Saab (Sea Eagles) all scored doubles.
Results
Panthers vs Broncos
| Full Time Score | Panthers 12 – 14 Broncos |
| Scorers | Penrith Panthers 12 (Tries: Brian To’o 12′, 31′. Goals: Nathan Cleary 14′, 38′) Brisbane Broncos 14 (Tries: Jordan Riki 4′, Kotoni Staggs 22′, Josiah Karapani 68′. Goals: Reece Walsh 69′) |
| Half-Time | Panthers 12 – 8 Broncos |
| Date | Thursday, 16th July 2026 |
| Venue | CommBank Stadium |
| Players | Panthers: Dylan Edwards, Thomas Jenkins, Paul Alamoti, Casey McLean, Brian To’o, Blaize Talagi, Nathan Cleary, Moses Leota, Freddy Lussick, Lindsay Smith, Isaiah Papali’i, Liam Martin, Isaah Yeo, Scott Sorensen, Liam Henry, Billy Phillips, Billy Scott Broncos: Reece Walsh, Josiah Karapani, Kotoni Staggs, Gehamat Shibasaki, Deine Mariner, Ezra Mam, Adam Reynolds, Xavier Willison, Cory Paix, Payne Haas, Brendan Piakura, Jordan Riki, Patrick Carrigan, Ben Hunt, Ben Talty, Preston Riki |
Sharks vs Knights
| Full Time Score | Sharks 20 – 18 Knights |
| Scorers | Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks 20 (Tries: William Kennedy 14′, Sione Katoa 26′, Ronaldo Mulitalo 48′. Goals: Nicho Hynes 15′, 28′, 50′, 35′) Newcastle Knights 18 (Tries: Kalyn Ponga 8′, Greg Marzhew 19′, Dylan Lucas 38′, Greg Marzhew 78′. Goals: Kalyn Ponga 78′) |
| Half-Time | Sharks 14 – 12 Knights |
| Date | Friday, 17th July 2026 |
| Venue | Ocean Protect Stadium |
| Players | Sharks: William Kennedy, Sione Katoa, KL Iro, Ronaldo Mulitalo, Braydon Trindall, Nicho Hynes, Addin Fonua-Blake, Blayke Brailey, Thomas Hazelton, Briton Nikora, Teig Wilton, Cameron McInnes, Hohepa Puru, Billy Burns, Oregon Kaufusi, Tuku Hau Tapuha, Mawene Hiroti Knights: Kalyn Ponga, Dominic Young, Dane Gagai, Bradman Best, Greg Marzhew, Fletcher Sharpe, Dylan Brown, Tyson Frizell, Phoenix Crossland, Trey Mooney, Dylan Lucas, Francis Manuleleua, Mat Croker, Lachlan Crouch, Thomas Cant, Brodie Jones, Harrison Graham |
Roosters vs Storm
| Full Time Score | Roosters 14 – 6 Storm |
| Scorers | Sydney Roosters 14 (Tries: Siua Wong 5′, Billy Smith 25′, Daniel Tupou 74′. Goals: Sam Walker 75′) Melbourne Storm 6 (Tries: Stefano Utoikamanu 57′. Goals: Nick Meaney 58′) |
| Half-Time | Roosters 8 – 0 Storm |
| Date | Friday, 17th July 2026 |
| Venue | Allianz Stadium |
| Players | Roosters: Cody Ramsey, Daniel Tupou, Billy Smith, Hugo Savala, Mark Nawaqanitawase, Daly Cherry-Evans, Sam Walker, Naufahu Whyte, Reece Robson, Spencer Leniu, Nat Butcher, Siua Wong, Victor Radley, Connor Watson, Salesi Foketi, Egan Butcher Storm: Sualauvi Faalogo, Will Warbrick, Jack Howarth, Nick Meaney, Tyran Wishart, Trent Toelau, Stefano Utoikamanu, Harry Grant, Josh King, Cooper Clarke, Oryn Keeley, Trent Loiero, Jack Hetherington, Alec MacDonald, Stanley Huen, Siulagi Tuimalatu-Brown, Davvy Moale |
Raiders vs Rabbitohs
| Full Time Score | Raiders 34 – 24 Rabbitohs |
| Scorers | Canberra Raiders 34 (Tries: Owen Pattie 2′, Hudson Young 9′, Kaeo Weekes 19′, Noah Martin 24′, Kaeo Weekes 27′, Jed Stuart 57′. Goals: Ethan Sanders 4′, 21′, 26′, 28′, 59′) South Sydney Rabbitohs 24 (Tries: Ashton Ward 14′, Alex Johnston 46′, Cameron Murray 49′, Cody Walker 65′. Goals: Ashton Ward 15′, 48′, 51′, 66′) |
| Half-Time | Raiders 28 – 6 Rabbitohs |
| Date | Saturday, 18th July 2026 |
| Venue | GIO Stadium |
| Players | Raiders: Kaeo Weekes, Jed Stuart, Simi Sasagi, Matthew Timoko, Xavier Savage, Ethan Strange, Ethan Sanders, Corey Horsburgh, Owen Pattie, Joseph Tapine, Hudson Young, Noah Martin, Zac Hosking, Tom Starling, Ata Mariota, Josh Papalii, Daine Laurie Rabbitohs: Matthew Dufty, Alex Johnston, Tallis Duncan, Jack Wighton, Campbell Graham, Cody Walker, Ashton Ward, Tevita Tatola, Brandon Smith, Keaon Koloamatangi, David Fifita, Euan Aitken, Cameron Murray, Lachlan Hubner, Jamie Humphreys, John Radel |
Warriors vs Dragons
| Full Time Score | Warriors 20 – 12 Dragons |
| Scorers | New Zealand Warriors 20 (Tries: Adam Pompey 3′, Alofiana Khan-Pereira 32′, Dallin Watene-Zelezniak 44′. Goals: Chanel Harris-Tavita 20′, 46′, 69′, 78′) St George Illawarra Dragons 12 (Tries: Clinton Gutherson 13′, Hamish Stewart 35′. Goals: Valentine Holmes 14′, 37′) |
| Half-Time | Warriors 10 – 12 Dragons |
| Date | Saturday, 18th July 2026 |
| Venue | Go Media Stadium |
| Players | Warriors: Taine Tuaupiki, Dallin Watene-Zelezniak, Ali Leiataua, Adam Pompey, Alofiana Khan-Pereira, Chanel Harris-Tavita, Te Maire Martin, James Fisher-Harris, Wayde Egan, Mitchell Barnett, Kurt Capewell, Jacob Laban, Erin Clark, Sam Healey, Tanner Stowers-Smith, Demitric Vaimauga, Leka Halasima. Dragons: Clinton Gutherson, Setu Tu, Mathew Feagai, Valentine Holmes, Tyrell Sloan, Daniel Atkinson, Kyle Flanagan, Loko Jnr Pasifiki Tonga, Damien Cook, Toby Couchman, Dylan Egan, Hamish Stewart, Ryan Couchman, Jacob Liddle, Luciano Leilua, Josh Kerr, Jacob Halangahu. |
Bulldogs vs Tigers
| Full Time Score | Bulldogs 32 – 0 Wests Tigers |
| Scorers | Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs 32 (Tries: Jethro Rinakama 1′, Josh Curran 6′, Enari Tuala 22′, Matt Burton 65′, Josh Curran 72′. Goals: Matt Burton 3′, 8′, 24′, 63′, 67′, 74′) Wests Tigers 0 |
| Half-Time | Bulldogs 18 – 0 Wests Tigers |
| Date | Saturday, 18th July 2026 |
| Venue | Accor Stadium |
| Players | Bulldogs: Connor Tracey, Jacob Kiraz, Matt Burton, Enari Tuala, Jethro Rinakama, Sean O’Sullivan, Lachlan Galvin, Max King, Bailey Hayward, Leo Thompson, Jaeman Salmon, Jacob Preston, Harry Hayes, Josh Curran, Lipoi Hopoi, Gordon Chan Kum Tong, Viliame Kikau. Wests Tigers: Jahream Bula, Sunia Turuva, Heamasi Makasini, Starford To’a, Jeral Skelton, Jarome Luai, Adam Doueihi, Terrell May, Jared Haywood, Fonua Pole, Samuela Fainu, Sione Fainu, Alex Twal, Latu Fainu, Ethan Roberts, Alex Seyfarth, Apisai Koroisau. |
Titans vs Sea Eagles
| Full Time Score | Titans 38 – 32 Sea Eagles |
| Scorers | Gold Coast Titans 38 (Tries: Dean Ieremia 8′, Oliver Pascoe 16′, 27′, Jojo Fifita 33′, 69′, AJ Brimson 39′, Beau Fermor 57′. Goals: Jayden Campbell 17′, 28′, 34′, 40′, 59′) Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles 32 (Tries: Tom Trbojevic 1′, Jason Saab 5′, 22′, Haumole Olakau’atu 53′, Reuben Garrick 62′, Tolutau Koula 79′. Goals: Jamal Fogarty 3′, 55′, 64′, 80′) |
| Half-Time | Titans 28 – 14 Sea Eagles |
| Date | Sunday, 19th July 2026 |
| Venue | Cbus Super Stadium |
| Players | Titans: Keano Kini, Dean Ieremia, Jojo Fifita, AJ Brimson, Phillip Sami, Jayden Campbell, Zane Harrison, Moeaki Fotuaika, Oliver Pascoe, Tino Fa’asuamaleaui, Arama Hau, Beau Fermor, Chris Randall, Josh Patston, Klese Haas, Cooper Bai, Lachlan Ilias. Sea Eagles: Tom Trbojevic, Jason Saab, Tolutau Koula, Reuben Garrick, Lehi Hopoate, Joey Walsh, Jamal Fogarty, Taniela Paseka, Jake Simpkin, Simione Laiafi, Haumole Olakau’atu, Ethan Bullemor, Jake Trbojevic, Josh Feledy, Nathan Brown, Kobe Hetherington, Jackson Shereb. |
Dolphins vs Cowboys
| Full Time Score | Dolphins 36 – 16 North Queensland Cowboys |
| Scorers | Dolphins 36 (Tries: Jamayne Isaako 30′, Felise Kaufusi 36′, Jamayne Isaako 43′, Tom Gilbert 47′, Max Plath 76′, Connelly Lemuelu 78′. Goals: Jamayne Isaako 32′, 38′, 45′, 48′, 77′, 79′) North Queensland Cowboys 16 (Tries: Tom Dearden 4′, Jeremiah Nanai 13′, Scott Drinkwater 69′. Goals: Scott Drinkwater 6′, 69′) |
| Half-Time | Dolphins 12 – 10 North Queensland Cowboys |
| Date | Sunday, 19th July 2026 |
| Venue | Suncorp Stadium |
| Players | Dolphins: Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow, Jamayne Isaako, Herbie Farnworth, Selwyn Cobbo, Kodi Nikorima, Bradley Schneider, Thomas Flegler, Jeremy Marshall-King, Francis Molo, Connelly Lemuelu, Kulikefu Finefeuiaki, Morgan Knowles, Kurt Donoghoe, Max Plath, Tom Gilbert, Felise Kaufusi, Tevita Naufahu. Cowboys: Scott Drinkwater, Braidon Burns, Zac Laybutt, Tom Chester, Murray Taulagi, Jaxon Purdue, Griffin Neame, Reed Mahoney, Jason Taumalolo, Heilum Luki, Jeremiah Nanai, Reuben Cotter, Soni Luke, Matthew Lodge, Coen Hess, Sam McIntyre, Tom Dearden. |
