Round 8 of the 2026 NRL season delivered a memorable ANZAC Round, highlighted by hat‑tricks, historic wins and significant ladder movement. Penrith held firm at the top as South Sydney broke a long‑standing Melbourne hoodoo, the Tigers continued their surge, and individual brilliance stole the spotlight across a dramatic weekend of football.

Review

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Penrith (14 points, +167) remained on top after Round 8, ahead of four teams on 12 points: the NZ Warriors (12 points, +86), the Wests Tigers (12 points, +82), South Sydney (12 points, +72), and the Sydney Roosters (12 points, +37). Manly Warringah (10 points, +53), Brisbane (10 points, +15), and North Queensland (10 points, -4) rounded out the top eight.

It was an eventful ANZAC Round, with four players scoring hat‑tricks (Murray Taulagi, KL Iro, Tallis Duncan, and Dylan Edwards). St George Illawarra remained winless (losing their first game under interim coach Dean Young, who replaced the sacked Shane Flanagan last week), and South Sydney broke a 20-game losing run in Melbourne (Olympic Park and AAMI Park). Sam Walker won his third Ashton-Collier Medal and Latrell Mitchell won the Spirit of Anzac Medal.

The Wests Tigers continued their strong start to 2026 with a win over Canberra at Leichhardt Oval. Luke Laulilii and Adam Doueihi scored doubles (with Doueihi kicking four goals and a field goal) as the Tigers came from 14-10 down at half-time, winning the second half 23-0. Canberra scored two tries when Apisai Koroisau was sin-binned in the 25th minute for a hip drop tackle. GAME BREAKER: Any momentum the Raiders had at half-time was lost when Taylan May and Doueihi (scoring from an around-the-corner pass from Samuela Fainu) put the Tigers ahead five minutes into the second half.

Brisbane continued to defy their long injury list with a win over Canterbury-Bankstown at Suncorp Stadium. The Broncos scored six tries and led 20-0 at half-time. The Bulldogs scored two second-half tries to add some respectability to the scoreboard, but a late try to Xavier Willison ensured the Broncos’ dominance was reflected on the scoreboard. GAME BREAKER: Brisbane stopped Canterbury from opening the scoring in the 11th minute when Josiah Karapani and Gehamat Shibasaki tackled Stephen Crichton into touch. It demonstrated the Broncos’ positive defensive attitude, that saw them make more than 80 tackles in the first 15 minutes and set up the win.

A nightmare week for the Dragons got worse, with the Roosters scoring 11 tries at Allianz Stadium on Anzac Day: Mark Nawaqanitawase, Sam Walker, and Daniel Tupou all scored doubles, while Walker finished with 26 points (two tries and nine goals) to win the Ashton-Collier Medal. GAME BREAKER: The Dragons needed to score first to have any hope of an upset. Mathew Feagai scored in the fifth minute (with debutant Kade Reed throwing a beautiful cut-out pass to Feagai), but it was disallowed after a Tyrell Sloan knock-on while contesting the lead-up kick.

The Warriors’ defence was the key in their Anzac Day win over The Dolphins at Wellington’s Hnry Stadium. The Dolphins led 18-14 at half-time, with Alofiana Khan-Pereira scoring a double for the Warriors. Taine Tuaupiki scored the only second half try. Jamayne Isaako (who scored a double for The Dolphins) attempted a late two-point field goal to send the game into Golden Point, but was unsuccessful. GAME BREAKER: In a repeat of their historic win over Melbourne, the Warriors kept the Dolphins scoreless for 59 minutes, which gave them time to overcome their 18-6 deficit.

  • Taulagi (North Queensland) and Iro (Cronulla) both scored hat-tricks as the Cowboys beat the Sharks at Queensland Country Bank Stadium.
  • Duncan scored a hat-trick, with doubles to Alex Johnston and Campbell Graham, as Souths demolished Melbourne at AAMI Park.
  • Edwards (three) and Brian To’o (two) scored five tries between them as Penrith beat Newcastle at McDonald Jones Stadium.
  • Manly won their fourth straight game under Kieran Foran, beating Parramatta at 4 Pines Park. Jamal Fogarty scored 13 points (a try, four goals, a field goal).
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Results

Wests Tigers vs Raiders

Full Time: Wests Tigers 33 – 14 Raiders
Wests Tigers 33 (Tries: Luke Laulilii 6′, 61′; Adam Doueihi 16′, 45′; Taylan May 41′; Royce Hunt 78′. Goals: Adam Doueihi 7′, 47′, 63′, 79′. 1 Point Field Goal: Adam Doueihi 74′)
Raiders 14 (Tries: Matthew Timoko 27′; Kaeo Weekes 31′. Goals: Ethan Sanders 28′, 33′. Penalty Goals: Ethan Sanders 37′)

Half-Time Score: Wests Tigers 10 – 14 Raiders
Date: Thursday 23rd April 2026
Venue: Leichhardt Oval

Wests Tigers Team

NumberPlayerPositionTriesGoalsPenalty GoalsPoints
1Jahream BulaFullback0000
2Sunia TuruvaWinger0000
3Taylan MayCentre1004
4Patrick HerbertCentre0000
5Heamasi MakasiniWinger0000
6Jarome LuaiFive-Eighth0000
7Adam DoueihiHalfback24016
8Terrell MayProp0000
9Apisai KoroisauHooker0000
10Fonua PoleProp0000
11Samuela Fainu2nd Row0000
12Kai Pearce-Paul2nd Row0000
13Alex TwalLock0000
14Jock MaddenInterchange0000
15Sione FainuInterchange0000
16Royce HuntInterchange1004
19Luke LauliliiWinger2008
Team Total64033

Raiders Team

NumberPlayerPositionTriesGoalsPenalty GoalsPoints
1Kaeo WeekesFullback1004
2Sebastian KrisWinger0000
4Matthew TimokoCentre1004
5Jed StuartWinger0000
6Ethan StrangeFive-Eighth0000
7Ethan SandersHalfback0216
8Ata MariotaInterchange0000
9Tom StarlingHooker0000
10Joseph TapineProp0000
11Zac Hosking2nd Row0000
12Noah MartinInterchange0000
13Corey HorsburghLock0000
14Jayden BraileyInterchange0000
15Daine LaurieInterchange0000
16Joe RoddyInterchange0000
17Morgan SmithiesProp0000
19Savelio TamaleCentre0000
Team Total22114

Cowboys vs Sharks

Full Time: Cowboys 46 – 34 Sharks
Cowboys 46 (Tries: Scott Drinkwater 3′; Murray Taulagi 14′, 27′, 51′; Reed Mahoney 33′; Braidon Burns 38′; Soni Luke 66′; Tom Dearden 73′; Heilum Luki 79′. Goals: Jake Clifford 5′, 29′, 35′, 67′, 74′)
Sharks 34 (Tries: Siosifa Talakai 9′, 11′; Blayke Brailey 44′; KL Iro 54′, 57′, 75′. Goals: Nicholas Hynes 10′, 13′, 45′, 58′, 76′)

Half-Time Score: Cowboys 26 – 12 Sharks
Date: Round 8 – Friday 24th April 2026
Venue: Queensland Country Bank Stadium

Cowboys Team

NumberPlayerPositionTriesGoalsPenalty GoalsPoints
1Scott DrinkwaterFullback1004
2Braidon BurnsWinger1004
3Jaxon PurdueCentre0000
4Tom ChesterCentre0000
5Murray TaulagiWinger30012
6Jake CliffordFive-Eighth05010
7Tom DeardenHalfback1004
8Coen HessProp0000
9Reed MahoneyHooker1004
10Jason TaumaloloProp0000
11Heilum Luki2nd Row1004
12Jeremiah NanaiInterchange0000
13Reuben CotterLock0000
14Soni LukeInterchange1004
16Thomas Mikaele2nd Row0000
17Griffin NeameInterchange0000
18Matthew LodgeInterchange0000
Team Total95046

Sharks Team

NumberPlayerPositionTriesGoalsPenalty GoalsPoints
1William KennedyFullback0000
2Mawene HirotiWinger0000
3Siosifa TalakaiCentre2008
4KL IroCentre30012
5Samuel StonestreetWinger0000
6Braydon TrindallFive-Eighth0000
7Nicholas HynesHalfback05010
8Addin Fonua-BlakeProp0000
9Blayke BraileyHooker1004
10Toby RudolfProp0000
11Billy Burns2nd Row0000
12Teig Wilton2nd Row0000
13Jesse ColquhounLock0000
14Briton NikoraInterchange0000
15Cameron McInnesInterchange0000
16Oregon KaufusiInterchange0000
17Thomas HazeltonInterchange0000
Team Total65034

Broncos vs Bulldogs

Full Time: Broncos 32 – 12 Bulldogs
Broncos 32 (Tries: Gehamat Shibasaki 16′; Josiah Karapani 21′; Deine Mariner 32′; Cory Paix 37′; Ezra Mam 45′; Xavier Willison 78′. Goals: Adam Reynolds 17′, 47′, 79′. Penalty Goals: Adam Reynolds 28′)
Bulldogs 12 (Tries: Matt Burton 55′; Lachlan Galvin 68′. Goals: Stephen Crichton 56′, 69′)

Half-Time Score: Broncos 20 – 0 Bulldogs
Date: Friday 24th April 2026
Venue: Suncorp Stadium

Broncos Team

NumberPlayerPositionTriesGoalsPenalty GoalsPoints
2Josiah KarapaniWinger1004
3Kotoni StaggsCentre0000
4Gehamat ShibasakiCentre1004
5Deine MarinerWinger1004
6Ezra MamFive-Eighth1004
7Adam ReynoldsHalfback0318
8Ben TaltyProp0000
9Cory PaixHooker1004
10Jack GosiewskiProp0000
11Brendan Piakura2nd Row0000
12Jordan Riki2nd Row0000
13Xavier WillisonLock1004
14Josh RogersInterchange0000
15Jaiyden HuntInterchange0000
16Preston RikiInterchange0000
17Va’a SemuInterchange0000
19Hayze PerhamFullback0000
Team Total63132

Bulldogs Team

NumberPlayerPositionTriesGoalsPenalty GoalsPoints
1Connor TraceyFullback0000
2Jonathan SuaWinger0000
3Bronson XerriCentre0000
4Stephen CrichtonCentre0204
5Marcelo MontoyaWinger0000
6Matt BurtonFive-Eighth1004
7Lachlan GalvinHalfback1004
8Samuel HughesProp0000
9Bailey HaywardHooker0000
10Leo ThompsonProp0000
11Viliame Kikau2nd Row0000
12Jacob Preston2nd Row0000
13Jaeman SalmonLock0000
14Kurt MannInterchange0000
15Sitili TupouniuaInterchange0000
16Harry HayesInterchange0000
17Jake TurpinHooker0000
19Jonathan Sua(listed)0000
Team Total22012

Dragons vs Roosters

Full Time: Dragons 16 – 62 Roosters
Dragons 16 (Tries: Setu Tu 24′; Tyrell Sloan 55′; Moses Suli 66′. Goals: Valentine Holmes 56′, 67′)
Roosters 62 (Tries: Sam Walker 9′, 18′; Siua Wong 11′; Mark Nawaqanitawase 16′, 37′; Robert Toia 32′; Reece Robson 47′; Angus Crichton 53′; James Tedesco 58′; Daniel Tupou 62′, 71′. Goals: Sam Walker 10′, 12′, 20′, 33′, 39′, 49′, 54′, 60′, 63′)

Half-Time Score: Dragons 4 – 34 Roosters
Date: Saturday 25th April 2026
Venue: Allianz Stadium

Dragons Team

NumberPlayerPositionTriesGoalsPenalty GoalsPoints
1Tyrell SloanFullback1004
2Setu TuWinger1004
3Moses SuliCentre1004
4Valentine HolmesCentre0204
5Mathew FeagaiWinger0000
6Daniel AtkinsonFive-Eighth0000
7Kade ReedHalfback0000
8Emre GulerProp0000
9Damien CookHooker0000
10Toby CouchmanProp0000
11Luciano Leilua2nd Row0000
12Ryan Couchman2nd Row0000
13Hamish StewartInterchange0000
14Josh KerrLock0000
15Loko Jnr Pasifiki TongaInterchange0000
16Blake LawrieInterchange0000
17Jacob HalangahuInterchange0000
Team Total32016

Roosters Team

NumberPlayerPositionTriesGoalsPenalty GoalsPoints
1James TedescoFullback1004
2Daniel TupouWinger2008
3Hugo SavalaCentre0000
4Robert ToiaCentre1004
5Mark NawaqanitawaseWinger2008
6Daly Cherry-EvansFive-Eighth0000
7Sam WalkerHalfback29026
8Naufahu WhyteProp0000
9Reece RobsonHooker1004
10Lindsay CollinsProp0000
11Angus Crichton2nd Row1004
12Siua Wong2nd Row1004
13Victor RadleyLock0000
14Connor WatsonInterchange0000
15Spencer LeniuInterchange0000
16Nat ButcherInterchange0000
17Salesi FoketiInterchange0000
Team Total119062

Warriors vs Dolphins

Full Time: Warriors 20 – 18 Dolphins
Warriors 20 (Tries: Alofiana Khan-Pereira 3′, 28′; Dallin Watene-Zelezniak 25′; Taine Tuaupiki 61′. Goals: Tanah Boyd 5′, 63′. Penalty Goals: Tanah Boyd 39′)
Dolphins 18 (Tries: Herbie Farnworth 10′; Jamayne Isaako 17′, 19′. Goals: Jamayne Isaako 11′, 18′, 21′)

Half-Time Score: Warriors 14 – 18 Dolphins
Date: Saturday 25th April 2026
Venue: Hnry Stadium, Wellington

Warriors Team

NumberPlayerPositionTriesGoalsPenalty GoalsPoints
1Taine TuaupikiFullback1004
2Dallin Watene-ZelezniakWinger1004
3Roger Tuivasa-SheckCentre0000
4Ali LeiatauaCentre0000
5Alofiana Khan-PereiraWinger2008
6Chanel Harris-TavitaFive-Eighth0000
7Tanah BoydHalfback0216
8James Fisher-HarrisProp0000
9Wayde EganHooker0000
10Jackson FordProp0000
11Leka Halasima2nd Row0000
12Kurt Capewell2nd Row0000
13Erin ClarkLock0000
14Sam HealeyInterchange0000
15Mitchell BarnettInterchange0000
16Demitric VaimaugaInterchange0000
17Jacob LabanInterchange0000
Team Total42120

Dolphins Team

NumberPlayerPositionTriesGoalsPenalty GoalsPoints
1Hamiso Tabuai-FidowFullback0000
2Jamayne IsaakoWinger23014
3Jake AverilloCentre0000
4Herbie FarnworthCentre1004
5Selwyn CobboWinger0000
6Isaiya KatoaHalfback0000
7Trai FullerFive-Eighth0000
8Tom GilbertProp0000
9Max PlathHooker0000
10Francis MoloProp0000
11Connelly Lemuelu2nd Row0000
12Kulikefu Finefeuiaki2nd Row0000
13Ray StoneLock0000
14Thomas FleglerInterchange0000
15Felise KaufusiInterchange0000
16Lewis SymondsInterchange0000
17Tevita NaufahuInterchange0000
Team Total33018

Storm vs Rabbitohs

Full Time: Storm 6 – 48 Rabbitohs
Storm 6 (Tries: Sualauvi Faalogo 69′. Goals: Nick Meaney 70′)
Rabbitohs 48 (Tries: Alex Johnston 8′, 22′; Campbell Graham 25′, 66′; Matthew Dufty 29′; Tallis Duncan 35′, 62′, 78′; Euan Aitken 55′. Goals: Latrell Mitchell 23′, 36′, 63′, 68′, 79′. 2 Point Field Goal: Latrell Mitchell 68′)

Half-Time Score: Storm 0 – 24 Rabbitohs
Date: Saturday 25th April 2026
Venue: AAMI Park

Storm Team

NumberPlayerPositionTriesGoalsPenalty GoalsPoints
1Sualauvi FaalogoFullback1004
2Will WarbrickWinger0000
3Jack HowarthCentre0000
4Nick MeaneyWinger0102
5Manaia WaitereCentre0000
6Cameron MunsterFive-Eighth0000
7Jahrome HughesHalfback0000
8Stefano UtoikamanuProp0000
9Harry GrantHooker0000
10Josh KingProp0000
11Joe Chan2nd Row0000
12Cooper Clarke2nd Row0000
13Trent LoieroLock0000
14Tyran WishartInterchange0000
15Alec MacDonaldInterchange0000
16Shawn BloreInterchange0000
17Davvy MoaleInterchange0000
Team Total1106

Rabbitohs Team

NumberPlayerPositionTriesGoalsPenalty GoalsPoints
1Matthew DuftyFullback1004
2Alex JohnstonWinger2008
3Latrell MitchellCentre05010
4Jack WightonCentre0000
5Campbell GrahamWinger2008
6Cody WalkerFive-Eighth0000
7Jamie HumphreysHalfback0000
8Tevita TatolaProp0000
9Bronson GarlickHooker0000
10Sean KeppieProp0000
11Tallis Duncan2nd Row30012
12Keaon Koloamatangi2nd Row0000
13Cameron MurrayLock0000
14Peter MamouzelosInterchange0000
15Lachlan HubnerInterchange0000
16Jayden SullivanInterchange0000
17Euan AitkenInterchange1004
Team Total95048

Knights vs Panthers

Full Time: Knights 12 – 44 Panthers
Knights 12 (Tries: Phoenix Crossland 36′; Dylan Brown 52′. Goals: Sandon Smith 37′, 54′)
Panthers 44 (Tries: Dylan Edwards 12′, 15′, 20′; Nathan Cleary 29′; Freddy Lussick 48′; Brian To’o 64′, 68′; Izack Tago 76′. Goals: Nathan Cleary 13′, 17′, 21′, 30′, 49′, 77′)

Half-Time Score: Knights 6 – 24 Panthers
Date: Sunday 26th April 2026
Venue: McDonald Jones Stadium

Knights Team

NumberPlayerPositionTriesGoalsPenalty GoalsPoints
1Fletcher SharpeFullback0000
2Dominic YoungWinger0000
3Dane GagaiCentre0000
4Fletcher HuntCentre0000
5James SchillerWinger0000
6Sandon SmithFive-Eighth0204
7Dylan BrownHalfback1004
8Jacob SaifitiProp0000
9Phoenix CrosslandHooker1004
10Trey MooneyProp0000
12Jermaine McEwen2nd Row0000
13Mat CrokerLock0000
14Harrison GrahamInterchange0000
15Pasami SauloInterchange0000
16Cody HopwoodInterchange0000
17Francis Manuleleua2nd Row0000
Team Total22012

Panthers Team

NumberPlayerPositionTriesGoalsPenalty GoalsPoints
1Dylan EdwardsFullback30012
2Thomas JenkinsWinger0000
3Paul AlamotiCentre0000
4Casey McLeanCentre0000
5Brian To’oWinger2008
6Blaize TalagiFive-Eighth0000
7Nathan ClearyHalfback16014
8Moses LeotaProp0000
9Freddy LussickHooker1004
10Lindsay SmithProp0000
11Isaiah Papali’i2nd Row0000
12Luke Garner2nd Row0000
13Isaah YeoLock0000
14Jack CoggerInterchange0000
15Scott SorensenInterchange0000
16Kalani GoingInterchange0000
17Billy PhillipsInterchange0000
18Izack TagoInterchange1004
Team Total86044

Sea Eagles vs Eels

Full Time: Sea Eagles 33 – 18 Eels
Sea Eagles 33 (Tries: Jake Trbojevic 2′; Lehi Hopoate 49′; Reuben Garrick 54′; Jamal Fogarty 56′; Jason Saab 62′; Clayton Faulalo 71′. Goals: Jamal Fogarty 4′, 50′, 55′, 72′. 1 Point Field Goal: Jamal Fogarty 39′)
Eels 18 (Tries: Brian Kelly 6′; Mitchell Moses 66′; Luca Moretti 78′. Goals: Mitchell Moses 67′, 78′. Penalty Goals: Mitchell Moses 20′)

Half-Time Score: Sea Eagles 7 – 6 Eels
Date: Sunday 26th April 2026
Venue: 4 Pines Park

Sea Eagles Team

NumberPlayerPositionTriesGoalsPenalty GoalsPoints
1Tolutau KoulaFullback0000
2Jason SaabWinger1004
3Clayton FaulaloCentre1004
4Reuben GarrickCentre1004
5Lehi HopoateWinger1004
6Luke BrooksFive-Eighth0000
7Jamal FogartyHalfback14010
8Taniela PasekaProp0000
9Brandon WakehamHooker0000
10Kobe HetheringtonProp0000
11Haumole Olakau’atu2nd Row0000
12Ben Trbojevic2nd Row0000
13Jake TrbojevicLock1004
14Jake SimpkinInterchange0000
15Corey WaddellInterchange0000
16Ethan BullemorInterchange0000
17Siosiua TaukeiahoInterchange0000
Team Total64033

Eels Team

NumberPlayerPositionTriesGoalsPenalty GoalsPoints
1Joash PapaliiFullback0000
2Brian KellyWinger1004
3Will PenisiniCentre0000
4Sean RussellCentre0000
5Josh Addo-CarrWinger0000
6Ronald VolkmanFive-Eighth0000
7Mitchell MosesHalfback1217
8Luca MorettiProp1004
9Ryley SmithHooker0000
10Junior PauloProp0000
11Charlie Guymer2nd Row0000
12Jack Williams2nd Row0000
13Dylan WalkerInterchange0000
14Tallyn Da SilvaInterchange0000
15Saxon PrykeInterchange0000
16Toni MataeleInterchange0000
17Jack De BelinLock0000
Team Total32118

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