2025 Rugby League Highlights: Munster, Broncos, Walsh & Tigers Drama

The Biggest Moments From An Action-Packed 2025 NRL Season

Cameron Munster captained queensland to an Origin series win after his dad’s tragic passing in a truly heroic triumph of the human spirit.

Simultaneously occurring, Reece walsh led the comeback king Broncos to the title after three straight come-from-behind victories and arguably the greatest individual grand final performance ever.

And Lachlan Galvin and Daly Cherry-Evans commanded a fair few column inches amid their contract sagas, after leaving the tigers and the Sea Eagles for the Bulldogs and Roosters.

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25.TITANS SACK HASLER

The Titans were expecting big things under Des Hasler in 2025, but after narrowly avoiding the wooden spoon, the club opted to part ways with the veteran coach.

The Titans won just six games in 2025 and were it not for a late season fade-out from the Knights they should have won the wooden spoon.

Hasler was brought in to sure up the Titans’ flaky defense in 2024, but they conceded the most points in the NRL in 2025 with 719 and deserved to finish last on that basis alone.

hasler also dropped David Fifita to try and spark the underperforming back-rower and the team, but it didn’t have the desired effect.

Ultimately Hasler was brought to the club as he has won two premierships as a coach, but the team’s horror performances and lack of advancement ultimately sealed his fate and he was replaced by josh Hannay heading into 2026.

The 25 Most Explosive Moments of the 2024 NRL Season (So Far)

25. DCE’S CONTRACT CHAOS

Manly’s season was thrown into turmoil when news broke that captain Daly Cherry-Evans had a secret meeting with the Sydney Roosters. The meeting sparked speculation that DCE was considering leaving the club, despite being contracted until the end of 2025. The Sea Eagles were forced to publicly back their skipper, but the incident created a rift within the playing group and contributed to a disastrous start to the season.

24. WALKER’S WILD NIGHT

South Sydney star Cody Walker was stood down by the club after being arrested and charged with assault following an incident on the Gold Coast. The incident occurred after the Rabbitohs’ Round 3 loss to the titans and led to Walker being suspended for two matches. The club also imposed a hefty fine and ordered Walker to undergo counselling.

23. ROOSTERS BAN RADLEY

Victor Radley narrowly avoided the sack over an infamous golf trip gone wrong, before he suspended for 10 games by the Roosters.

Radley was implicated in text messages in a court case involving former teammate Brandon Smith that suggested he was acquiring drugs for him and his teammates.

Nick Politis was on record for having a zero tolerance drug policy and threatened to sack Radley on the spot, before Trent Robinson and the senior playing group intervened.

Along with the public embarrassment, Radley was banned for 10 games and hit with a massive fine by the club.

Though, Radley was able to serve some of his ban during the Ashes Tour as he was denied the chance to play for england and will only miss a handful of games in 2026.

22. LOMAX ICES FIELD GOAL AS EELS BEAT DRAGONS

The Eels’ Round 4 clash with the Dragons saw Zac Lomax and Clint gutherson come up against their old clubs, but it was the former that had the last laugh in an epic thriller.

A golden point field goal from Lomax helped Parramatta ruin Clint Gutherson’s homecoming, in turn delivering Jason Ryles his first win as an NRL head coach.

In a thrilling match played in front of 19,302 fans at CommBank Stadium, Lomax stepped up from 25 metres out to drill the match-winner three minutes into extra time.

In a seesawing match the Eels were down 20-8 at one stage,with Gutherson scoring a double in a superb showing in his revenge game.

But late tries to Iasiah Iongi and Kitione Kautoga set up a grandstand finish at 20-20, before Valentine Holmes kicked a penalty goal to give the Dragons the lead with 10 to play.

However, Lomax had other ideas as he slotted a penalty goal in the 75th minute to force extra time, before slotting a superb field goal in golden point to break his former club and teammates’ hearts.

The Top 20 Moments of the NRL Season: 19-11

19. HALASIMA BREAKS KNIGHTS HEARTS WITH EPIC MATCH WINNER

It was a miracle play pulled off by one of the game’s brightest young talents.

Trailing 15-14 with time expiring, Warriors half Tanah Boyd attempted a two-point field goal, but the Knights charged it down.

At that moment, it appeared all hope was lost and the Knights would recover the ball to end the game, but Halasima had other ideas.

The future star had the presence of mind to reach back and grab the bouncing ball, before showing off an extraordinary turn of speed to sprint 40 metres and beat several tackles to score the match-winning try.

The improbability factor Halasima would score was through the roof when he picked the ball up. Simply put, it was a play the majority of NRL players could only dream of pulling off.

While it was probably the biggest highlight of the Warriors’ season, it was one of many outstanding passages of play from Halasima this year, who ended up finishing on the podium behind winner Rob Toia in the Dally M Rookie of the Year race.

Perhaps more impressively though was that Halasima, a second-rower, led the warriors in tries this year (13 tries from 25 games), becoming the first forward to top the club’s try-scoring list.

18. LUAI’S LATE SHOW STUNS STORM

Few will forget the scenes at AAMI Park in Round 25 as the Panthers pulled off a stunning 15-14 victory over the Melbourne Storm.

the game appeared to be heading for a Storm win, but a late penalty gifted the Panthers a chance to steal the two points.

Up stepped five-eighth Jarome Luai, who calmly slotted the penalty goal after the full-time siren to secure a crucial win for his side.

The victory was made even more special as it was the Panthers’ first win at AAMI Park since 2017, and it also ensured they finished the regular season as the minor premiers.

17. WALKER’S AMAZING INTERCEPT

South Sydney fullback Latrell Mitchell has made a career out of spectacular plays, but it was his teammate Jacob Host who stole the show with an incredible intercept try against the Roosters in Round 16.

With the Roosters attacking deep inside the rabbitohs’ territory, roosters five-eighth Luke Keary threw a long, looping pass that looked destined to land in the hands of winger Joseph Suaalii.

Though, Host read the play to perfection, leaping high to intercept the ball before sprinting 80 metres to score a memorable try.

The intercept was a game-changer, shifting the momentum in favour of the Rabbitohs, who went on to win the game 26-16.

16. FORAN’S FIELD GOAL DRAMA

Veteran five-eighth Kieran Foran has been a mainstay of the NRL for over a decade, but he showed he still had plenty to offer with a clutch field goal in the Sea Eagles’ Round 18 clash against the Titans.

With the scores locked at 20-all and time expiring, Foran stepped up to attempt a one-point field goal, and he didn’t disappoint, calmly slotting the ball through the uprights to secure a dramatic 21-20 victory for the Sea Eagles.

The field goal was a testament to Foran’s composure and experience, and it proved to be a crucial win for the Sea Eagles in their quest for a finals berth.

15.TEDESCO’S TRY-SAVING EFFORT

James Tedesco is widely regarded as one of the best fullbacks in the game, and he showcased his defensive prowess with a remarkable try-saving effort against the Cowboys in Round 10.

With the Cowboys on the attack and looking to score, Kyle Feldt looked certain to cross in the corner, but Tedesco produced a stunning cover-defensive play, sprinting across the field to make a crucial tackle and prevent the try.

The tackle was a game-saver for the Roosters, and it highlighted Tedesco’s incredible athleticism and commitment to defence.

14. BURTON’S BRILLIANT BREAK

Panthers center Stephen Crichton has been one of the most consistent players in the NRL over the past few seasons, but it was his teammate Matt Burton who produced a moment of brilliance against the Eels in Round 20.

With the scores locked at 12-all, Burton received the ball 20 metres out from the Eels

The Year in Rugby League: From Expansion to Fairytale Moments

The world of rugby league was buzzing in 2025, marked by expansion, milestone celebrations, and moments that will be etched in fans’ memories for years to come. here’s a look back at some of the biggest stories of the year.

15. PERTH BEARS ENTER THE NRL

In a landmark decision, the NRL officially welcomed the Perth Bears as the competition’s 18th team. The announcement, made in November, sent waves of excitement through Western Australia and the wider rugby league community.

Fans donned their black and red colours gathered at the North Sydney Hotel to celebrate the announcement in feel good scenes.

Since that historic day, the Perth Bears announced rugby league legend Mal Meninga as the club’s inaugural head coach.

Several players have been signed ahead of the 2027 entry, including premiership winner Liam henry and crafty halfback Toby Sexton.

(Image: mal Meninga was confirmed as the Perth Bears’ inaugural coach for 2027. Source: Getty Images)

16. PAPALII’S DOUBLE IN MILESTONE MATCH

It was a massive year for the Raiders and their fans, but even though they collected a very rare minor premiership, no moment tugged at the heartstrings more in 2025 than a Round 14 win over the Rabbitohs.

When one of Canberra’s favourite sons in Josh Papalii ran on the field to break the club’s all-time games record against Souths, no one could have envisaged what was about to happen.

The Raiders were up against it early,trailing 12-0 and it appeared that Papalii wouldn’t get the fairytale milestone he deserved.

Though, the Green Machine roared back scoring 36 unanswered points, with Papalii crashing over to score the team’s final two tries in fairytale scenes.

To put the cherry on top of the sundae,Papalii was given the kicking tee and knocked it over with the scenes that were enough to cause coach Ricky Stuart to shed a tear.

Papalii’s NRL future beyond 2025 was under a cloud, but his strong form this year led to the Raiders inking their inspirational forward to a one-year extension.

(Image: Josh Papalli scored a double and kicked a goal in his milestone match.)

## 13 Controversies That Rocked the NRL in 2023

13. PANTHERS TRAINER-GATE IN TITANS CLASH

Panthers trainers have been involved in their share of controversy over recent seasons,but Corey Bocking’s blunder during a goal kick from Titans star Jayden Campbell takes the cake.

In the Panthers’ victory over the Titans, Bocking was involved in an ugly moment late in the game, which left Campbell fuming and arguably cost the Titans a stunning upset victory.

After the Gold Coast scored a try to take a 26-24 lead in a monumental comeback, Campbell was lining up a conversion, which would have given the Titans a four-point buffer.

His attempt was halted after Bocking ran directly in front of his conversion attempt, which left commentators and fans alike stunned.The lack of a four point advantage allowed Nathan cleary to slot a freak two-point field goal and square the scores, before Blaize Talagi scored a 60-meter try to break the Titans’ hearts.

The panthers were fined and Bocking was suspended over the incident, which had a huge fallout over the coming days and weeks.

12. KANGAROOS WIN ASHES IN SERIES SWEEP

There was plenty of hype around the return of the## The Top 10 Moments of the 2023 NRL Season

10. PAPALII’S FAIRYTALE ORIGIN RETURN

It wasn’t quite on par with a 34-year-old Allan Langer coming back from the Super league to win Queensland the Origin series in 2001,but Billy Slater bringing Josh Papalii out of retirement was straight out of the Wayne Bennett playbook.

And it had the same effect, with Papalii called up by Slater for the final game of the Origin series, which Queensland won to clinch the series 2-1.

The 33-year-old had not played an Origin since retiring from the representative arena in 2022, after 23 games for his state since his debut back in 2013.

However, Papalii’s stunning form for the Raiders and some injuries in the forwards forced Slater to think outside the box and he turned to his former rep teammate to come back for an Origin swan song.

Not only did Papalii’s selection prove a masterstroke,but he also came out of retirement for Samoa in the Pacific Championships and his victorious Queensland comeback will go down in Origin folklore.

9. MARK NAWAQANITAWASE’S TRY OF THE YEAR

There were several terrific stories during the 2023 season, but outside of Gehamat Shibasaki’s unlikely rise, it’s hard find one better than

The Six Biggest NRL Controversies of 2024

The NRL is never short of drama, and 2024 has been no exception. From player movements to sideline confrontations, here are six of the biggest controversies to rock the league this year.

1.THE LAS VEGAS FIASCO

The NRL’s foray into the United States was marred by controversy from the outset, with accusations of poor organisation and a lack of respect for the game. But the on-field incident that truly overshadowed the event was Spencer Leniu’s racial slur directed at Ezra Mam.

The Roosters prop was slapped with a 10-match ban – the longest in NRL history – for calling Mam a “monkey” during the clash with the Broncos. The incident sparked widespread condemnation and ignited a debate about racism in the sport.

2. REYNOLDS’ EXIT FROM BRONCOS

Anthony Reynolds’ sudden departure from the Brisbane Broncos in May sent shockwaves through the NRL. The veteran halfback was granted an immediate release from his contract, citing personal reasons.

However, reports quickly emerged suggesting a breakdown in his relationship with coach Kevin Walters was the real catalyst for his exit. Reynolds subsequently signed with the Wests Tigers, but the circumstances surrounding his departure left a sour taste in the mouths of many fans.

3. DUFTY’S SHOCK SWITCH

Jacob Dufty’s mid-season move from the Canterbury Bulldogs to the Warrington Wolves in the super League came as a complete surprise. The fullback was a key player for the Bulldogs, and his sudden departure left the club scrambling for a replacement.

Dufty cited a desire to play more consistently in his preferred position as the reason for his move, but many questioned the timing of the switch, especially given the Bulldogs’ struggles at the time.

4. WALKER’S CAPTAINCY CHAOS

South Sydney Rabbitohs captain Cameron murray was stripped of the captaincy in June after breaching team protocols. The decision was made after Murray was caught drinking with teammates the night before a crucial game against the Roosters.

The move sparked outrage among fans, who accused the club of overreacting. Though, coach Jason Demetriou defended the decision, stating that it was necessary to maintain standards within the team.

5. DCE’S ROOSTERS MOVE

The saga surrounding Daly Cherry-Evans’ future at the Manly Sea Eagles dominated headlines for months. Despite being a club legend, DCE was reportedly seeking a better deal and exploring options elsewhere.

The bombshell SMH report broke during an episode of NRL 360 and in a stunning twist, Manly CEO Tony Mestrov phoned in to tell the panel that a two-year deal worth $1.4 million would be tabled to DCE.

Cherry-Evans was given the right of reply an hour or so later on live television when he fronted up for an appearance on Channel 9’s 100% Footy, wearing street clothes rather of a Sea Eagles-branded polo in a sign that Manly fans weren’t going to like what they were about to hear.

Publicly,he knocked back the club’s impromptu offer to confirm the earlier report he’d be testing his value and end a decorated 15-year with Manly.

Speculation was rife soon after Cherry-Evans’ explosive Channel 9 appearance about where he’d end up.

The Roosters were the club he was always favoured to go but Cherry-Evans failed to confirm,leaving speculation to run riot.

The worst kept secret in the NRL was finally confirmed In November when the Roosters announced DCE had signed a one-year deal with an option for a second.

6.LENIU CONFRONTS JT ON SIDELINE

Roosters enforcer Spencer leniu confronted channel 9 commentator and future Immortal Johnathan Thurston on the sidelines over his commentary on his infamous monkey sledge aimed at Ezra Mam in Las Vegas in 2024.

After the Roosters’ 26-16 win over the Broncos in April, Leniu and Thurston were involved in a heated exchange on the sideline, which resulted in them having to be separated in the tunnel.

In the fall-out it emerged Leniu had called Thurston fake after calling for him to face a huge ban over his sledge of Mam and the Cowboys legend took offense.

Trent Robinson defended Leniu over the incident, saying it was just two men having a conversation, but the fall-out was messy and took the focus off the game in the days and weeks that followed.

though,it was not a good look for the game having a player who was banned for 10 games over the monkey-gate incident in a heated confrontation with one of the game’s greatest ever players during a live broadcast.

The 5 Biggest Shocks of the NRL Season

the 2023 NRL season delivered plenty of twists and turns, with some moments leaving fans and experts alike wholly stunned. Here are five of the biggest shocks from the year:

1. Latrell Mitchell’s Suspension before Game Three

Latrell Mitchell was one of the Blues’ best in the first two games of the Origin series, but a high tackle in game two saw him suspended for the crucial game three. The suspension was a massive blow to the Blues, who were already trailing 2-0 in the series. Mitchell’s absence was widely felt as the Maroons went on to win the decider and claim the series. It sparked debate about the severity of the sanction and its impact on the game’s biggest stage.

2.Billy Slater’s DCE Call

Billy Slater’s decision to drop Daly Cherry-Evans for game two of the State of Origin series remains one of the most controversial coaching calls in recent memory.the sight of a confused Cherry-Evans almost pleading with his coach to pick him after the game one loss and Slater not guaranteeing anything shook the Origin arena and the Queensland camp to its core.

Greats on both sides slammed the decision after Cherry-Evans’ long service for the Maroons, but Slater was adamant he needed Dearden at halfback and made Cameron Munster captain for the rest of the series.

The huge call proved a masterstroke as the Maroons came back to win he series with Munster man of the match in game two and Dearden winning the Wally Lewis Medal for player of the series.

It was a brutal call on Cherry-Evans, but Slater was proved right and won his third series in four attempts to stun the Blues.

3. RAIDERS WIN MINOR PREMIERSHIP OUT OF NOWHERE

The Raiders were some experts’ prediction for the wooden spoon, but they came out of nowhere to win the minor premiership, in a stunning season from the Green Machine.

Critics will say they had a softer draw at times, but you can only beat who is in front of you and the Raiders deserve plenty of credit for a brilliant season that shook up the NRL world order.

Canberra lost just five games all season and clinched the minor premiership with a game to spare and were two wins clear of the second placed Storm with 19 victories.

five-eighth Ethan Strange announced himself as a future superstar with a superb season, while fullback Kaeo Weekes wasn’t far behind him.

Ricky Stuart was a deserved winner of the Dally M coach of the year, after guiding the unheralded Raiders to a minor premiership upset for the ages.

Tapine and Josh Papalii deserve plenty of credit up front and Hudson Young was just about the Raiders’ best and most consistent player all year in the back row.

They may have had a disappointing end to the season after going out of the finals in straight sets, but the Raiders should be celebrated for winning a first minor premiership as 1990.

4. The Dolphins’ Dream Run

Few gave the Dolphins any chance of making the finals in their inaugural season, but Wayne Bennett masterminded a remarkable campaign that saw them finish eighth.the Dolphins defied all expectations, with a blend of experienced stars and exciting young talent. Their success was a testament to Bennett’s coaching prowess and the club’s strong culture.

5. The Titans’ collapse

After a promising start to the season,the Titans completely fell apart in the second half of the year,losing 12 games in a row. The losing streak was a disaster for the club, and raised serious questions about their coaching and playing roster. The Titans’ collapse was one of the most shocking and disappointing stories of the season.

Broncos Claim 2025 Premiership Title, Reece Walsh Named Clive Churchill Medalist

The brisbane Broncos are the 2025 National Rugby League (NRL) premiers, defeating their rivals in a thrilling grand final to secure their first premiership as 2006. Fullback Reece Walsh delivered a stunning performance, earning him the prestigious Clive Churchill Medal as the player of the match. The victory signals a potential new era of dominance for the Broncos.

Walsh Silences critics with grand Final Masterclass

Reece Walsh entered the grand final under scrutiny, with some questioning his consistency. However, he emphatically silenced those critics with a dynamic display of speed, skill, and leadership. His contributions were pivotal in securing the Broncos’ win, showcasing his growth as a player and cementing his status as one of the league’s brightest stars.

Broncos End 19-Year Premiership Drought

The Broncos’ triumph marks the end of a 19-year wait for premiership glory. The team demonstrated resilience and determination throughout the season, culminating in a dominant performance on the biggest stage. The win is a testament to the hard work of the players, coaching staff, and the unwavering support of the Broncos faithful.

A Dynasty in the Making?

With a young and talented squad,the Broncos are well-positioned to contend for premierships for years to come.The 2025 victory could be the first of many, potentially ushering in a new dynasty in the NRL. The club’s strong recruitment and development programs suggest a radiant future for the Broncos.

Key Takeaways:

* The Brisbane Broncos won the 2025 NRL Premiership.
* Reece Walsh was awarded the Clive Churchill Medal for his outstanding performance.
* This is the Broncos’ first premiership win as 2006.
* The Broncos’ success points to a potentially dominant future for the club.