Sydney’s Dogged Duo and the Mighty Panthers: A Weekend of NRL Upsets
It was a weekend of statement wins for some of the NRL’s biggest names, as the Bulldogs and Dragons pulled off surprise victories, while the Panthers continued their ominous march towards the top.
The Bulldogs, long-time NRL also-rans, delivered a playoff-intensity performance to overcome the Raiders and further cement their status as genuine contenders this season. Under the tutelage of Cameron Ciraldo, Canterbury have rediscovered their grit, prioritizing a “Dogs of War” mentality over flashy play.
Meanwhile, over in Melbourne, the Dragons shocked the reigning premiers Storm, beating them at their own game through sheer toughness and discipline. Coach Shane Flanagan‘s no-frills approach has the perennial cellar-dwellers firmly in the finals race.
Not to be outdone, the Penrith Panthers inched ever closer to the league leaders, Melbourne, setting up a mouth-watering clash between the two heavyweights in a fortnight’s time.
Elsewhere, it was a week to forget for the defending as a string of high-scoring affairs highlighted the need for improved tackling across the competition. The Broncos, in particular, were on the wrong end of a thrashing against the Titans, making their finals aspirations appear increasingly bleak.
“Rugby league enthusiasts were treated to a host of suburban ground encounters, with the intimate atmospheres at venues like Leichhardt Oval, Shark Park, and Belmore Sports Ground serving as a timely reminder of the sport’s unique connection to its grassroots.”
As the battle for finals spots intensifies, the next must-watch clash sees the Dragons host the resurgent Bulldogs at Kogarah Oval this weekend.
🔗 Source
