Rugby League
NRL – Round 25
North Queensland opened round 25 with a 24-16 win over Canterbury helped by two tries from Ethan Lowe. Brisbane ruined Melbourne’s chances of securing the minor premiership top spot this week with a 26-16 win over the League leaders. Tom Opacic went over for two of the Broncos fives tries as Wayne Bennett’s side look in form heading towards the play-offs.The Green Machine of Canberra have secured third place in a high scoring 44-30 win over Manly. Jordan Rapana got a hat-trick for the Raiders. Penrith have secured their play-off place with a narrow win over Gold Coast. Matt Moylan’s drop goal with two minutes to go gave them a 15-14 win leaving Gold Coast’s own play off chances hanging in the balance going into the final weekend.
Given Melbourne’s loss Cronulla set up a final day showdown for top spot after thrashing Sydney City 37-12. Six tries and 11 points from James Maloney saw Cronulla move one point behind Melbourne, the two meet head to head next week.Western Suburbs kept their play-off hopes alive with a Sauaso Sue getting two tries in a 36-24 win in New Zealand. South Sydney thrashed bottom side Newcastle 34-12 with Alex Johnson going over twice. The round ended with ST George/Illwarra going down to Parramatta 30-18. Bevan French got a hat trick and Mike Gordon got 14 points including a try for the Eels. Neither side can make the play-off. This leaves two thing left to be decided. Melbourne meet Crounulla for top spot, and the final play-off place could go to either Gold Coast or Western Suburbs.
Reports – Canterbury v Nth Queensland (Fox Australia) Melbourne v Brisbane (Courier Mail Manly v Canberra (ABC Australia) Gold Coast v Penrith (ABC Australia) NZ v Wests (Daily Telegraph Australia) Cronulla v Sydney City (League Unlimited.com) Newcastle v South Sydney (Daily Telegraph Australia) Parramatta v ST George (Fox Australia)