Round 2 of the 2025 Telstra Premiership delivered thrilling rugby league action at Belmore Sports Ground and CommBank Stadium, showcasing remarkable performances and unfortunate injuries.
The Bulldogs claimed victory against the Titans with a commanding 40-24 scoreline, leaving no doubt about their growing prowess on the field. Starting off with explosive energy, Canterbury surged to a stunning 22-0 lead within the first 19 minutes. The home crowd erupted as Marcelo Montoya opened the scoring just one minute in, followed by tries from Jaeman Salmon, Reed Mahoney, and Josh Curran, establishing them as the dominant force early on.
Despite trailing significantly, the Titans did not back down. Jojo Fifita ignited hope for the visitors with a try at the 63rd minute, but it was not sufficient to close the gap. Connor Tracey sealed the victory for the Bulldogs with his attempt at the 77th minute, much to the delight of the Belmore faithful who celebrated the team’s highest score at the venue since 1998.
While the win enhanced the Bulldogs’ confidence, the victory came at a significant cost. Key players Matt Burton and Viliame Kikau both suffered suspected MCL injuries during the match. The duo is expected to undergo scans on March 17 and could be sidelined for around one month, raising concerns for Canterbury’s lineup as they head forward.
Meanwhile, at CommBank Stadium, the Wests Tigers delivered an impressive performance against the Eels, winning 32-6. Sunia Turuva shined brightly, achieving his first hat-trick as a West Tiger, scoring tries at the 26th, 68th, and 74th minutes. The 37-degree heat did not deter the Tigers, who capitalized on their attacking opportunities.
Benji Marshall’s men were initially slow, but they found their groove, with halfbacks Lachlan Galvin and Jarome Luai effectively steering the offense. Each successful try showcased their combined skill, assuring victory against the Eels who have continued to struggle under coach Jason Ryles.
While the scoreboard reflected the Tigers' dominance, it was not without its challenges. Jahream Bula made his season debut, contributing significantly to the team's efforts but left the field late with what appeared to be a calf injury, raising questions about his availability for upcoming matches.
The full-time results saw Bulldogs triumphant over the Titans (40-24) and the Wests Tigers decisively overcoming the Eels (32-6), setting the stage for exciting future matches. The Bulldogs are gearing up to host the Knights at home on March 22, where they will aim to build on their newfound confidence.
With injuries to key players, both teams must reassess their strategies as the competition intensifies. Can the Bulldogs maintain their momentum without Burton and Kikau? Will the Tigers continue to capitalize on their attacking strengths? Fans will be eagerly awaiting answers as the 2025 Telstra Premiership season continues to develop.