The NRL Sunday double-header saw an exciting clash between the Canterbury Bulldogs and the Parramatta Eels, while the Manly Sea Eagles battled the Canberra Raiders. The action unfolded at two stadiums: Western Sydney Stadium and Brookvale Oval, showcasing the intensity and unpredictability of rugby league.
In the match between the Bulldogs and the Eels, the Bulldogs emerged victorious with a score of 16-8, marking their third consecutive win to start the 2025 season. Canterbury winger Blake Wilson delivered a standout performance, scoring a remarkable try that showcased his agility and determination.
Despite their struggles, the Eels' new recruit, Josh Addo-Carr, made headlines in the match against his former club. He managed to score a try, igniting some hope for the Eels, who have now dropped to an unfortunate 0-3 record this season. After the match, Addo-Carr reflected on the emotions of playing against his old team, stating, "It's all love, it's all love. They're passionate, just like the Parramatta supporters." His sentiment highlights the deep-rooted rivalries and personal connections within the league.
The game was a mix of grit and tension, particularly in the dying moments. The Eels attempted to stage a comeback but faced setbacks such as a crucial interception by Dylan Brown that thwarted their chances and a late penalty against Kitione Kautoga, ultimately sealing their fate.
Switching to the Brookvale Oval, the match between the Manly Sea Eagles and the Canberra Raiders provided plenty of drama, especially concerning the injuries and scoring opportunities. Manly took an early lead, thanks to tries from Reuben Garrick and Ethan Bullemor. Garrick’s effort was particularly noteworthy, as it came just days after the birth of his child, adding a personal touch to an already heartfelt performance.
Unfortunately for Manly, their strong performance was marred by the injury of prop Taniela Paseka, who left the field with a suspected Achilles issue. Warren Smith from Fox League summed up the situation as unfortunate, noting, "That is a great shame" for the Sea Eagles. Paseka's absence could possibly impact Manly's defensive strength moving forward.
During the match, the Raiders also faced their challenges, as Corey Horsburgh was sin binned for obstruction just before a major scoring play, which led to a try being disallowed after a review from the Bunker. The officials ruled that Horsburgh created an obstruction that prevented the Sea Eagles' captain, Daly Cherry-Evans, from properly defending. Commentators noted the misfortunes of the Raiders’ setup, highlighting the frustrations of their fans.
The Bunker played a crucial role in another decision as Sebastian Kris had a try disallowed due to obstruction as well, showcasing the game’s ever-evolving nature and the tight scrutiny put on these decisions.
With the final whistle, the Sea Eagles managed to secure a respectable victory over the Raiders, ending with a score of 12-0. This win came with tributes as the team celebrated the achievements of players reaching milestones, especially Ben Trbojevic and Jake Simpkin, who both played their 50th NRL match during this intense matchup.
Overall, the day’s matches presented a riveting blend of triumph and despair, showcasing the passionate spirit of NRL as the Bulldogs maintained their unbeaten streak, while the Sea Eagles celebrated a much-needed victory. The Eels, on the other hand, must regroup urgently to shift their spiraling fortunes, searching for answers and strength to reclaim their footing this season.
The next weeks in the NRL will surely bring more drama as teams strive for victory and survive the ebb and flow of injuries and competition.
