Canberra Raiders sent a strong message to the NRL with a dominant 32-22 victory over the Brisbane Broncos at GIO Stadium, continuing their unbeaten start to the 2025 NRL season. The $4.25 rugby league betting outsiders, led by debutant Matty Nicholson and an inspired forward pack, took control early and never let up, handing Brisbane a "reality check" after their emphatic Round 1 win over the Roosters.
Nicholson announced himself in style, crossing for his first NRL try just eight minutes after kickoff before adding another strike just before halftime to help Canberra take a 16-10 lead at the break. Coach Ricky Stuart praised the English recruit, who had been disappointed to miss the Round 1 selection but responded remarkably. "The way he handled being left out of Round 1 was first class. It’s why I picked him this week, and he didn’t let us down," said Stuart.
Veteran prop Josh Papalii also had a big night, scoring his 65th career try after pouncing on a loose ball from Sebastian Kris. His performance, along with Corey Horsburgh’s, set the tone as the Raiders outmuscled the sluggish Broncos, who struggled under the Canberra heat. Horsburgh's influence was marked when he attracted three defenders before offloading to Matt Timoko for another try early in the second half.
For the Broncos, winger Jesse Arthars kept his side competitive with his hat-trick, and Selwyn Cobbo added another late score, but the visitors were second-best for much of the evening. "They jumped onto us at the start, and we didn’t react hard enough or fast enough," admitted Brisbane coach Michael Maguire. He acknowledged the team's inability to capitalize on their limited chances, adding, "I learned a lot tonight, and I’ll be taking responsibility for making sure we improve."
Raiders halfback Jamal Fogarty credited the club’s preparation after the Vegas trip, stating, "The belief in our squad is strong, and we just have to keep backing it up each week." With two wins from two games, Canberra is making waves as genuine contenders. The proficiency of their performance attracted over 18,000 fans— their biggest Round 2 home attendance since 1999. This growing momentum raises the stakes as the Raiders are still priced at $41 to win the premiership by top NRL bookmakers.
Moving beyond individual highlights, the game illustrated the Raiders’ comprehensive strategy and execution, capturing fans' admiration on home turf. The coaches' tactical setups paid dividends, particularly as the Broncos faced pressures they could not shake off, leading to frustrating errors and missed opportunities throughout the match. Reece Walsh had what he termed as "an evening to forget," slipping up with four errors and failing to significantly influence the game as defensive pressure stifled Brisbane's renowned attack.
Nonetheless, there was promise seen through Arthars, who not only had three tries to his name but also showcased resilience as he battled hard against the Raiders' defensive line. His effort to keep the Broncos within reach proved valuable, but it wasn’t enough to breach the Raiders' sturdy momentum.
With the victory, the Raiders will now look to maintain their form as the season progresses, aiming for consistency and resilience against increasingly competitive teams. Their current positioning within the league has ignited hopes among fans and players alike.
With the season still young, Saturday night’s display could serve as both roadmap and warning for teams approaching the Raiders. Can they remain on this upward path, or will opponents figure out the key to overcoming them as this gripping season continues? Once again, the NRL has delivered fans thrilling action, and as the Raiders build on this promising start, fans can expect more exhilarating encounters to come.