In a thrilling day of NRL action at Magic Round on May 4, 2025, the Penrith Panthers delivered a stunning performance against the Brisbane Broncos, winning 32-8 at Suncorp Stadium. This victory marked the Panthers' third win of the season, showcasing the return of their star halfback Nathan Cleary, who played a pivotal role in the match.
Cleary, who has faced scrutiny during Penrith's rocky start to the season, was in sensational form, reminiscent of his heroics in the 2023 grand final. He scored a crucial try just before halftime, echoing his previous game-winning moment against the Broncos, and was instrumental in orchestrating plays that left the Broncos scrambling.
The match kicked off with the Broncos taking an early lead thanks to a try from Ben Hunt in the ninth minute. However, Cleary quickly responded, executing a pinpoint chip kick that set up Izack Tago for a try, leveling the scores at 8-8. From there, the game turned in favor of the Panthers as they started to dominate the field.
As the first half progressed, the teams exchanged penalties, but it was Cleary's 40-20 kick in the 35th minute that shifted momentum. Following this, he scored a try just before the halftime break, sending Penrith into the sheds with a 20-8 lead. "He’s got that in him doesn’t he?" said Broncos coach Michael Maguire, acknowledging Cleary's impact on the game.
In the second half, the Panthers continued their offensive onslaught. Thomas Jenkins scored two tries, further extending the lead to 32-8. Cleary's influence was undeniable, as he was involved in nearly every significant play. "Cleary, he’s one of the greats and today he really delivered," commented Braith Anasta, highlighting Cleary's masterclass performance.
Despite their earlier success against the top-of-the-table Bulldogs, the Broncos struggled to maintain their form, with their inconsistency becoming evident. Former coach Kevin Walters noted, "I don’t know. At different times they looked really good tonight and at other times not great at all." The Broncos now face questions about their ability to perform consistently as they move forward in the season.
Meanwhile, in other Magic Round action, the Melbourne Storm faced off against the Canberra Raiders, securing a hard-fought victory with a final score of 18-12. Ryan Papenhuyzen, a standout player for Melbourne, scored a spectacular try, showcasing his skills and agility. The Storm had a rocky start, leading only by two points at halftime, but they managed to fend off a late challenge from the Raiders.
Melbourne's performance was highlighted by the creativity of their players, particularly Sualauvi Faalogo, who executed a brilliant flick pass to Papenhuyzen that led to a try. "Absolutely superb. That was perfectly executed," praised ABC Sport caller John Gibbs.
The Raiders showed resilience, with Matthew Timoko and Savelio Tamale both scoring tries to keep the pressure on the Storm. However, they ultimately fell short, unable to capitalize on their opportunities. Canberra's Zac Hosking had a try denied by the Bunker, which could have changed the dynamics of the game.
In another match, the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs celebrated a significant victory over the Gold Coast Titans, winning 38-18. This marked the Bulldogs' first Magic Round win, showcasing their potential as they look to build momentum in the competition.
The Bulldogs' victory was characterized by strong teamwork and strategic plays, which allowed them to overcome a challenging Titans side. The Titans struggled to find their rhythm, ultimately succumbing to the Bulldogs' relentless attack.
As the Magic Round unfolds, the excitement and intensity of the NRL continue to captivate fans. With teams vying for crucial points and positioning in the standings, every match carries significant weight. The performances of stars like Cleary and Papenhuyzen not only elevate their teams but also set the stage for an exhilarating season ahead.
Looking ahead, the Panthers will aim to build on their success against the Broncos, while the Raiders will seek to bounce back from their narrow loss to the Storm. The Bulldogs will look to maintain their winning momentum as they prepare for their next challenge. With the competition heating up, fans can expect more thrilling matches as the season progresses.
In conclusion, the Magic Round has provided a fantastic showcase of talent and determination, with standout performances and dramatic moments that will be remembered as the season unfolds. As teams continue to battle it out for supremacy, the excitement of the NRL remains at an all-time high.
