The National Rugby League (NRL) matches held on March 20 and 21, 2025, showcased thrilling performances and unfortunately, significant injuries that could change the course of upcoming games for several teams. The Warriors triumphed over the Roosters, while the Broncos secured a decisive victory against the North Queensland Cowboys, and the Storm faced considerable injuries in their hard-fought win against the Panthers.
Starting with the Warriors, they put on an impressive show against the Roosters, overcoming them 14-6 at Go Media Stadium in Auckland. The standout player was fullback Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad, who surged for an incredible 314 meters on 30 runs. The game swung in favor of the Warriors with just 15 minutes left when Chanel Harris-Tavita launched a bomb that he chased down himself, leaping over Roosters captain James Tedesco to score—a moment that shifted momentum. Shortly thereafter, Ali Leiataua scored his second try, cementing the victory for the Warriors, who had previously struggled against the Roosters, breaking a daunting eight-match losing streak against this rival.
Despite such a spirited performance from the Warriors, the match was not without its tense moments. While Victor Radley of the Roosters passed a head injury assessment after a collision, Connor Watson was less fortunate, leaving the field due to a head knock right before halftime. The visiting side managed to make an impression early in the game with Naufahu Whyte scoring the first try, showcasing the competitive nature of the contest. However, the Warriors responded quickly, with Leiataua leveling the score shortly after.
Meanwhile, in a Queensland derby, the Brisbane Broncos took on the North Queensland Cowboys at Suncorp Stadium, clinching a 26-16 win. Broncos captain Adam Reynolds displayed his expertise, contributing significantly to his team's score, setting up a try for Jack Gosiewski followed by one of his own soon after. His performance was pivotal, especially considering the Broncos had spent the initial moments of the match trapped in their own half. Reynolds' efforts earned him recognition as he moved to third on the all-time points-scoring list with a total of 2,378 points.
A standout performance came from prop Payne Haas, who not only earned the Carl Webb Medal for player of the match but also scored a remarkable try, charging over the line after running 30 meters. The Broncos managed to maintain their composure through a barrage of pressure from the Cowboys, who were desperate for a win after losing their previous three matches this season. Despite their fierce performance, injuries plagued the game as well; Broncos fullback Reece Walsh found himself in the spotlight for both his errors and a shoulder charge that earned him a report.
The game was tough on both sides, with the Cowboys showing remarkable tenacity through players like Jason Taumalolo and Jordan McLean. They briefly equalized the score with a try from Murray Taulagi after a smooth play involving Scott Drinkwater, but the Broncos' resilience shined through when Walsh aided in restoring their lead with a well-placed pass to Jesse Arthars, sealing the game.
However, the match that made headlines for the wrong reasons was the grand final rematch between the Storm and the Panthers. While the Storm triumphed over Penrith, injuries marred their victory. Star halfback Jahrome Hughes sustained a broken hand, sidelining him for two weeks. His absence will be deeply felt, especially after his performance in controlling the game's pace. Nick Meaney also suffered a serious facial fracture and is expected to be out for six weeks, which presents a challenge for the Storm given his pivotal role in the center and as a goal-kicker.
Adding to the woes of the Storm, Nelson Asofa-Solomona left the field with a concussion after a collision with Meaney in a hectic second half, putting him on concussion protocols. Although the head coach Craig Bellamy confirmed that Ryan Papenhuyzen had cleared all injury assessments, worry lingered regarding his performance due to an injured ankle. Bellamy mentioned, “Paps has got a bit of a crook ankle,” which might leave room for concern ahead of their next match.
Tyran Wishart emerged as a surprising highlight for the Storm, coming off the bench to score a decisive late try, illustrating the team's depth and potential for adaptability amid injuries. Bellamy noted his crucial performance and expressed optimism about the team’s resilience even with prominent players sidelined by injuries. “Wishy (Tyran Wishart) came on and did a really good job. You know, just such an important player in our team,” he remarked.
This weekend's matches have brought the intense physicality of the NRL season into sharp focus, highlighting how quickly dynamics can shift due to player fitness and performance. As teams brace for the challenges ahead, the capacity to recover from injuries will be crucial in determining their success. While the Warriors and Broncos celebrate their victories, the Storm's injury report will leave them searching for replacements in a title race that is proving to be more challenging than ever.
