NRL Finals Week One Broncos Edge Raiders in Golden Point Thriller

The 2025 NRL season has reached a pivotal stage with eight teams remaining to compete for the premiership, highlighted by intense finals matchups and standout individual performances. The New Zealand Warriors, despite a promising start, have struggled following star halfback Luke Metcalf's ACL injury but managed to secure sixth place and faced the Penrith Panthers in an elimination final, with late team adjustments announced by coach Andrew Webster. The Brisbane Broncos staged a remarkable comeback in a thrilling 94-minute golden point game against the Canberra Raiders, although controversy arose over the identical 10-minute sin bins given for Reece Walsh's headbutt and Hudson Young's sledging, a decision criticized by Raiders coach Ricky Stuart and captain Joe Tapine. The Sydney Roosters experienced an inconsistent season, showing flashes of brilliance alongside unexpected losses, finishing strong with key players like James Tedesco and Mark Nawaqanitawase leading the charge. Additionally, individual accolades were notable, such as Blayke Brailey of the Cronulla Sharks earning recognition for his breakout year marked by exceptional tackling and ball handling. Overall, the season has been characterized by dramatic games, strategic team changes, and debates over officiating, all contributing to an electrifying finals series.