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3 Things From NRL Finals Week 2
The Sharks and Panthers are through to the Preliminary Final following wins over the Raiders and Bulldogs.
Jason Oliver
September 22, 2025
The 2025 NRL season is down to four teams with the Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks finally shedding the finals chokers tag and the Penrith Panthers, once again, peaking at the right time.
They’ll join the Melbourne Storm and Brisbane Broncos in the Preliminary Finals next week.
Key Points
The Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks absorbed pressure for much of the first half before finally being able to crack the Canberra Raiders line.
"What I loved about it [the performance] is that nothing went our way for so long.
I watch the reaction of the players when things go against them, and I just haven’t seen a worry or a flinch at the moment."
Eventually, they were able to make the most of their advantages on the edges to score the opener, and that ability to generate the looks they want rather than waiting to react to them will be crucial against the Melbourne Storm on Friday night.
The numbers on the left edge favoured the Sharks attack, and Braydon Trindall made the most of it. He laid on the first after spotting Corey Horsburgh defending at four-man. With Jamal Fogarty in front of him to create the dreaded triangle, Teig Wilton’s lead easily occupies the halfback to create the three-on-two out wide.
“Trindall’s deception and ability to get into the defender he wants has helped to change the look of the Sharks attack this year.” - Raiders v Sharks Preview
The Sharks found regular success down the left edge with no try more telling than Billy Burns’ effort shortly after halftime.
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