Brisbane secured a dramatic second-half comeback to defeat Canberra 34-30, denying Josh Papali’i a victorious send-off at his former club and eliminating the Raiders from finals contention. The Broncos, led by Hayze Perham, staged a late surge to claim the win, ensuring they remain in the top four of the NRL table. Meanwhile, the Dolphins continued their dominance with a 34-16 victory over the Eels, further solidifying their position in the playoff race. The match at GIO Stadium was marked by emotion as Papali’i, set to retire at the end of the season, received a heartfelt guard of honor before kickoff. Despite the ceremony, Brisbane struck first when hooker Billy Walters touched down for a try. The Raiders responded swiftly, with fullback Kaeo Weekes and forward Ata Mariota scoring consecutive tries to give Canberra a 10-6 lead early in the game. However, Brisbane’s momentum grew as captain Pat Carrigan was sent to the sin bin for a high tackle on Corey Horsburgh, leaving the visitors a man down. Brisbane capitalized on the numerical advantage, with under-fire five-eighth Ezra Mam and winger Grant Anderson crossing the line to extend the visitors' lead. The Raiders, however, remained resilient, with Weekes scoring his second try on the stroke of halftime, putting Canberra ahead 20-16. But the turning point came in the second half when the Broncos, led by Perham, launched a relentless assault on the Raiders’ defense. Two quick tries, first from Perham himself and then from Anderson, shifted the momentum firmly in Brisbane’s favor. Perham delivered a standout performance, providing a crucial try assist to Anderson in the first half and converting five of his six attempts. His efforts culminated in a decisive try in the 73rd minute, which edged the Broncos ahead. A last-gasp try-saving tackle from Josiah Karapani on winger Xavier Savage ensured the victory for Brisbane, sealing a 34-30 triumph. The result means the Broncos (7-15) avoid the wooden spoon, while the Raiders (10-13) are now out of the finals picture. Meanwhile, the Dolphins’ encounter with the Eels saw a similar narrative unfold. After trailing 10-0 within the first 20 minutes, the Dolphins showcased their trademark attacking flair, mounting a remarkable comeback. They eventually ran out 34-16 winners, extending their unbeaten run to five matches. The victory moved the Dolphins four points clear of the Sharks in fourth place, although they face a challenging upcoming fixture against the Roosters. The Dolphins’ success was built on their ability to respond to slow starts, a trait that has become synonymous with their identity under head coach Wayne Bennett. Their attacking prowess was on display throughout the match, with multiple tries coming from key players such as Herbie Farnworth and Max Plath. The Eels, despite showing moments of brilliance, ultimately failed to contain the Dolphins’ relentless pressure. Injuries also played a role in shaping the outcomes of both matches. Canberra’s Zac Hosking limped off the field in the second half, gripping his hamstring, raising concerns about his availability for future fixtures. For the Broncos, the win provides a timely boost for coach Michael Maguire, who faces scrutiny over his decision-making following last year’s premiership collapse. The result offers him a chance to prove his worth amid growing doubts. As the NRL season progresses, the focus shifts toward the playoffs, with several teams vying for a coveted spot. The Dolphins’ consistency and the Broncos’ resilience highlight the competitive nature of the league, setting the stage for an exciting finish to the campaign.
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