Machibet LiveNRL 2025, Finals scenarios, semi-finals, Bulldogs, Panthers, Sharks, Raiders, schedule

Author: Martin Lenehan NRL Lead Journalist
Timestamp: Tue 16 Sep 2025, 09:43 AM

Finals specialists Melbourne and the Reece Walsh-inspired Broncos will put their feet up this weekend as the Bulldogs, Panthers, Sharks and Raiders fight for survival and the right to move into a preliminary final.

The Panthers' dream of a remarkable five-peat is alive and well after their 24-8 win over the Warriors in Auckland and they now confront a wounded Bulldogs outfit in a monster semi-final at Accor Stadium.

With Nathan Cleary, Isaah Yeo and Brian To'o at their inspirational best, the Panthers have an undeniable chance of becoming the first team to win the premiership from outside the top four.

If Ivan Cleary's men can go all the way they'll become the first team since the all-conquering St George side of the 50s and 60s to win five straight titles.

The Sharks stood tall on home turf to send the Roosters packing 20-10 to set up a clash with the Raiders, who will still be pondering the one that got away in a 94-minute epic against Brisbane.

After scores were locked 28-28 at the end of 80 minutes, the game went to 10 minutes of extra time but still the sides could not be separated.

One of the most extraordinary finals game ever witnessed was then decided in the fourth of golden point when Ben Hunt piloted a long-range field goal to get the Broncos home 29-28.

Ben Hunt!

This was a measure of redemption for Hunt some 12 years after his dropped ball from the kick-off in golden point time against the Cowboys in the 2015 grand final.

With Payne Haas battling an ongoing ankle issue and Adam Reynolds striving to return from a hamstring injury suffered in Round 23, the two-week break is manna from heaven for Michael Maguire's men, although Billy Walters' ACL injury is a massive blow.

The Raiders must now regroup as they look to avoid becoming just the third minor premier in history to "go out in straight sets”.

Last time they met: Raiders v Sharks

In 2009 the Dragons won the minor premiership on points difference from Canterbury (they both finished on 38 competition points) before they were beaten by Parramatta (1 v 8 final) and then by Brisbane in a semi-final.

Prior to that it was Glebe in 1911, who won the minor premiership by two points from the Dally Messenger-led Eastern Suburbs but were defeated by Easts in the final and by Easts again in a “challenge final” - effectively the first ever grand final.

All matches in Finals Week Two will be broadcast live on the Nine Network, Fox League, Kayo Sports, 9NOW and Sky NZ.