Canberra Raiders News

NRL responds to Corey Parker's criticism of unconventional 2025 finals schedule initiated by Raiders' request.

LeagueNews.co

The NRL has responded to Brisbane Broncos legend Corey Parker's criticisms regarding the finals schedule, deeming it "diabolical," through CEO Andrew Abdo.

The 2025 NRL finals have introduced an unconventional scheduling approach, departing from traditional game timings for the first time in years.

This change was initiated after the Canberra Raiders, who were the minor premiers, sought a Sunday afternoon game in the opening week. The NRL initially planned to host semi-finals over the weekend, with matches set for Saturday and Sunday of Week 2.

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Reynolds criticizes NRL officiating inconsistency during finals, focusing on taunting and penalties.

LeagueNews.co

Reynolds has voiced his strong opinion regarding the recent decisions made during the opening week of the 2025 NRL finals, which featured four compelling matches. The Bulldogs put up a valiant effort despite their loss to the Storm, while the Sharks and Panthers easily overcame the Roosters and Warriors, respectively. Additionally, the Raiders suffered a heartbreaking defeat against the Broncos in unforeseen circumstances.

"What I am interested in, Ronny Mulitalo is one of the biggest in-your-face taunters in the game, if he does that this week, is he going to get 10 in the bin?," Reynolds stated, questioning the inconsistency in officiating.

He continued, "It was a ridiculous call, Hudson Young should never ... if that was the case, I would have spent 65 minutes in the sin bin every week. That's how I played, and I walked the line. I am going to watch Mulitalo, I'm going to watch every time."

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Storm's Ponissi confirms Papenhuyzen and Hughes will play in upcoming preliminary final.

LeagueNews.co

Melbourne Storm's general manager of football, Frank Ponissi, has announced that both Ryan Papenhuyzen and Jahrome Hughes are expected to participate in the upcoming preliminary final.

The Storm faced the qualifying final without either player but managed to secure a win against the depleted Canterbury Bulldogs. In contrast, the Bulldogs must quickly prepare for their semi-final against the four-time champions, the Penrith Panthers, this Sunday at Homebush.

This week off will allow the Storm to rest, as they await the victor of the semi-final between the Canberra Raiders and Cronulla Sharks. The team that wins will need to make the journey to Victoria on a six-day turnaround, but Ponissi indicated that they may be up against a fully fit Storm squad.

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