Broncos hand Canterbury first loss of 2025 NRL season

Brisbane have brought ladder-leading Canterbury’s dream start to a crashing halt, handing the Bulldogs their first loss of the 2025 NRL season with a brutal 42-18 demolition at Suncorp Stadium.

Led by a masterclass from captain Adam Reynolds and another monster effort from Payne Haas, the Broncos were unstoppable in the first half, running in six unanswered tries to lead 34-0 at the break.

It was a stark reality check for the Bulldogs, who had not conceded a point in over 200 minutes coming into the match. But by full-time, they’d had three players sent to the sin bin, four put on report, and were soundly beaten across the park.

Reynolds, playing his 295th NRL game, was at his best — scoring a try, setting up three more, and pulling off a trademark 40/20 in a clinical first-half display.

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His performance, however, ended early after he exited in the 75th minute with a shoulder injury — the same one he’d clutched after his try earlier in the match.

Brisbane also unearthed a genuine fullback option in Selwyn Cobbo, who starred in Reece Walsh’s absence with 145 run metres, four tackle breaks, and a sublime assist for Gehamat Shibasaki.

With Walsh locked in on a $5 million deal and Cobbo off contract, the Broncos may now face a selection and salary cap headache.

Fox League’s Michael Ennis labelled the first half a “bloodbath”, and few could argue. Haas ran for 255 metres, while Pat Carrigan added 181, as the Broncos pack steamrolled Canterbury’s previously dominant middle.

Deine Mariner grabbed a double off pinpoint Reynolds kicks, Jesse Arthars crossed for his 10th of the year, and Billy Walters iced the win with a try in the final minute.

Canterbury did fight back after the break with tries to Marcelo Montoya, Jacob Preston and Bronson Xerri, but by then, the damage was done to the $1.53 bookmaker favourites.

Bulldogs coach Cameron Ciraldo lamented his side’s poor start but praised their second-half resolve. “I’m really proud of the second half, filthy about the first,” he said.

Brisbane’s win propels them back into top-four calculations ahead of a Magic Round showdown with Penrith, while the Bulldogs will look to regroup against the Titans on Sunday.

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