Panthers survive late Sharks surge to win 28-22 in Round 1

The Penrith Panthers kicked off their 2025 NRL season with a thrilling 28-22 victory over the Cronulla Sharks at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas for Round 1 of the 2025 NRL season.

In a high-energy contest, co-captains Nathan Cleary and Isaah Yeo led the way as the reigning premiers absorbed a late surge from the Sharks to hold on for the win as the betting site favourites with the top rugby league betting sites.

Cronulla struck early, with Jesse Ramien crossing for the opening try at $18 odds with top NRL bookmakers in the first tryscorer market.

Penrith quickly responded as Isaah Yeo broke through the middle to score the Panthers’ first try, before Nathan Cleary’s pinpoint kick found Izack Tago, putting them ahead 12-4.

The Sharks fought back before halftime as Briton Nikora finished off a clever Braydon Trindall grubber to make it 12-10 at the break.

The second half saw Penrith extend their lead, with Daine Laurie finishing a slick backline play before Paul Alamoti crossed in the corner after Cleary and Dylan Edwards combined.

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At 24-10, the Panthers appeared to have control, but the Sharks refused to go away.

Trindall again sparked Cronulla’s attack, sending Kayal Iro over before Addin Fonua-Blake powered through three defenders to close the gap to 24-22.

But just as the Sharks looked to pull off an upset, Cleary produced a decisive play, setting up Laurie for his second try to seal the Panthers’ win.

Panthers v Sharks NRL Round 1 Highlights

Speaking after the match, Cleary praised his team’s resilience in the closing stages.

“We trusted each other’s skills and stayed composed under pressure. It was a tough game, but we found a way to get it done,” Cleary said.

Yeo, who was instrumental in both attack and defence, highlighted the importance of seizing momentum.

“We knew the Sharks would come hard at us, but we just had to stick to our structures and take our chances when they came,” he said.

For the Sharks, Fonua-Blake, who had a strong debut with 190 run metres and a crucial try, was frustrated but optimistic.

“We had our chances, but Penrith is a champion team and they made us pay for a few little mistakes. We’ll take plenty from this game and move forward,” he said.

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Cronulla coach Craig Fitzgibbon also acknowledged his side’s effort but lamented key errors.

“We did a lot right, but in big games you’ve got to be clinical. There were some moments we didn’t quite nail, and that was the difference,” Fitzgibbon said.

Despite the loss, the Sharks showed plenty of promise, with Trindall continuing his strong form and Nicho Hynes creating opportunities throughout the game.

Both teams now return to Australia, with Penrith looking to build on their opening-round victory while Cronulla prepares to face the Cowboys in Round 2.

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