Sport
7 April, 2026
NRL on the Wire | ROUND 5 WRAP
Panthers once again steal the Show in a Round Full of High Scores. The Panthers make it 5 wins in a row with a dominant defeat over the Storm.
Round 5 of the NRL delivered tries galore with the Panthers producing the performance of the weekend in a 50 – 10 victory over the Storm at CommBank Stadium. With this win, the Panthers became the first team in NRL history to win their opening five games each by 20+ points.
In Redcliffe, Manly supporters had something to cheer about with debut coach Kieran Foran and his team winning 52 – 18 over the Dolphins. The win was Manly's first win of the season, thanks to a dominant first half.
Elsewhere, the Dragons continued their nightmare start with a 32 – 0 loss against the Cowboys to go 0 wins from 5. Shane Flanagan (Dragons coach) replied to a question on the home crowd booing the Dragons off with “it’s not good enough, I completely understand”.
The Easter Monday clash kept the Tigers run of form going with a nail-biting win over the Eels 22 – 20, decided in golden point. Going into golden point, the Eels star Halfback, Mitch Moses, missed his chance at a 2-point field goal by centimetres. The tigers also had a chance missed, but sealed the game with a penalty goal from Jock Madden. With this win, the Tigers move up into 2nd place.
The Talking Points
The Broncos star Fullback Reece Walsh was pulled off the field just before halftime after being hit by Kurtis Morrin while going for a tackle. Walsh was found to have fractured his left cheekbone (for the third time), which will require surgery. The main man for Brisbane is set to be sidelined for 4 - 6 weeks, which is a huge blow for the club.
Stephen Crichton also looks to have a long stint on the sidelines with an AC joint injury, which takes away the Bulldogs most important player.
Bailey Simonsson's season is likely over after suffering a harmful ankle injury while going for an aerial grab. He was taken illegally by Luke Laulilii, who was sent to the sin bin. Simonsson was removed from the field via medicab in significant pain after a long stoppage of play and was taken to hospital. This adds to Parramatta’s long list of injuries to start the season.
On the ladder, the Rabbitohs sit 3rd after their 32 – 24 victory over the Bulldogs, while the Raiders slipped to 12th following their 32 – 12 loss to the Knights. With most teams starting to find their rhythm, the season is well and truly underway.
Looking ahead, several players are putting their names forward for Origin selection, which will mean some enticing rounds ahead.
Round 5 Results
Dolphins 18 – 52 Sea Eagles
Rabbitohs 32 – 24 Bulldogs
Panthers 50 – 10 Storm
Dragons 0 – 32 Cowboys
Titans 12 – 26 Broncos
Sharks 36 – 22 Warriors
Knights 32 – 12 Raiders
Eels 20 – 22 Wests Tigers
Roosters - Bye
ROUND 5 AT A GLANCE
Game of the Round: Parramatta Eels 20 – 22 Wests Tigers
Player of the Round: Haumole Olakau'atu, Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles – 272 Run Meters, 2 Try assists, 1 Try
Ladder Leaders: Penrith Panthers – 5 wins from 5
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