Melbourne Storm emerged victorious in a thrilling NRL clash against South Sydney Rabbitohs, with fullback Ryan Papenhuyzen sealing the win with a match-winning field goal in golden point. Despite the Rabbitohs scoring more tries, Latrell Mitchell’s missed conversions proved costly as the Storm prevailed 25-24. This win denied what could have been a day of upsets in the NRL, with Penrith and Newcastle also claiming victories in earlier matches.
In a standout performance, Souths winger Alex Johnston scored four tries, bringing his NRL career tally to an impressive 206 tries. Johnston’s remarkable display included his 16th hat-trick, placing him in esteemed company alongside NRL legends Ken Irvine and Frank Burge. However, Johnston’s efforts were not enough to secure victory as the Storm clinched the golden point win.
The game-winning moment came in the 84th minute when Papenhuyzen successfully kicked the field goal after an initial attempt was charged down. Reflecting on the intense match, Papenhuyzen expressed his satisfaction with clinching the win in a golden point scenario, highlighting the team’s resilience and determination.
Earlier in the day, Penrith overcame the New Zealand Warriors 28-18, despite missing key State of Origin players. Meanwhile, the Newcastle Knights secured a dramatic last-minute victory over the Dolphins in Perth, with Brodie Jones scoring the decisive try. The match saw concerns for the Dolphins as winger Jack Bostock suffered a suspected ACL injury.
Johnston’s stellar performance and Papenhuyzen’s clutch field goal underscored the excitement and unpredictability of NRL action. The day’s matches showcased the competitive spirit and high stakes in the league, with teams battling it out for crucial wins and asserting their dominance on the field.
As the NRL season progresses, fans can expect more intense matchups, standout performances, and thrilling finishes that capture the essence of rugby league’s excitement and drama.
📰 Related Articles
- Jack Rayner Triumphs in Melbourne Marathon Return
- Young Rider Dominates Melbourne International Equestrian Event
- Winternationals at Willowbank Raceway: Australian Drag Racing Triumphs
- Warriors Edge Dragons in Thrilling NRL Match with Metcalf’s Heroics
- War Machine Triumphs in 2025 Stradbroke Handicap Showcase