Broncos smash Bulldogs in rain-soaked thriller

On a rain-soaked Thursday night(April 24) at Lang Park, the Brisbane Broncos handed the Canterbury Bulldogs their first loss of the 2025 NRL season, with a 42-18 victory in front of the home crowd.

It was a masterclass in attacking rugby league from the Broncos, who ran in six first-half tries to build a stunning 34-0 lead at the break. Despite the wet conditions, Brisbane’s ball-handling and execution were near flawless, overwhelming a Bulldogs side that never quite recovered from the early onslaught.

Brisbane captain Adam Reynolds led the team with composure and class, with hooker Billy Walters and five-eighth Ben Hunt both contributing to the fast-paced assault. Walters would later cap off the win with a late try off a grubber kick from Cory Paix in the final moments.


For the Bulldogs, who had started the season with six straight wins, it was a night where nothing seemed to go their way. Discipline proved costly, with three players sent to the sin bin throughout the match. Sitili Tupouniua and Marcelo Montoya were both marched for high tackles. At one stage, Canterbury were down to 11 men.

Despite the heavy scoreboard pressure, the Bulldogs showed some late fight. Marcelo Montoya, Jacob Preston, and Bronson Xerri all crossed for second-half tries, giving their fans something to cheer about.

The only sour note for Brisbane came in the 75th minute when Adam Reynolds left the field nursing a shoulder injury. Initial reports from the club suggest it’s a "burner" – a nerve-related pain – but medical staff will monitor him closely in the coming days.

The Bulldogs will now go back to the drawing board after their first stumble of the season. Brisbane’s 42 points marked their highest score of the season so far, and they will take plenty of confidence from the emphatic win.