Broncos vs Raiders Score: Golden-Point Thriller in the 2025 NRL Finals
The NRL Finals are always full of drama, but what unfolded tonight at GIO Stadium in Canberra between the Brisbane Broncos and the Canberra Raiders will go down as one of the most remarkable games of recent memory. In a match that had everything — sin bins, overturned tries, late comebacks, and a golden-point finish — the Broncos edged past the Raiders 29-28, securing a place in the preliminary final and leaving Raiders fans stunned.
This game wasn’t just about the final scoreline. It was about resilience, pressure, and the fine margins that often separate winners from losers in knockout rugby league. Let’s break down what happened, who stood out, and what this result means for both sides.
The Build-Up: Two Heavyweights Collide
The Raiders, finishing the regular season as minor premiers, entered this clash as favourites. They had been consistent all year, built on a strong forward pack and a balanced kicking game. Playing at home, in front of a roaring Canberra crowd, they had every reason to believe they could overpower the Broncos and book a direct ticket to the preliminary finals.
On the other hand, the Broncos came in with confidence but also with a point to prove. Their season had been filled with flashes of brilliance but also inconsistency. Many experts questioned their discipline and ability to close out tight games. Yet, finals footy often brings out the best in Brisbane — and tonight was no exception.
Raiders Dominate Early
For the first 65 minutes, the script seemed to go exactly as expected for Canberra. They stormed out to a commanding 28-12 lead, with their halves combination controlling the tempo and their big men punching holes through the middle. The Broncos looked rattled. Errors crept in, and discipline issues started to hurt them.
The home crowd was electric, sensing that this might be the night their team delivered a statement win. At that stage, the Raiders looked well in control and on course for a comfortable victory.
The Sin Bin Chaos
Rugby league matches often turn on moments of discipline, and this game had its share of controversies.
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Reece Walsh, the Broncos’ mercurial fullback, was sent to the sin bin for a head-butt on Hudson Young. It was an avoidable incident that left fans frustrated, and at that stage, it felt like Walsh might have let his team down when they needed him most.
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Later, Pat Carrigan also found himself in the bin for a high tackle on Morgan Smithies, compounding the Broncos’ problems.
With two key players off the field at different times, Brisbane’s discipline looked like it might cost them the match. But strangely, these setbacks seemed to ignite their fighting spirit rather than extinguish it.
Reece Walsh: From Villain to Hero
When Walsh returned from the bin, he wasted no time making amends. In fact, his performance in the final 15 minutes was nothing short of extraordinary.
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He scored a try that sparked hope for Brisbane.
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He delivered a stunning 40/20 kick that flipped the field position and kept the Raiders on the back foot.
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He constantly asked questions of the defence, linking up with his halves and injecting energy into tired Broncos legs.
Walsh went from being a potential villain of the night to one of its brightest stars. His ability to shake off mistakes and deliver under pressure is exactly why he is considered one of the most dangerous players in the competition.
The Dramatic Finish
The final 10 minutes were pure chaos — the type of rugby league theatre that fans live for.
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The Raiders thought they had sealed the deal with a try by Jamal Fogarty, but it was overturned by the Bunker due to a knock-on in the lead-up. That single call swung momentum back towards Brisbane.
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With seconds left, Walsh attempted a field goal that was charged down. But in the process, a penalty was awarded against Canberra for contact on his kicking leg. That gave the Broncos a lifeline, and they tied the scores at the death.
The stadium was in shock. Raiders fans couldn’t believe what they were witnessing, while Broncos fans were daring to dream.
Golden Point: Ben Hunt Steps Up
When the game went into golden point extra time, nerves were at an all-time high. Canberra looked drained, while Brisbane suddenly had momentum.
Then, in the 94th minute, it happened. Veteran halfback Ben Hunt, known more for his playmaking than long-range kicking, slotted a 38-metre field goal to seal the match. The ball sailed through the posts, and Broncos players erupted in celebration.
It was a moment of calm in chaos, a reminder of why Hunt’s experience and leadership are so valuable in finals football.
Standout Performers
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Reece Walsh (Broncos): A rollercoaster night but ultimately a match-winner. His try, 40/20 kick, and fearless attack turned the tide.
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Ben Hunt (Broncos): Ice-cool under pressure. That golden-point field goal will be remembered for years.
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Raiders Forward Pack: For most of the game, they dominated the ruck and created space. But fatigue and errors in the final stages cost them.
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Hudson Young (Raiders): Aggressive and hard-working as always, he tested the Broncos’ defence and played with heart.
What This Means Going Forward
For the Broncos
This victory is massive. It wasn’t just a win; it was a statement. Coming back from 16 points down in a high-pressure final proves their mental strength. They now head into the preliminary final, with the luxury of a week off and a home ground advantage. If they can tidy up their discipline, they’ll be a genuine Grand Final threat.
For the Raiders
This is a gut-wrenching loss. As minor premiers, they were expected to progress deep into the finals. Instead, they must regroup quickly for a sudden-death semi-final against the Sharks. The Raiders are still a quality side, but the psychological blow of losing in such a dramatic fashion could linger. Their ability to bounce back will define their season.
Lessons from the Game
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Discipline Wins Matches: The Broncos almost lost because of their sin bins. In finals, every penalty and decision matters.
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Never Count Out a Champion Team: Brisbane’s fightback was proof of resilience. Even when things go wrong, belief can carry a team through.
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Pressure Moments Define Careers: Walsh’s comeback and Hunt’s field goal were examples of players seizing the biggest moments.
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Fine Margins: An overturned try, a penalty at the death, and a single field goal — that’s how close the Raiders were to victory.
Fan Reactions
Social media exploded after the match:
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Broncos fans hailed the comeback as one of the greatest in club history.
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Raiders fans expressed heartbreak, frustration at the Bunker call, and disbelief at how quickly the game slipped away.
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Neutral fans simply enjoyed a contest that showcased everything great about rugby league: skill, drama, and unpredictability.
Final Thoughts
The Broncos vs Raiders qualifying final will be remembered as a classic. It had all the ingredients of a finals epic: big hits, controversy, momentum swings, and a golden-point decider.
For Brisbane, this was a night of belief and resilience. For Canberra, it was a lesson in how cruel sport can be. Both teams gave everything, and both had moments of brilliance and regret.
But in the end, the scoreboard tells the story: Broncos 29, Raiders 28.
The Broncos march on with renewed confidence. The Raiders fight for survival continues. And rugby league fans everywhere are left with memories of one of the most dramatic finals matches in years.
