NRL Magic Round 2025: Panthers season is reignited, beating Broncos 32-8

The reigning premiers looked like the Panthers of old after a commanding victory over the Broncos, who have some soul-searching to do.

The Broncos copped a chilling reality check of their title credentials after the brilliant Nathan Cleary ripped open Brisbane’s grand-final wounds in Penrith’s epic 32-8 resurrection at Suncorp Stadium on Sunday.

It was Magic Round but for several moments it felt like the 2023 grand final all over again as Cleary produced two magical carbon-copy plays to torment Brisbane and potentially kickstart Penrith’s title defence.

In greasy conditions, Nathan The Great ignored Penrith’s last-placing and dismal 2-6 record, outplaying Broncos halfback rival Adam Reynolds to engineer a five-try hatchet job as Brisbane’s big-game demons returned.

The Broncos bolted to an early 6-0 lead but Penrith stabilised on the back of Cleary’s class, claiming a 20-8 halftime lead before a second-half double to winger Thomas Jenkins plunged the dagger.

The NSW Origin No.7 fired a message to the NRL – the four-time premiers aren’t dead yet.

“It’s never nice losing like that,” Broncos coach Michael Maguire said.

“We had an opposition which turned the screws on us.”

Nathan Cleary played his team into form. Picture: Chris Hyde/Getty Images

CLASSY CLEARY

What a champion. What a player. When Cleary is in the mood, Penrith still have their premiership groove.

Two first-half plays from Cleary evoked both heroic and haunting images of the 2023 decider, which Penrith won 26-24 after Brisbane inexplicably blew a 24-8 lead in the worst collapse in NRL grand-final history.

In the 36th minute, he blasted a crucial 40-20 kick – just as he did in the 23 decider.

Then, just 47 seconds before halftime, Cleary dummied, stepped off his left, brushed off Reynolds and sliced through to score in an identical arcing run to his solo magic which broke Brisbane’s hearts at Homebush two years ago.

“Credit to him, he played a great game,” Maguire said.

ADAM BOMB

Adam Reynolds didn’t reach the brilliant heights of his game against the Bulldogs. Picture: Hannah Peters/Getty Images

If Cleary was sublime, Reynolds’ grand-final nightmare came back to haunt him.

A week is a long time in the NRL. After carving up the Bulldogs last week, Reynolds hit terra firma against a hungry Penrith side which choked him into error.

Reynolds started promisingly with a high kick for Ben Hunt’s opening try in the ninth minute for a 6-0 lead.

But, on balance, it was a game to forget for Reynolds, who kicked out on the full twice – either side of halftime – as Brisbane sensationally self-destructed.

“I didn’t have one of my greatest games,” Reynolds said.

Asked if he has mental demons facing the Panthers, he said: “No. You can write all the headlines you want.

“I just got a few things wrong out there and put the team under pressure.”

BUMBLING BRONCOS

Penrith have some way to go to reach top-eight territory but the jury remains out on Michael Maguire’s Broncos as a bona fide title force this season.

Brisbane needed to dominate the premiers to prove they are the real deal. Instead, they were belted. Brisbane lacked desire, energy, line speed and cohesion as Penrith, sniffing vulnerability, turned the screws in midfield.

The Broncos are too reliant on Payne Haas (178m) and Pat Carrigan (148m) in the middle. Brisbane need more from lock Kobe Hetherington, who ran for a woeful 28 metres, and back-rower Brendan Piakura, who was defensively sloppy.

When the going gets tough, Brisbane’s pack cracks too often.

The Broncos struggled both in attack and defence. Picture: Hannah Peters/Getty Images

BACKFIELD BLITZ

Penrith fullback Dylan Edwards hit back at NSW rival James Tedesco as he waged a thrilling backfield battle with Broncos ace Selwyn Cobbo.

Cobbo was Brisbane’s best player on a woeful night, amassing 200 metres and eight tackle busts as he desperately tried to ignite the Broncos.

But Edwards was equally magnificent, producing a try assist and charging for 145 metres with two line-break assists.

There may be a push for Tedesco to be back in sky blue, but NSW fullback incumbent Edwards oozes class and he’s far from finished.

Just like the Panthers.

Originally published as NRL Magic Round 2025: Panthers season is reignited, beating Broncos 32-8