In a game that lived up to every bit of the hype, the Canberra Raiders and the Canterbury Bulldogs delivered a heart-pounding, edge-of-your-seat showdown in Round 10 of the 2025 NRL season. Under blue skies and in front of a sold-out GIO Stadium, the top two teams on the ladder faced off in a blockbuster battle that will be remembered for years to come.
🏟️ A Sold-Out Stadium and 30 Years of History
This wasn’t just another NRL game—it was a rare top-of-the-table clash between two storied clubs meeting in the top two for the first time since their epic 1994 grand final. With over 25,000 roaring fans creating a cauldron of noise and the Viking Clap shaking the stands, the atmosphere was electric from the first whistle.
🗣️ “It’s gonna be dry-weather footy, two in-form sides, a packed house—this is what rugby league dreams are made of,” said NRL great Michael Ennis.
🔥 First Half: Raiders Run Riot
The Raiders wasted no time in showing their intent. With clinical execution and ferocious energy, they blasted through the Bulldogs’ line, taking a commanding 20-0 lead into halftime. Fans in lime green were on their feet, dreaming of another famous win in the capital.
⚡ Second Half: Bulldogs Unleash the Beast
But the Bulldogs weren't going down without a fight.
Led by their young guns and a tactical masterclass from coach Cameron Ciraldo, Canterbury mounted a thrilling comeback—scoring three tries in just 11 minutes to bring the game back to life. Suddenly, the impossible became possible. And then—boom—a late penalty sealed the deal: Bulldogs 22 - Raiders 20.
📊 Final Score:
Raiders – 20
Bulldogs – 22
📊 Match Stats Snapshot
| 🔢 Stat | Raiders | Bulldogs |
|---|---|---|
| First Half Points | 20 | 0 |
| Second Half Points | 0 | 22 |
| Total Tries | 3 | 4 |
| Possession (%) | 51 | 49 |
| Completion Rate (%) | 88 | 91 |
🎯 What This Game Means for the Ladder
With this win, the Bulldogs seize the top spot, proving that their 2025 campaign is no fluke. For the Raiders, it’s a reminder that no lead is safe and every minute counts in the race to the finals.
🧠 Tactical Takeaways
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Raiders’ first-half dominance showed their attacking firepower is top-tier.
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Bulldogs’ second-half response proved their depth, grit, and game IQ.
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Discipline and composure turned the tide late in the game.
🔥 Fan Reaction – Twitter Exploded!
💬 “That’s why we LOVE rugby league! Bulldogs comeback of the season!”
💬 “Raiders had it in the bag... how did they let that slip?”
💬 “Best NRL game of 2025 so far. Period.”
