As finals opportunities were on the line in the QLD Cup and NSW Cup, the final round of the season was filled with intensity.
This week featured a mix of excitement and critical moments that reshaped the finals competitions in these state leagues.
Emerging Star Gains Attention
For those unfamiliar with the QLD Cup, Tane Kiriona may not ring a bell, but his outstanding season with the Central QLD Capras is set to make him a sought-after player for NRL teams.
After joining the Dolphins through a train-and-trial deal in 2025, the young forward faced challenges in his inaugural season in Central QLD. Drawing from his difficult introduction to QLD football, the 23-year-old past QLD U19 representative has become a key player for his affiliate club.
His growth has been remarkable, earning him The League Scene's esteemed Will Partridge Medal as the best player in the QLD Cup this season.
Last weekend, Kiriona's performance significantly contributed to the Capras securing a top four finish; he scored a try, covered over 160 metres, broke seven tackles, and completed 32 tackles without a miss. Moreover, the Capras extended their winning streak to five games, having lost only twice since Round 13.
To better understand Kiriona's progress, a look at his stats shows a dramatic year-on-year improvement. Last season, he averaged 77 metres per game with 30 tackle breaks and three offloads. This year, he has soared to an average of 126 metres per game with 52 tackle breaks and 21 offloads.
Considering the surplus of edge backrowers available, Kiriona's notable development as a former Raiders second-rower will not go unnoticed by teams finalizing their rosters for 2027.
Penrith's Youth Makes Waves
The Penrith Panthers have become a hot topic in the league community. With a potential top-two finish in the NRL secured, their youth development has once again proven to be exemplary, achieving historic milestones.
This season marks the first time the Panthers have advanced to the finals across all NSWRL Junior Representative competitions while also qualifying for senior finals in every grade. However, they missed out on reaching a grand final, so their 2022 achievement of claiming every premiership from U/19 onwards will not be repeated.
Their NSW Cup team has consistently outperformed others recently, clinching the Minor Premiership with a convincing 42-28 win over the Bulldogs at Parker Street Reserve.