LeagueNews.co | Cooper McEnroe
Rugby league consistently surprises fans, and the recent Finals Week One showcased that perfectly. The thrilling Raiders/Broncos match is already being hailed as one of the best finals in history, sparking discussions that will linger for years.
In addition to that exhilarating game, the Storm secured a victory against the Bulldogs, the Panthers continued their title chase by defeating the Warriors, and the Sharks caused an upset by beating the Roosters.
Each of these results held significance, but nothing captured attention quite like the dramatic moments in the Raiders/Broncos clash, which featured an old-fashioned headbutt, a gripping Golden Point finish after Extra Time, and a team that celebrated too soon, only to discover they had lost.
Here are 20 thoughts reflecting on one of the most memorable Finals Week Ones in rugby league history:
1. When I witnessed Reece Walsh strike Hudson Young, I immediately believed he deserved a send-off. A quick poll I conducted confirmed that many share this sentiment. In the past, acts like headbutting, spitting, and tripping would lead to automatic send-offs and lengthy suspensions, but that standard seems to have slipped in recent times.