Missed all the rugby league results this weekend because you were running onto the field against the rules at the Sydney Football Stadium? Forgot to set the alarm for one or all of the matches this weekend? No, of course you didn’t. But if you genuinely did, or you need/want more or less, The Gurgler has you covered for the with our 2026 NRL Round 2 Results & Stats – One Minute Match Reports.
Our popular One Minute Match Reviews offers up just enough facts and figures and opinion to make it through the awkward chats the next morning on public transport, or something to talk about when ringing into the local ABC breakfast show of your choice. Or just enough level of interest so you don’t have to make eye contact with that jerk in the office you really don’t want to have to be nice to.
Regardless of how you spend your time, the One Minute Match Report has you just about covered.
2026 NRL Round 2 Results & Stats
Brisbane 32 Parramatta 40
Match Thoughts
Like Jerry Springer, but for rugby league.
Fingers are hovering above panic buttons in Brisbane as the Broncos start the season 0-2, and some argue were almost as disappointing as the previous week when they lost without scoring.
When the Broncos led 20-6 after 25 minutes, it looked like Parramatta were in for as long a night as they endured in Melbourne in Round One. But the Eels went on a try scoring spree scoring three before the break and one after it – two of them to Isaiah Iongi – to be leading 26-20.
That seemed to wake up the Broncos for a while and they did re-take the lead and were still in front 32-28 with 18 minutes to go, and you thought they might just click and go on to win the game. But Sean Russell sneaked a try in the corner to give the Eels the lead again, and future Broncos Jonah Pezet sealed the win with a try of his own after plenty of try assists.
The Broncos looked disinterested at times, and much will be said about Reece Walsh not having one of his better nights, and he sure didn’t, but very few Broncos did. The Broncos are occasionally thought of as being quite arrogant, and performances like the first two weeks wouldn’t help that, and it doesn’t get easier next week as they have to face the Storm in Melbourne, a place they don’t do well at, and may not have Adam Reynolds available because of injury. And they aren’t flush with young back ups until next season.
PLAYER OF THE MATCH – Jonah Pezet – silver lining for the Broncos is he’s theirs next season.
One Minute Big Stats Summary
Most of the stats you need, and just a few you want.
The Points of Interest
- Parramatta have won this fixture at Suncorp Stadium for the last two seasons now.
- Parramatta have won five of the last six games v Brisbane at Suncorp Stadium. Parramatta have scored at least 22 points in each game of that run.
- Parramatta have won their last five games on a Friday, with four of the five games being away,
Warriors 40 Raiders 6
Match Thoughts
Like Jerry Springer, but for rugby league.
Time to get the Wah-ty started. Terrible puns aside, what a start to the season for the Warriors. Brushing aside one of the Premiership favourites in Round One, then blowing away the 2025 Minor Premiers in Round 2. They are looking great.
In the pouring rain in Auckland it was a tight first half with the Warriors and Canberra all square at 6-6 at the break. Who could have guessed the scoreline at the end of the game from there. Although, you could easily guess that Leka Halasima would score a try given his recent form, or maybe two as he did in the second half.
Second half was all Wahs as they overpowered Canberra outscoring them 34-0 in an awesome display.
Whilst Wahs fans, and the many well wishers won’t be buying NRL Grand Fina Tickets, maybe they are and maybe they should, but they should be excited about where the Warriors can get to in 2026. Maybe even a new Minor Premier? And more. Not the end of the world for Raiders fans, who will live to fight on for a overdue Premiership, but a timely reminder to the other teams going to visit the Wahs in Auckland this season.
One Minute Big Stats Summary
Most of the stats you need, and just a few you want.
The Points of Interest
- Warriors now have twice the wins over the Raiders at home as they lead the H2H v Canberra at Mt Smart Stadium by 14-7.
- The Wahs win broke a run of three wins for Canberra over them, and they also stopped some good runs of form on a Friday for Canberra.
- It was the Warriors’ first back to back home game wins at Mt Smart since Round 7 last year.
Roosters 26 South Sydney 18
Match Thoughts
Like Jerry Springer, but for rugby league.
What a moment, Alex Johnston breaking the all-time try scoring and despite warning for months, the fans did run onto the field to enjoy the moment. And so they should, it made the moment so much better. So good luck to the authorities trying to fine everyone. Interesting the first fan on the scene was wearing a Roosters jersey, which despite the rivalry shows the gravity of the achievement. The 15 minute delay to soak it all up was worth, and Antohny Albanese hasn’t been so popular for a long time.
Back to the game and Souths wasted a bunch of territory and ball with a failure to score and the Roosters put on two tries, one a historic moment for Daly Cherry-Evans for his first Roosters try, and the other standard good work from Daniel Tupou.
Either side of the half time break was about Alex Johnston, equaling the record before, and breaking the record one minute after half time, with Latrell Mitchell throwing the final pass for both. The record break saw Johnston sail 30 metres down the sideline to score, but legends over time will probably call it 50 metres and more.
One a night where the greatest try coring winger was celebrated, it was apt that Marky Mark from the Roosters edged the Roosters back ahead with a try that few others would have scored without being smashed into touch.
Souths had their chances after that try but some very simple errors from their very best players cost them, and perhaps it was the distraction of the record breaking try that did it. The Roosters edged further ahead to 20-12 with a penalty goal not long after Cody Walker made an unforced error. Despite a few more errors Souths then benefitted from a Roosters error when Campbell Graham scored from a Jack Wighton grubber within the first set, and with Latrell at his goal kicking best it was 20-18 with nine minutes to go.
Souths had their chances but were unable to break through and given Souths the result to go with the occasion. A shame they gave away their last good chance with a silly escort penalty, which gave the Roosters to seal the game with a try from a DCE grubber in the final minute. The Roosters take the two points but the game will still belong to Alex Johnston.
The game itself was a gripping contest, with two great rivals going at each other, bit of niggle, and not as many penalties or points as week one. NRL take notice, you don’t need basketball scoreline for games to be great. Just stars doing their thing, and the rules and officials letting them do it.
A note for following Souths games though, as soon as Cody Walker gets a bit angry, a bit pushy, almost punchy, Souths never win.
One Minute Big Stats Summary
Most of the stats you need, and just a few you want.
The Points of Interest
- The Roosters are 11/11 against South Sydney at the Sydney Football Stadium on a Friday in the NRL era
- Roosters have won also six of the last seven games v South Sydney anywhere. Roosters have won six of the last seven games v South Sydney at the Sydney Football Stadium on any day, including the last three.
- Roosters have won 13 of their last 14 at the Sydney Football Stadium on a Friday.
Wests Tigers 44 North Queensland 16
Match Thoughts
Like Jerry Springer, but for rugby league.
What a glorious sight to see a Saturday afternoon game at a packed suburban ground, rugby league bosses should take note in their seemingly never-ending to quest to become NFL lite or beat the AFL at everything. Well, glorious for anyone not supporting the North Queensland Cowboys.
For a second match in a row they were well beaten by a team that finished in the bottom half in 2025, and there’s no hint from them so far that their end position will be anything other than bottom half. Unless they sack Too Payten, which has been hinted at for years now, and may end up being a mercy for him.
But who can begrudge the Tigers a little success after what seems like a decade of taunts over finishing either 9th place or last. They looked good throughout with a suggestion that there’s plenty more to come too, this being only their first game of the season. The party atmosphere at Leichhardt may suggest the Tigers fans can smell top eight in 2026, following a similar path to the Bulldogs after recent seasons of doldrums.
It helps the Tigers have brought in winners from Penrith, but recruitment from elsewhere looks better by the week like Kai Pearce-Paul and their faith in the younger players coming through might see rewards this season too.
The Cowboys again looked out of sorts, especially in the first half, the try to Adam Doueihi captures this, as there is no way a halfback (as big as he is for a halfback) should power his way to the line under the posts that early in a game. Perhaps he was driven by the noise of the home fans. The Tigers led 28-2 at half time scoring five tries to nil. North Queensland did threaten a comeback of sorts, getting as close as 34-16 in the 61st minute, but that was as close as they would get with the Tigers signing off with two more tries for a great first-up win.
The Points of Interest
- Wests Tigers have won their last four games at Leichhardt on a Saturday v Qld teams.
- The last five games between these sides at Leichhardt average just under 70 points.
- The Tigers’ win broke a run of five straight losses v North Queensland.
St George Illawarra 20 Melbourne 46
Match Thoughts
Like Jerry Springer, but for rugby league.
As some of us acknowledge the foolishness of tipping St George Illawarra, they at least weren’t total outclassed and gave the Storm a decent contest for a long time at WIN Stadium on Saturday, as they were in Las Vegas past the 80th minute mark. The Dragons just lack a little bit of quality to get past the better sides in these types of contests, which won’t save them from a bottom half finish but will save the coach from losing his coach. That and the constant and consistent backup from Fox League friends. No matter what they say Kyle Flanagan will never deliver them a title.
Worries over off season departures at Melbourne can be close to put aside now, especially with Fa’alogo’s form at fullback, and as evert the Storm production line of forwards to cover the losses of Eli Katoa for the season and big Nelson forever. The Storm will have to use that production line expertise on their backline when some of their players head to Perth on a Bear Hunt, and talk of Will Warbrick moving to the Warriors, but you can be pretty sure that Melbourne will cover it, and continue to shine.
The half time score was 18-14 but that was only after a run of penalties just before half time saw Melbourne score in the dying seconds of the half to snatch the lead. Up until then and into the second half the Dragons were more than holding their own, retaking the lead in the 52nd minute when Val Holmes converted his own try. But whether that try or an icy stare from Craig Bellamy in the coaches box lit a fire for the Storm but they turned it on, scoring 28 points in the last 18 minutes starting with a Fa’alogo try in the 62nd minute.
Melbourne are 2/2 having scored 98 points in the first two matches as the Strom machine rolls on again for another season.
The Points of Interest
- Melbourne have won the last four games v St George Illawarra at Win Stadium.
- Melbourne have won ten of their last 12 games v Sydney teams away.
- Melbourne have won five games in a row away on a Saturday.
Penrith 26 Cronulla 6
Match Thoughts
Like Jerry Springer, but for rugby league.
The Sharks sure don’t like playing the Panthers. Penrith have won six in a row v Cronulla and ten of the last 11 games. They have scored zero three times in that run, and looked capable of a fourth blot in Bathurst on Saturday night.
Penrith again did what Penrith do best, crush the spirit of opposition and their will to win. It may sound not very nice, but it has been extremely effective in winning many premierships in a row. They have conceded just six points against two side that made the second last week of the finals last season.
It’s all no nonsense too, but does help to have a halfback like Nathan Cleary running the show.
The Sharks are equally no nonsense, but their form against the very top sides in games that matter is a concern. Not that the game in Bathurst was life defining, but it was a preview into the future when the Sharks make the finals and get knocked out again.
One final thought is for more games in country locations. The NRL get plenty of money out of Origin, Las Vegas and Magic Round, so why make a Country Round or make all 17 teams go to the bush once a season.
The Points of Interest
- Penrith are W7 L5 at Bathurst. That improves to W7 L4 on a Saturday.
- The last four games at Bathurst have been 32 points or less.
- Penrith have won six in a row v Cronulla and ten of the last 11 games. Cronulla have scored zero three times in that run. And did score six points only in another two games in that run.
Manly 16 Newcastle 36
Match Thoughts
Like Jerry Springer, but for rugby league.
It’s easy to bash Manly instead of praising Newcastle, so we will.
It was probably the most underwhelming performance of the weekend, at least as bad as the Cowboys looked against the Wests Tigers. But at least the Cowboys have an excuse. They had to go to Las Vegas, and their away trip is 1,684km each way. Doesn’t forgive the awfulness, but just gives a reasonable excuse. Or maybe it’s the constant coach bashing and talk of exits.
But Manly were at home for the second weekend in a row, so like Oscar Piastri in the F1 they haven’t had to move at all this season yet. So to not only lose, but to be down 30-10 at half time, and that’s with their two million players out, and the Knights were already down another starting half, it’s pretty bad going.
Manly had a short enough deficit (30-16 after 45 minutes) and loads of time to turn it around, but they didn’t. Newcastle for a second game in a row just got the job done.
A word for Sandon Smith, who was initially named on the bench in Las Vegas until Fletcher Sharpe got injured, he has certainly taken his opportunity over the first two games, and the injuries to Kalyn Ponga and Dylan Brown might be a great opportunity to seal a spot for the season.
And good on Newcastle turning around an ordinary 2026 and providing an early season surprise.
The Points of Interest
- Newcastle broke a run of eight losses away on a Sunday with victory over Manly.
- It’s the first time since 2021 that Manly have lost their first two home games of the season.
- It was just the third loss at home to Newcastle from the last 18 matches.
Dolphins 18 Gold Coast 14
Match Thoughts
Like Jerry Springer, but for rugby league.
A win is a win, and holding the title of Queensland’s best so far in 2026 feels a little shallow, but again Dolphins fans will take it.
It took a long time for the Dolphins to get going in their game v Gold Coast on Sunday at Suncorp Stadium, for a second week the attack looked a little clunky, and forward momentum relied upon the big forwards and Herbie Farnworth giving it everything with every run. Herbie has been exceptional for the Dolphins since defecting from the Broncos. The most recent Broncos defector Selwyn Cobbo put in a decent shift on Sunday night in terms of cleaning up at the back, but we’re yet to see the best of him in attack. Hopefully the Dolphins can open up in the coming weeks.
Once again, with the Titans proving hard to crack, and the Dolphins handing over too much ball, it was the perfect stage for Trai Fuller to come into the game, but unfortunately by the time he would have been very useful the Dolphins had used the four players off the bench. Of course you’re not going to say no to Ray Stone, who would dare, and Felisa Kaufusi is always good value before he gets suspended, and Oryn Keeley deserves game time after his 2025 heroics. That leaves the back up hooker Brad Schneider. He’s a great signing for depth in the halves, but he isn’t a hooker, and the Dolphins kind of need an 80 minute hooker so they can add Trai Fuller unto the rotation.
The Gold Coast were good value for the first half, and the points festival many were hoping for didn’t eventuate as the Titans were able to apply pressure to shut down anything threatening. It was a better effort against the Dolphins than Round 1’s loss to the Sharks, but they too lacked cut-through in attack, especially in the second half.
Eventually the Dolphins got going with Kulikefu Finefeuiaki’s try a bit lucky with a bouncing ball after a short drop out from the Titans, but it was no less a reward than the second rower deserved. He has been very good for the Dolphins both weeks, getting solid 80 minute performances out of him.
Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow lit up the Sunday evening crowd at Suncorp with an almost length of the field run late in the game, and his try to take the lead was well received. It came after a slightly different tactic from Isaiya Katoa on the last, dropping a shorter bomb inwards to a flying Hammer. When Katoa changes it up it pays dividends more often than not, so as good as he is, mixing up a little more might unlock a little more out of the Dolphins attack.
A timely win for the Dolphins, who have a hard run over the next six weeks, with a trip to Sydney for Cornulla, a Battle of Brisbane, plus trips to Darwin to play Penrith and over to Auckland for the in-form Warriors, with home games to Manly and the Storm thrown in. You could argue that even two wins from that six would be a decent return, but that would leave your 2026 at W3 L5, which isn’t great, but better than last season’s 0-4 start.
The Points of Interest
- Dolphins lead the H2H v Gold Coast 6-1 now.
- Gold Coast have lost their last eight away games on a Sunday v all teams.
- Dolphins have won their last three games at Suncorp Stadium v Qld opposition as the home side.
Stay tuned for the other games this weekend. Or read below……
The Rest of 2026 NRL Round 2
NRL ROUND 2 PREDICTIONS & STATS
THE NRL DONKEY’s BOLD PREDICTIONS
NRL ROUND 2 RATINGS
NRL ROUND 2 BEST BETS
