NRL News: Dogs Sweat on Kiraz Scans, Cleary Defends Resting Ploy, Reynolds Delays Return After Injury Setback..

NRL News: Dogs Sweat on Kiraz Scans, Cleary Defends Resting Ploy, Reynolds Delays Return After Injury Setback..

 

The NRL finals race is heating up, and with it comes a wave of injury concerns, coaching debates, and player setbacks that could have a major impact on how the ladder shapes up in the coming weeks. This weekend’s developments have given fans and pundits plenty to talk about, with Canterbury Bulldogs nervously awaiting medical results on star winger Jacob Kiraz, Penrith Panthers coach Ivan Cleary forced to defend his controversial resting strategy, and Brisbane Broncos captain Adam Reynolds facing yet another delay in his comeback from injury.

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Bulldogs Sweat on Kiraz Scans

Canterbury Bulldogs’ hopes of keeping their finals dream alive took a major blow when outside back Jacob Kiraz limped off the field during their bruising clash over the weekend. The 22-year-old winger, who has been one of the club’s most consistent performers this season, suffered a leg injury midway through the second half after an awkward collision in a tackle.

Kiraz was immediately taken for scans, and while the initial assessment suggests a possible medial ligament strain, the club is waiting for confirmation from specialists. Bulldogs coach Cameron Ciraldo admitted the team is on edge as they await the full results.

> “He’s been enormous for us this year, not just with his finishing but his work coming out of the backfield. Losing him at this stage of the season would be a huge setback,” Ciraldo said.

 

Kiraz has averaged over 160 running metres per game in 2025 and sits among the top five wingers for tackle busts. His ability to gain early yardage has been vital for the Bulldogs’ game plan, especially with injuries already affecting the squad’s depth.

Fans of the Belmore club are already voicing concerns on social media, fearing the worst given the timing. With the Bulldogs sitting just inside the top eight, every game now carries finals implications. Should Kiraz be sidelined for multiple weeks, the Dogs’ outside back stocks will be severely tested, leaving Ciraldo with major selection headaches.

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Cleary Defends Resting Ploy

Meanwhile, over at Penrith, coach Ivan Cleary has been forced to publicly defend his decision to rest several key players during the Panthers’ recent fixture. With the club all but assured of a top-four finish, Cleary opted to give star halfback Nathan Cleary, forward Isaah Yeo, and fullback Dylan Edwards the weekend off.

The move sparked outrage among some fans and commentators, who argued that paying supporters were robbed of seeing their favourite stars in action. Others suggested that such tactics risked damaging the integrity of the competition, particularly for rival teams fighting desperately for ladder positions.

But the Panthers coach stood firm, insisting the health and welfare of his players remains his top priority.

> “We’ve been through this before. The season is long and gruelling, and if you don’t manage your roster properly, you risk breaking down in the games that matter most. Our goal is to be fit and firing for finals football,” Cleary explained.

 

He further pointed out that the NRL calendar, which includes State of Origin, short turnarounds, and travel demands, places immense physical strain on elite players. Resting them strategically, Cleary argued, ensures they can peak when the finals series arrives.

The defending premiers have used this strategy in previous years with success, and their track record of delivering when it counts speaks for itself. Still, critics argue that this “resting ploy” undermines fair competition for fans who expect teams to field their best side.

Former players, now turned analysts, are split on the issue. Some, like Cooper Cronk, support Cleary’s approach, citing player welfare. Others, like Gorden Tallis, believe the NRL should intervene with stricter guidelines to prevent clubs from overusing the tactic.

For now, Penrith remain focused on fine-tuning their squad ahead of the finals. Whether the resting policy will backfire or prove to be another masterstroke from Cleary remains to be seen.

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Reynolds Delays Return After Injury Setback

Perhaps the most heartbreaking news of the weekend comes from Brisbane, where captain Adam Reynolds has been forced to delay his long-awaited return from a hamstring injury. The veteran halfback had been pencilled in to make his comeback this week, but a minor setback in training has ruled him out once again.

The 34-year-old has endured a frustrating year with injuries, missing large chunks of the season due to repeated hamstring strains. While the Broncos have shown resilience in his absence, his leadership, kicking game, and composure are sorely missed.

Broncos coach Kevin Walters confirmed Reynolds experienced tightness during a mid-week session and was withdrawn from full training as a precaution.

> “It’s disappointing for Adam and for us as a group. We were hopeful he’d be back, but we won’t be taking any risks. He’s too important to rush,” Walters said.

 

The delay raises questions about whether Reynolds can get enough match fitness before the finals. With only a handful of games left in the regular season, every week counts. The Broncos have leaned heavily on Ezra Mam and Jock Madden in the halves, but without Reynolds’ game management, their attack has looked inconsistent at times.

Fans are growing anxious, particularly as the club’s premiership window remains wide open. Reynolds, who guided the Broncos to last year’s grand final, is seen as the linchpin to their chances of going one step further in 2025.

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What It All Means for the Run Home

The trio of stories paints a vivid picture of the current NRL landscape as the season edges toward finals: injuries, coaching philosophies, and player management are all under the microscope.

For Canterbury, the potential loss of Kiraz could be season-defining. Their fight for a finals berth hinges on their ability to maintain momentum, and replacing his work rate and try-scoring ability won’t be easy. Ciraldo will likely turn to fringe players or shuffle his backline, but the void left by Kiraz could hurt in crunch games.

For Penrith, Cleary’s gamble with resting players may prove pivotal. If the Panthers surge into the finals with fresh legs and minimal injuries, critics will fall silent. But if they stumble, questions will be asked about whether momentum was sacrificed at the wrong time.

For Brisbane, Reynolds’ delayed return looms as the biggest concern. The Broncos have shown they can compete without him, but the finals are a different beast. Without their captain steering the ship, the road to premiership glory becomes much more daunting.

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Final Word

The NRL is no stranger to drama in the lead-up to finals, and this week has been no exception. Injuries and resting strategies are part of the modern game, but their timing and impact can define seasons.

As Bulldogs fans wait nervously for Kiraz’s scan results, Panthers supporters debate Cleary’s methods, and Broncos faithful pray for Reynolds’ swift recovery, one thing is certain: the run home promises to deliver just as much tension and intrigue off the field as it does on it.

With only a few rounds left before finals footy kicks off, every decision — from a coach’s resting call to a player’s rehab program — could shape the destiny of the 2025 NRL season.