Round 19 NRL Action: Knights Face Storm, Dragons Battle Roosters

In a thrilling Round 19 of the National Rugby League (NRL), three significant matches unfolded on Saturday, July 12, 2025, across various venues in Australia. The Newcastle Knights hosted the Melbourne Storm at McDonald Jones Stadium, the St George Illawarra Dragons clashed with the Sydney Roosters at Jubilee Stadium, and the North Queensland Cowboys took on the Canterbury Bulldogs at Queensland Country Bank Stadium.

The Knights entered their match against the Storm with hopes of breaking their recent poor home record, sitting five points outside the top eight. Conversely, the Storm aimed to maintain their position among the top four teams to chase the minor premiership. The match commenced with the Knights showcasing a strong performance early on, leading 8-2 in the first half. However, the Storm, led by halfback Jahrome Hughes, rallied back to secure a 32-14 victory. Hughes was instrumental, contributing four try assists and two line-break assists, helping his team overcome a slow start and clinch the win.

Post-game, Knights coach Adam O'Brien expressed his disappointment after a promising start, emphasizing the need for his team to refine their game to convert early leads into wins. Meanwhile, Storm's coach Craig Bellamy praised his players for their resilience and ability to adapt during critical moments of the game.

In the second major clash, the Dragons faced the Roosters in an intense rivalry match at Jubilee Stadium. Both teams were closely positioned in the standings, with the Dragons at 11th and the Roosters at 10th. This match was crucial for both sides as they sought to gain momentum heading into the latter part of the season. The Dragons, buoyed by their home crowd, aimed to capitalize on their recent form against the Roosters, who were looking to assert dominance in the matchup.

The final game of the evening featured the Cowboys against the Bulldogs in Townsville, where the Cowboys fought for their top-eight aspirations against a formidable Bulldogs side currently positioned third in the standings. The match promised a display of high-intensity rugby league, with both teams eager to secure crucial points in the race for finals contention.

As Round 19 progressed, the outcomes of these matches would significantly impact the playoff landscape, intensifying the competition as teams vie for a spot in the NRL finals. The results not only reflect the individual performances of the players but also set the stage for an engaging finish to the rugby league season. Fans can continue to follow the action through NRL.com’s detailed live coverage, including match highlights and coaches' media conferences.