The biggest Friday night of the NRL season delivered two thrillers, with a dramatic golden point finish in Mudgee followed by Melbourne’s powerhouse Storm taking control early against the Bulldogs at a sold-out AAMI Park.

At Glen Willow Oval, Canberra stunned Penrith with one of the most remarkable finishes seen this year. With the scores locked at 16-16 in extra time, Nathan Cleary’s field-goal attempt cannoned off the upright. The rebound sparked a 100-metre Raiders counter, ending with Kaeo Weekes diving over to seal a 20-16 victory. The result keeps Canberra on top of the ladder and dents Penrith’s hopes of forcing their way back into the top four.

Attention then shifted south to Melbourne, where the Storm wasted no time making their mark. Tyran Wishart’s sharp play put Eliesa Katoa over for his 11th try of the season, before Ryan Papenhuyzen’s pace exposed rookie Bulldogs halfback Lachlan Galvin to stretch the lead. With Nick Meaney steady on conversions, the Storm surged ahead 12-0 by the 25-minute mark.

Key points so far:

• Raiders stunned Penrith 20-16 with a golden point try in Mudgee.

• Nathan Cleary’s late field-goal attempt hit the upright, triggering the Raiders’ match-winning break.

• At AAMI Park, Storm lead the Bulldogs after first-half tries to Katoa and Papenhuyzen.

• Victory would secure Melbourne a top-two finish and keep minor premiership hopes alive.

Team news also added intrigue, with Ryan Papenhuyzen cleared to start for the Storm after missing last week through concussion. The Bulldogs welcomed back Sitili Tupouniua from injury, but their recent struggles in Melbourne continue, having lost eight of their last nine against Craig Bellamy’s men.

With Canberra tightening their grip at the summit and the Storm chasing down the minor premiership, Round 25 has already reshaped the finals picture.