The 2025 National Rugby League (NRL) campaign is well underway, featuring an exciting start as teams vie for supremacy in the opening rounds. Melbourne Storm marked their entry into the season with a thrilling grand final rematch against the Penrith Panthers. On Thursday night, March 20, 2025, the Storm secured a narrow 30-24 victory, balancing the scales in a match teeming with tension and passion.
In another surprising twist this season, the New Zealand Warriors came out strong, defeating the Sydney Roosters 14-6 on the evening of Friday, March 21, 2025. This second consecutive home win indicated a promising trajectory for the Warriors, hinting at their potential as serious contenders this year.
The Brisbane Broncos displayed resilience after a setback in their previous game, overcoming the North Queensland Cowboys with a decisive 26-16 victory on the same night. The Broncos’ performance highlighted their competitiveness early in the season, as they positioned themselves well within the NRL standings.
As the weekend unfolded, anticipation rose for the upcoming matches. Cronulla Sharks are set to clash with the South Sydney Rabbitohs on Saturday, March 22, 2025, in what many fans expect will be an intense and closely contested match. This will precede the Dolphins' attempt to earn their first win of the season as they host the Wests Tigers later that day at Kayo Stadium.
The Newcastle Knights, standing tall in the competition, will travel to the Gold Coast to face the Titans, aiming to continue their unbeaten streak. Meanwhile, Parramatta Eels will battle the Canterbury Bulldogs on Sunday, March 23, 2025, at CommBank Stadium, followed by a clash between the Manly Sea Eagles and the Canberra Raiders that evening.
The current NRL ladder, as of Friday, March 21, 2025, showcases Melbourne Storm leading the pack with an impressive record showcasing two wins from their first two matches. The Broncos follow closely, having won two out of three games, while the Canberra Raiders and Canterbury Bulldogs have also made strong starts, each winning their opening matches. Meanwhile, the Newcastle Knights, NZ Warriors, and South Sydney Rabbitohs initially display strong potential, each claiming early victories.
Fans are eagerly anticipating the matchups set for this weekend. In addition to the Sharks versus Rabbitohs showdown, the Dolphins have the opportunity to break their losing streak against the Wests Tigers. The Titans will be seeking redemption against the red-hot Knights, who look to extend their winning ways.
On Sunday, the Eels vs Bulldogs match promises fanfare and a festive atmosphere in what could be a pivotal moment for the Eels as they seek their first victory, while the Sea Eagles will look to assert dominance over the Raiders.
The schedule remains tight as the St George Illawarra Dragons take a bye this round, leaving the rest of the teams to fight for crucial early points.
With the stakes high and the anticipation palpable, this round sets the stage for a defining moment in the 2025 NRL season, as teams look to solidify their positions and build momentum for the weeks ahead.
