The 2025 NRL Telstra Premiership opened with a bang as the Brisbane Broncos dominated the Sydney Roosters with a decisive 50-14 victory at Allianz Stadium on March 6, 2025. This season opener not only marked the beginning of the NRL season but also set the tone for what fans can expect from both teams moving forward.
The Roosters entered this match with significant changes to their lineup. They faced the season without key players such as Luke Keary, Jared Waerea-Hargreaves, Joseph Manu, and Joseph Suaalii, all of whom are no longer with the club. The team was also severely disadvantaged by long-term injuries to Sam Walker and Brandon Smith, who could have provided a much-needed offensive punch.
On the other hand, the Broncos, under the leadership of head coach Michael Maguire for the first time, showcased their readiness for the season. The star-studded lineup featured talents like Reece Walsh, Ben Hunt, and Adam Reynolds, all of whom played pivotal roles throughout the match. With impressive strategies and execution, the Broncos managed to convert their opportunities, resulting in the most tries the Roosters have ever conceded to them.
Payne Haas set the pace for the Broncos, earning impressive stats with 15 runs for 165 metres and nine tackle breaks. His powerful presence was compounded by Pat Carrigan, who carried the ball 25 times for 246 metres—a remarkable feat for any player. The duo not only led the attacking front but also laid the foundation for their teammates to capitalize on scoring opportunities.
Despite the Roosters' struggles, debutant Robert Toia made his mark by running for 140 metres and breaking five tackles. He scored one of the Roosters’ tries, demonstrating solid potential as he adjusts to the competitive environment of the NRL. Alongside him, Dominic Young also contributed two tries, but the Roosters were simply outmatched.
The Broncos started strong with initial momentum, and things quickly escalated after several successful plays. Selwyn Cobbo emerged as the standout performer of the night, scoring three tries and completing his sixth career hat-trick. Ben Hunt, not to be outdone, added another try along with Jesse Arthars, Gehamat Shibasaki, Cory Paix, and Jack Gosiewski, rounding out the Broncos' impressive tally.
The scoreline reflected the Broncos' dominance as they headed to half-time with 40 points—a staggering 26-point lead over the Roosters. The Broncos kept 57% of the possession and successfully completed 39 of 42 sets, highlighting their effective gameplay and teamwork.
Trent Robinson, head coach of the Roosters, reflected on the significant roster changes, stating, "I think we do debuts really well in the NRL now. The families come in, and many lifelong dreams are handed out this week." He acknowledged the hard work of his players but also pointed to the challenges they face this season, particularly without several key players.
Michael Maguire praised his players' efforts, saying, "I've always liked hard work, and the players have shown it every single one of them right across the whole squad." He emphasized the significance of the victory to kickstart the season's efforts and set the tone for their approach going forward.
Meanwhile, injury woes continued for the Roosters as Victor Radley suffered a Category 1 head knock early in the game, which ruled him out for the rest of the match and put additional strain on the squad already lacking depth.
Looking at individual plays, the Broncos executed their strategies flawlessly, including Adam Reynolds’ marvelous cross-field kick, which contributed to another try by Walters. This showcased their offensive strategy and cohesion on the field, leaving the Roosters’ defense scrambling.
While the defeat stings for the Roosters and their fans, the Broncos are riding high on this early-season victory, with confidence soaring among players and coaching staff alike. The Roosters will need to regroup and address the significant gaps left by their absences if they hope to challenge the Broncos when they meet again later this season.
Next week, the Broncos will travel to Canberra to face the Raiders, another contender hoping to capitalize on their early season performances. The Roosters, meanwhile, will face the defending premiers, the Panthers, at CommBank Stadium, where they will undoubtedly need to perform at their best to secure any points.
With the season now underway, the NRL is poised for more thrilling matchups and stories as teams strategize, players develop, and every game counts. The Broncos have certainly set the bar high, and it will be captivating to see how the rest of the season plays out.