The NRL 2025 season is set to commence with teams grappling with pre-season challenges such as injuries and contract negotiations. One of the hardest-hit teams, South Sydney, faces the loss of captain Cameron Murray for the year after he tore his Achilles, and star fullback Latrell Mitchell will be sidelined for eight weeks due to hamstring issues.
These injuries are making fans anxious about the Rabbitohs’ performance as they navigate through their early matches. Murray, known for his leadership and on-field prowess, leaves a significant gap. “Cameron Murray won’t play this year after tearing his Achilles, Latrell Mitchell is out eight weeks with a bung hamstring,” reported The Daily Telegraph, voicing concerns about the team's depth and ability to compete effectively without their star players.
Meanwhile, the Brisbane Broncos are making headlines with their movements off the field. Kotoni Staggs is on the verge of finalizing a new $2 million deal, which could drastically affect the roster. His contract negotiations come at the potential expense of fellow center Selwyn Cobbo.
Staggs recently expressed his loyalty to Brisbane, saying, “I have just got to play good footy this year and perform well. My footy will do the talking.” His rise to the club’s leadership group showcases his growing importance within the team.
But this shift highlights the intense competition for positions, hinting at Cobbo's possible exit: “The most likely outcome is Cobbo leaves at the end of 2025... the Broncos will look vastly different come 2026, with their premiership window potentially just a single season,” stated The Daily Telegraph.
Across the league, injuries are pervasive. The New Zealand Warriors will miss veteran winger Dallin Watene-Zelezniak for the opening rounds after suffering wrist and other clubs like North Queensland have seen players like Heilum Luki and Tom Chester ruled out for the season due to torn ACLs. The Sharks have also lost their ace winger Sione Katoa for up to five months due to a shoulder reconstruction.
Yet, it’s not just about missed opportunities; teams are strategizing to bring new talent to fill gaps left by injured players. Coaches are recalibrated and seeking dynamic solutions as veteran players like Cameron Munster from Melbourne author new strategies to rejuvenate their teams.
For clubs like the Parramatta Eels, the coaching staff is managing considerable turnover with second-rower Shaun Lane and Bailey Simonsson out for significant stretches. Despite these blows, coach Jason Ryles is optimistic about integrating fresh faces to maintain competitiveness.
Contract dilemmas are heightening tension in the off-season, with many clubs grappling with their salary caps. Several teams, including the Broncos, are already feeling the squeezing effect of high-value contracts. Experts speculate they might need to shed more players soon to adapt to forthcoming financial pressures.
This off-season’s player movement and injury reports are forcing teams to adapt quickly to keep pace with each other. The looming salary cap discussions will be pivotal as teams like Brisbane, who have big names like Adam Reynolds and Payne Haas, continue to reshape rosters to fit under their financial ceilings.
With the season now just around the corner, all teams are preparing to hit the ground running. Predictions are for intense competition as players return from injury, new contracts shape aspirations, and hopeful contenders look to prove they are ready to contend. While pundits speculate on frontrunners, one thing is clear: the 2025 NRL season promises to be as unpredictable as ever.