The 2025 NRL season kicked off with much excitement, capturing the spotlight as the Raiders defeated the Warriors, marking the beginning of this year's thrilling competition. This week, additional clashes are set to complete the first round, with matchups showcasing newly reassembled teams eager to prove themselves.
Las Vegas was the unexpected host for the season opener on Sunday, March 2, 2025, where the Raiders managed to pull off a surprising victory over the Warriors. This marked the beginning of the season for teams striving to assert dominance. The Panthers also entered the season, showing glimpses of their past prowess. They started their campaign without two important players, Jarome Luai and James Fisher-Harris, who were integral to their previous successes.
The excitement continues this weekend, beginning on Thursday, March 6, when the Roosters will face off against the Broncos at Allianz Stadium. This matchup promises to reveal insights about the Roosters' pre-season struggles, culminating from losses against their rivals. Coach Trent Robinson has faced mounting scrutiny, particularly following recent defeats where key stars were absent or underwhelming. The Broncos enter this game with high expectations following the hiring of new coach Michael Maguire, who won the premiership with the Rabbitohs last year. Currently, they are valued at $7.50 odds for the championship, showcasing confidence within their ranks.
On Friday, March 7, the Wests Tigers will play the Newcastle Knights at Campbelltown Sports Ground. New additions such as Jarome Luai, coupled with promising young talent, have reignited hope among aspiring fans of the Tigers. Meanwhile, the Knights, still uncertain about their halves pairing amid injuries, are banking on Kalyn Ponga to lead them to victory.
Also on Friday, the South Sydney Rabbitohs will host the Dolphins, following changes to the venue due to concerns surrounding Cyclone Alfred. This raises the stakes considerably, as the Rabbitohs will need Jamie Humphreys, stepping in for the suspended Lewis Dodd, to deliver under pressure. The Dolphins, under coach Kristian Woolf, who takes the helm from Wayne Bennett, hope to maintain their upward trend following two seasons of improvement.
On Saturday, March 8, the St. George-Illawarra Dragons are set to clash with the Canterbury Bulldogs at Netstrata Jubilee Stadium. The Dragons coach, Shane Flanagan, is aiming to lead his team past the Bulldogs, who have bolstered their lineup with experienced signings. Meanwhile, the Sea Eagles will face the North Queensland Cowboys, with both teams hopeful for brighter performances this season. The Cowboys' new halfback, Tom Duffy, fresh off praise for his pre-season performances, will be tested against the established Daly Cherry-Evans.
Lastly, on Sunday, March 9, the Melbourne Storm will take on the Parramatta Eels at AAMI Park. Known for their dominance, the Storm have historically never lost their opening round clash. Yet this year, they encounter the Eels, who will field a restructured team missing star player Mitchell Moses, demanding tactical adjustments from new coach Jason Ryles.
Already, analysts and fans are buzzing with predictions on how the league will pan out, particularly highlighting performances from players who will shape their teams' narratives. The Broncos are viewed as potential threats if their new combinations can gel seamlessly, especially Ben Hunt's return complicates the dynamics. For the Roosters, the pressure to recover from prior failures looms large.
Overall, this first weekend of matches is not only about the scores but narratives, adjustments, and hopes for the season. Only time will reveal which teams can live up to the preseason hype and which will continue to struggle under heavy expectations. The anticipation builds not just for victories, but for how these matches will set the tone for each franchise throughout the year.