Rugby league fans, mark your calendars! The highly anticipated 2025 NRL draw has been unveiled, and the opening month is set to deliver some mouth-watering clashes. As reigning premiers Penrith Panthers aim for an unprecedented five-peat and the chasing pack looks to dethrone them, the stakes have never been higher. Here are the six must-see matches you simply cannot miss in the first rounds of the new season.
Panthers vs Sharks: Sin City Showdown
The 2025 NRL season opener will once again take place under the bright lights of Las Vegas, with the Penrith Panthers taking on the Cronulla Sutherland Sharks. The perennial powerhouse Panthers are chasing an astonishing fifth straight premiership, but they’ll be without key players Jarome Luai and James Fisher-Harris who have moved on. The Sharks, meanwhile, are perennial contenders who always seem to fall just short of glory. Can they make an early statement against the depleted champions?
The Panthers have been able to battle on through previous player departures, but Luai and Fisher-Harris really are the heart and soul of the club. Will their replacements slot in seamlessly?
NRL Insider
Roosters Host Broncos in Round 1 Blockbuster
The Sydney Roosters and Brisbane Broncos, two of the NRL’s most storied clubs, will face off at the SCG in a Round 1 Thursday night blockbuster. Both teams have undergone significant changes, with the Chooks farewelling several stars and the Broncos welcoming new coach Michael Maguire. With both sides missing their first-choice halfbacks through injury, it will be a test of depth and resilience to start the year.
Maguire will be feeling the pressure to make an immediate impact at Red Hill after the acrimonious sacking of club legend Kevin Walters. But master coach Trent Robinson has rebuilt the Roosters before and will back his new-look side to get the job done at home.
Eels’ New Era Begins Against Storm
Parramatta fans are dreaming of a return to premiership glory after the appointment of Jason Ryles as head coach and a massive overhaul of their roster. But they’ll face the ultimate first-up test when they travel to AAMI Park to face the Melbourne Storm.
The Storm are synonymous with Round 1 success, having never lost an opening match during Craig Bellamy’s tenure. The Eels will be rank outsiders, but Ryles’ intimate knowledge of the Melbourne system from his time as an assistant coach could give them a sneaky chance of an upset. A win here and the Parra Army will be daring to dream of September glory.
Bennett’s Bunnies Battle Gutherson’s Dragons
The St George Illawarra Dragons and South Sydney Rabbitohs face off in Wollongong in an early-season litmus test. The Dragons are embarking on life after Ben Hunt, but the arrival of Clint Gutherson at fullback has fans optimistic about an improved attacking outfit. Gutherson’s combination with halves Talatau Amone and Jayden Sullivan will be crucial to the Red V’s chances.
But the Dragons’ new spine will have their work cut out against a Rabbitohs side now marshalled by supercoach Wayne Bennett in his second stint at Redfern. With Latrell Mitchell fit and firing, Souths have the firepower to beat anyone on their day. Bennett has done it all before, but does he have the cattle to transform the Bunnies into a genuine premiership threat?
Grand Final Rematch to Light Up Melbourne
Just three rounds into the new season, we’ll be treated to a Grand Final rematch between heavyweights the Melbourne Storm and Penrith Panthers. The Storm faithful will pack out AAMI Park, hoping to see their side exact revenge for last year’s decider, when they simply couldn’t crack Penrith’s elite defense.
On paper, the Storm look to have the edge. The Panthers have lost more talent in the off-season and will be battling to gel new combinations. But if we’ve learned anything, it’s to never write off the mountain men. No matter the personnel, they just seem to find a way. An early-season clash between these fierce rivals could set the tone for the entire year.
Bulldogs and Eels Reignite Rivalry
It’s one of the game’s oldest and fiercest rivalries, steeped in history and brimming with passion. The Canterbury Bulldogs will host the Parramatta Eels at Accor Stadium in a chance to reassert their dominance against the old enemy. The Dogs are flying under Cameron Ciraldo and eyeing off a premiership window, while the Eels are just embarking on a new era they hope will finally deliver another title.
With both sides renowned for their toughness and attacking flair, this shapes as an enthralling contest. A win for the Eels would be a real confidence-booster and show their rebuild is on track. But the Bulldogs are hell-bent on reclaiming their place at the top of the totem pole. Expect plenty of feeling and no quarter asked or given in this one.
The 2025 NRL season is shaping up as one of the most unpredictable and exciting in memory. New coaches, new contenders and a host of intriguing narratives will make for compelling viewing each and every week. Be sure to circle these six clashes on your calendar and buckle up for a wild ride!
