Kickoff to the 2025 NRL season has almost arrived, and our rugby league analyst Will Evans has dissected all 17 teams in his annual NRL season preview complete with full NRL betting stats for each of the clubs and the latest NRL Premiership odds!
BRISBANE BRONCOS
- In: Ben Hunt (Dragons), Hayze Perham (Bulldogs)
- Out: Tristan Sailor (St Helens), Corey Oates (retired), Jordan Pereira (retired)
- 2024 Finish: 12th
- 2025 Predicted Finish: 5th
2024 Betting Statistics
Head To Head
Overall: 10-14
Home: 5-7
Away: 5-7
Against The Line
Overall: 10-14
Home: 5-7
Away: 5-7
Premiership Odds: $8.00
After delivering one of the most underwhelming grand final season follow-ups of the NRL era, the Broncos regroup in 2025 under a much tougher taskmaster in Michael Maguire.
Whether the ultra-talented squad – derided in some quarters as spoilt rock stars – responds to Maguire’s hardline approach remains to be seen, while ‘Madge’, recent representative triumphs notwithstanding, hasn’t guided a club to the finals since 2015.
But Ben Hunt’s arrival to a relatively stable roster is a massive coup and offsets the Ezra Mam controversy.
Along with Hunt’s presence, the ability of Reece Walsh, Adam Reynolds and Payne Haas – all of whom missed 10-plus games in 2024 – will be absolutely critical to Brisbane living up to widely-held Top 4 expectations.
Conceding far less than last season’s 25.29 points per game is another obvious area to shore up for a team brimming with attacking strike.
Tip: To Miss the Top 4 @ $1.57
CANBERRA RAIDERS
- In: Ethan Sanders (Eels), Myles Martin (Knights), Savelio Tamale (Dragons)
- Out: Elliott Whitehead (Catalans Dragons), Nick Cotric (Catalans Dragons), Zac Woolford (Huddersfield Giants), Adrian Trevilyan (Northern Pride), Jordan Rapana (Hull FC), Hohepa Puru (Sharks), James Schiller (Knights), Peter Hola (Norths Devils), Emre Guler (Dragons)
- 2024 Finish: 9th
- 2025 Predicted Finish: 14th
2024 Betting Statistics
Head To Head
Overall: 12-12
Home: 7-5
Away: 5-7
Against The Line
Overall: 11-13
Home: 5-7
Away: 6-6
Premiership Odds: $61
One of only a handful of teams to miss the finals on for-and-against during the eight-team finals era, the Raiders were predominantly viewed as overachievers last season after winning as many games as they lost.
Consistency was an issue, however, with five losses in which they conceded 40-plus points proving frequent momentum-breakers.
Losing stalwarts Whitehead and Rapana, along with several handy depth players, has prompted many pundits and punters to consign Canberra to the wooden spoon conversation again – despite the club managing to avoid finishing last since their 1982 foundation season.
The leadership void behind Joe Tapine, Josh Papalii, Hudson Young and Jamal Fogarty (who is under pressure from impressive half recruit Ethan Sanders) is glaring on the surface.
But if Kaeo Weekes and Ethan Strange build on their breakout 2024 efforts, and Corey Horsburgh and Zac Hosking re-establish themselves as NRL regulars in the pack, the Raiders are more than capable of confounding their doubters again.
Tip: To Miss the Top 8 @ $1.24
CANTERBURY BULLDOGS
- In: Tom Amone (Leigh Leopards), Sitili Tupouniua (Sydney Roosters), Marcelo Montoya (Warriors), Enari Tuala (Knights), Zyon Maiu’u (Warriors)
- Out: Jeral Skelton (Wests Tigers), Joash Papalii (Eels), Jordan Samrani (Eels), Kitione Kautoga (Eels), Chris Patolo (Manly – train and trial), Hayze Perham (Broncos), Josh Addo-Carr (Eels), Liam Knight (released), Zane Tetevano (released), Poasa Faamausili (retired)
- 2024 Finish: 6th (elimination finalists)
- 2025 Predicted Finish: 6th
2024 Betting Statistics
Head To Head
Overall: 14-11
Home: 10-3
Away: 4-8
Against The Line
Overall: 15-10
Home: 7-6
Away: 8-4
Premiership Odds: $15
Canterbury-Bankstown’s resurgence was THE story of the 2024 NRL regular season, rediscovering a hard edge under Cameron Ciraldo and sealing the end of an eight-year finals drought with burgeoning offensive flair.
Big-name recruits of recent seasons gelled and flourished, while an unheralded pack consistently punched above its weight before a heart-breaking elimination final loss to Manly.
Potent winger Josh Addo-Carr is a significant loss – particularly with Jacob Kiraz and Enari Tuala unavailable for the early rounds – but the engine-room has been bolstered by Sitili Tupouniua and Zyon Maiu’u.
Whether No.7 Toby Sexton can go to another level remains a question mark, but the Bulldogs boast solid depth across the park and a Top 4 finish will be the minimum aim.
Tip: To Make the Top 8 @ $1.55
CRONULLA SHARKS
- In: Addin Fonua-Blake (Warriors), Hohepa Puru (Raiders)
- Out: Jack Williams (Eels), Royce Hunt (Wests Tigers), Siteni Taukamo (Knights)
- 2024 Finish: 4th (preliminary finalists)
- 2025 Predicted Finish: 4th
2024 Betting Statistics
Head To Head
Overall: 17-10
Home: 9-4
Away: 8-6
Against The Line
Overall: 16-11
Home: 8-5
Away: 8-6
Premiership Odds: $11
Dismissed as flat-track bullies in recent seasons, Cronulla went a long way towards silencing the sceptics in 2024 by reaching the Top 4 and a preliminary final.
Nicho Hynes went missing in big games but Braydon Trindall arrived as a top-shelf playmaker, while the acquisition of marquee prop Addin Fonua-Blake to a stable roster is viewed as key to closing the gap on the Panthers and Storm – who outclassed the Sharks during the playoffs.
Sione Katoa’s injury is a blow but will open up an opportunity for the likes of Sam Stonestreet.
Probably an out-and-out match-winner in the spine short of genuinely contending for the premiership – unless Hynes can produce his Dally M form when it matters – but Craig Fitzgibbon’s side will be hard to keep out of the Top 4 again.
Tip: To Make the Top 4 @ $2.75
DOLPHINS
- In: Junior Tupou (Wests Tigers), Kulikefu Finefeuiaki (Cowboys), Daniel Saifiti (Knights), Max Feagai (Dragons)
- Out: Tevita Pangai Junior (Catalans), Edrick Lee (retired), Euan Aitken (Rabbitohs), Jarrod Wallace (retired), Jesse Bromwich (retired), Tesi Niu (Leigh Leopards), Valynce Te Whare (Japanese rugby), Jeremiah Simbiken (Castleford Tigers), Anthony Milford (unsigned), Robert Jennings (unsigned)
- 2024 Finish:10th
- 2025 Predicted Finish: 8th
2024 Betting Statistics
Head To Head
Overall: 11-13
Home: 6-6
Away: 5-7
Against The Line
Overall: 13-11
Home: 7-5
Away: 6-6
Premiership Odds: $41
Brisbane (twice), Newcastle and South Sydney all endured a debilitating and lengthy post-Bennett hangover – so can the fledgling Dolphins avoid the same without their foundation coach under first-time NRL mentor Kristian Woolf?
The Dolphins have been an unequivocal success story in two seasons in the premiership, going within a final-round win of making the finals in 2024.
They’ve done well to replace Jesse Bromwich in the form of Daniel Saifiti, while Kulikefu Finefeuiaki is a great pick-up, Tom Gilbert returns after last season was wiped out by injury and Tom Flegler is due for a midyear return after breaking down last April.
Keeping their first-choice spine on the park will be crucial – Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow (eight games) and Jeremy Marshall-King (seven) were sidelined for big chunks in 2024 – but Isaiya Katoa continues to grow as a top-line No.7 and the Dolphins’ best line-up has finals quality written all over it… if the Bennett-to-Woolf transition is smooth enough.
Tip: To Make the Top 8 @ $3.50
GOLD COAST TITANS
- In: Carter Gordon (Australian Rugby), Sam Stephenson (Development Contract), Zane Harrison (Development Contract), Reagan Campbell-Gillard (Eels), Cooper Bai (train and trial)
- Out: Erin Clark (Warriors), Seth Nikotemo (Trinity Wakefield), Isaac Liu (Leigh Leopards), Joe Stimson (unsigned), Tanah Boyd (Warriors), Keenan Palasia (Leeds Rhinos)
- 2024 Finish:14th
- 2025 Predicted Finish: 7th
2024 Betting Statistics
Head To Head
Overall: 8-16
Home: 4-8
Away: 4-8
Against The Line
Overall: 12-12
Home: 6-6
Away: 6-6
Premiership Odds: $51
Gold Coast limped into 14th in Des Hasler’s first season at the helm, the campaign bookended by an 0-6 start and a five-match losing streak to finish the season.
In between, however, the Titans played some exhilarating football to chalk up eight wins in 13 matches.
Few teams boast the pace and ability to score long-range tries the Titans do, while the arrival of Reagan Campbell-Gillard and Tino Fa’asuamaleaui’s return from injury stiffens up the engine-room – though Erin Clark and Isaac Liu are notable losses.
Hasler’s main line-up headache is settling on their best halves combination from a pool of Kieran Foran, AJ Brimson, Jayden Campbell and Carter Gordon, a task made more complicated by Keano Kini taking an iron-clad grip on the No.1 jersey.
But a better start and a kinder run with injuries should see the Titans rocket up the ladder.
Tip: To Make the Top 8 @ $3.25
MANLY SEA EAGLES
- In: Joey Walsh (rugby union), Jazz Tevaga (Warriors), Michael Chee Kam (Rabbitohs), Sio Siua Taukei’aho (Catalans), Chris Patolo (Bulldogs – train and trial), D’Jazirhae ‘Mia’ Pua’avase (Cowboys)
- Out: Karl Lawton (Cowboys), Jamie Humphreys (Rabbitohs), Brad Parker (Retired), Aaron Woods (Retired), Ben Condon (Unsigned), Jaxson Paulo (Cowboys)
- 2024 Finish: 7th (semi-finalists)
- 2025 Predicted Finish: 3rd
2024 Betting Statistics
Head To Head
Overall: 14-1-11
Home: 9-3
Away: 5-1-8
Against The Line
Overall: 14-12
Home: 9-3
Away: 5-9
Premiership Odds: $15
Overshadowed somewhat Canterbury’s rise, Manly made huge strides in its second season under oft-maligned Anthony Seibold – and ultimately eliminated the Bulldogs before being halted by the Roosters in week two of the finals.
Luke Brooks proved an inspired buy alongside Daly Cherry-Evans, Tom Trbojevic played 20 games for the first time since 2018, Lehi Hopoate, Tolu Koula and Tommy Talau emerged as blistering backline stars, and Haumole Olakau’atu and Jake Trbojevic headlined a pack that outperformed expectations.
Forward depth was a concern but Jazz Tevaga and Sio Siua Taukei’aho could add a new dimension.
The premiership window is closing with DCE turning 36 this month, but the Sea Eagles loom as one of the few teams with enough improvement in them to challenge the Panthers and Storm in 2025.
Tip: To Make the Grand Final @ $7.00
MELBOURNE STORM
- In: Stefano Utoikamanu (Wests Tigers), Moses Leo (NZ rugby)
- Out: Reimis Smith (released), Young Tonumaipea (retired), Aaron Pene (Leigh Leopards), Chris Lewis (retired), Tepai Moeroa (released), Christian Welch (retired)
- 2024 Finish: 1st (grand finalists)
- 2025 Predicted Finish: 2nd
2024 Betting Statistics
Head To Head
Overall: 21-6
Home: 12-2
Away: 9-3
Against The Line
Overall: 13-14
Home: 8-6
Away: 5-8
Premiership Odds: $3.80
Melbourne surged to its fifth minor premiership in nine seasons despite spine superstars Cameron Munster and Ryan Papenhuyzen, and key pieces Nelson Asofa-Solomona and Xavier Coates missing significant time, with the likes of Tyran Wishart, Jack Howarth, Eliesa Katoa, Trent Loiero, Grant Anderson and Shawn Blore emerging as outstanding first-graders.
But the Storm will carry scars from falling at the last hurdle in the grand final against the Panthers.
Stefano Utoikamanu’s arrival from the Tigers more than makes up for the late pre-season retirement of Christian Welch in a roster that has remained very stable and has few discernible weaknesses, with Jahrome Hughes and Harry Grant at the peak of their powers.
Finding an extra gear on the biggest stage is Craig Bellamy’s challenge in 2025, but the premiership favourites shape as likely table-toppers and grand finalists again.
Tip: Regular Season Winner @ $3.25
NEWCASTLE KNIGHTS
- In: Francis Manuleleua, Taj Annan (Queensland Reds), Tyrone Thompson (Rugby NZ), James Schiller (Raiders), Siteni Taukamo (Sharks – train and trial), Matt Arthur (Eels)
- Out: Myles Martin (Raiders), David Armstrong (Leigh), Daniel Saifiti (Dolphins) Enari Tuala (Bulldogs), Tom Jenkins (released), Krystian Mapapalangi (released)
- 2024 Finish: 8th (elimination finalists)
- 2025 Predicted Finish: 12th
2024 Betting Statistics
Head To Head
Overall: 12-13
Home: 7-5
Away: 5-8
Against The Line
Overall: 17-8
Home: 9-3
Away: 8-5
Premiership Odds: $51
Sitting in 12th with five rounds remaining last season, the Knights came home with a wet sail to scrape into eighth in a watered down version of their late-2023 charge.
Adam O’Brien’s charges were unlucky in an elimination final loss in Townsville, but the August-September flourish couldn’t distract from what was an underwhelming campaign – and included just one win over a Top 8 finisher.
Newcastle did not field the same halves combination for more than four straight games, which promises to be an ongoing issue in 2025 for a side that is far too reliant on fullback genius Kalyn Ponga.
Fletcher Sharpe has emerged as a five-eighth bolter in the six-way scramble for the No.6 and 7 jumpers.
There’s little to get excited about on the recruitment front, though Daniel Saifiti is the only big name to exit.
A third straight finals appearance (which would be a 22-year first for the club) is not beyond the Knights, but it’s hard to get excited about a side lacking representative quality outside Ponga, Bradman Best and Bulldogs-bound Leo Thompson.
Tip: To Miss the Top 8 @ $1.28
NEW ZEALAND WARRIORS
- In: James Fisher-Harris (Panthers), Jett Cleary (Panthers), Motu Pasikala (uppgraded), Erin Clark (Titans), Sam Healey (Sharks), Tanah Boyd (Titans)
- Out: Addin Fonua-Blake (Sharks), Jazz Tevaga (Sea Eagles), Marcelo Montoya (Bulldogs), Shaun Johnson (retired), Tohu Harris (retired), Zyon Maiu’u (Bulldogs)
- 2024 Finish: 13th
- 2025 Predicted Finish: 13th
2024 Betting Statistics
Head To Head
Overall: 9-1-14
Home: 6-1-5
Away: 3-9
Against The Line
Overall: 11-13
Home: 5-7
Away: 6-6
Premiership Odds: $26
A positive pre-season campaign has elevated expectations around the Warriors, who have done as good a job as could reasonably be expected of replacing champion forwards Addin Fonua-Blake and Tohu – bringing in four-time premiership winner James Fisher-Harris and the underrated Erin Clark.
But the Warriors’ second attempt at transitioning into a post-Shaun Johnson era shapes as the make or break factor of their 2025 season.
Their deep halves contingent is adequate rather than exceptional; Luke Metcalf impressed in the trials but is yet to start an NRL game in the No.7.
The Warriors are well serviced in most other departments and versatility abounds in the squad, but Dallin Watene-Zelezniak’s three-month layoff suddenly makes them look a little thin out wide.
The 2023 darlings fell off dramatically last year, frequently blowing big leads, struggling to close out close matches and failing to capitalise on a season cleansweep of home sell-outs results-wise.
Unlocking the defensive resolve that underpinned the previous campaign shapes as highly-rated coach Andrew Webster’s most important task.
Tip: To Miss the Top 8 @ $1.53
NORTH QUEENSLAND COWBOYS
- In: Karl Lawton (Sea Eagles), Kai O’Donnell (Leigh Leopards – Super League), Jaxson Paulo (Sea Eagles), John Bateman (Wests Tigers)
- Out: Kulikefu Finefeuiaki (Dolphins), Chad Townsend (Roosters), Jake Granville (released), Kyle Feldt (St Helens), Valentine Holmes (Dragons), Jamayne Taunoa-Brown (retired), D’Jazirhae Pua’avase (Sea Eagles)
- 2024 Finish: 5th (semi-finalists)
- 2025 Predicted Finish: 9th
2024 Betting Statistics
Head To Head
Overall: 16-10
Home: 8-5
Away: 8-5
Against The Line
Overall: 13-13
Home: 6-7
Away: 7-6
Premiership Odds: $23
North Queensland won 11 of their last 14 matches in 2024 to finish fifth, eventually bowing out in a spirited semi-final loss to Cronulla.
But there was still something naggingly unsatisfying about the Cowboys’ return to the playoffs.
They had comfortably the worst defensive record of the Top 8 teams and runs of wins were interrupted by heavy defeats to also-ran opponents.
John Bateman could be an excellent addition if he finds his top level, but the line-up unquestionably looks weaker without veteran outside-backs Valentine Holmes and Kyle Feldt.
ACL injuries to Heilum Luki and Tom Chester hit hard, while Jake Clifford – who the jury is still out on as a genuine NRL-level No.7 – may miss the start of the season after hernia surgery.
Tom Dearden, Scott Drinkwater, Reuben Cotter, Jeremiah Nanai and the departing Reece Robson form a solid core group of stars, but another 15-win season from Todd Payten’s side would surprise.
Tip: To Miss the Top 8 @ $1.73
PARRAMATTA EELS
- In: Zac Lomax (Dragons), Isaiah Iongi (Panthers), Dean Hawkins (Rabbitohs), Joash Papalii (Bulldogs), Jordan Samrani (Bulldogs), Jack Williams (Sharks), Kitione Kautoga (Bulldogs), Josh Addo-Carr (Bulldogs), Ronald Volkman (train and trial)
- Out: Ethan Sanders (Raiders), Blaize Talagi (Panthers), Reagan Campbell-Gillard (Gold Coast Titans), Maika Sivo (Leeds Rhinos), Clint Gutherson (Dragons), Daejarn Asi (Castleford), Ky Rodwell (Wakefield Trinity), Makahesi Makatoa (released), Morgan Harper (North Sydney Bears), Ofahiki Ogden (released), Tevita Taumoepenu (released), Zac Cini (Castleford)
- 2024 Finish: 15th
- 2025 Predicted Finish: 15th
2024 Betting Statistics
Head To Head
Overall: 7-17
Home: 5-7
Away: 2-10
Against The Line
Overall: 11-13
Home: 7-5
Away: 4-8
Premiership Odds: $34
Parramatta’s 2024 campaign was nothing short of diabolical, with 11-season coach Brad Arthur axed midway through and the Eels finishing 15th after going on a 2-14 run.
Linchpin Mitch Moses only played eight games, but its doubtful the NSW and Australian halfback could have rescued a team that took an optional approach to defending.
Rookie coach Jason Ryles has his work cut out transforming a team that will be without heart-and-soul veterans Clint Gutherson and Reagan Campbell-Gillard. Zac Lomas and Josh Addo-Carr provide genuine class the Eels have not had for some time out wide, but the latter will not take the field until Round 5 due to suspension.
Meanwhile, Isaiah Iongi won’t have the luxury of being eased into the fullback role, they are poorly stocked at dummy-half and Dylan Brown’s contract situation threatens to become a distraction.
Ryles will be relying heavily on Moses’ fitness and leadership, as well as a host of declining 2022 grand finalists rediscovering their best form, if Parramatta are to make substantial progress.
Tip: To Miss the Top 8 @ $1.57
PENRITH PANTHERS
- In: Isaiah Papali’i (Wests Tigers), Blaize Talagi (Eels)
- Out: Sunia Turuva (Wests Tigers), Jarome Luai (Wests Tigers), James Fisher-Harris (Warriors), Isaiah Iongi (Eels), Tyrone Peachey (retired)
- 2024 Finish: 1st (premiers)
- 2025 Predicted Finish: 1st (premiers)
2024 Betting Statistics
Head To Head
Overall: 20-7
Home: 11-3
Away: 8-4
Against The Line
Overall: 10-17
Home: 7-7
Away: 3-8
Premiership Odds: $4.75
The first team to win four straight rugby league premierships in more than 50 years, Penrith is in the midst of one of the great dynasties in modern sport.
But how long can the Panthers’ dominance persist?
The departures of James Fisher-Harris and Jarome Luai are huge – but the juggernaut has continued seamlessly after farewelling at least a couple of vital cogs from each of their previous grand final line-ups.
Blaize Talagi and Isaiah Papali’i represent the most notable recruitment drive in the club’s recent history, too.
There is a sense that more rides on the fitness of Nathan Cleary (who has missed 37 games in the past four seasons) than previous years without Luai to deputise as halves leader, while someone will need to step up as a front-row spearhead after JFH played at least 23 games in each of the past seven campaigns.
But winning is a habit deeply embedded in the Penrith psyche and there’s little question this team still represents the best value in the title market.
Tip: Grand Final Winner @ $4.75
ST GEORGE ILLAWARRA DRAGONS
- In: Damien Cook (Rabbitohs), Clint Gutherson (Eels), Lachlan Ilias (Rabbitohs), Valentine Holmes (Cowboys), Nathan Lawson (Australian Rugby 7s), Emre Guler (Raiders)
- Out: Zac Lomax (Eels), Savelio Tamale (Raiders), Jack Bird (Wests Tigers), Max Feagai (Dolphins), Alec Tuitavake (Leigh Leopards), Ben Hunt (Broncos), Dan Russell (Warrington), Fa’amanu Brown (released), Jesse Marschke (North Sydney Bears)
- 2024 Finish: 11th
- 2025 Predicted Finish: 17th
2024 Betting Statistics
Head To Head
Overall: 11-13
Home: 6-6
Away: 5-7
Against The Line
Overall: 11-13
Home: 6-6
Away: 5-7
Premiership Odds: $61
St George Illawarra improved drastically in its first season under premiership-winning coach Shane Flanagan…but there’s no question the Dragons blew a golden opportunity to snap a finals drought, losing their last three games to finish one win adrift of eighth.
Given the squad’s limitations in several areas, Flanagan squeezed plenty out of the Saints.
They head into 2025 minus their two best players – Ben Hunt and Zac Lomax – but have added rep veterans Clint Gutherson, Damien Cook and Valentine Holmes, while Francis Molo’s stand-off with the club is eased somewhat by the late arrival of Emre Guler.
Man for man, the Dragons arguably look stronger than last year – but an unproven halves pairing of Kyle Flanagan and Lachlan Ilias, and a dearth of top-shelf forwards, understandably sees them on the last line of betting.
Tip: Most Losses @ $5.00
SOUTH SYDNEY RABBITOHS
- In: Jamie Humphreys (Sea Eagles), Euan Aitken (Dolphins), Lewis Dodd (St Helens), Josh Schuster (Sea Eagles), Jayden Sullivan (Wests Tigers)
- Out: Thomas Burgess (Huddersfield), Damien Cook (Dragons), Dean Hawkins (Eels), Taane Milne (released), Michael Chee Kam (Sea Eagles), Leon Te Hau (released), Lachlan Ilias (Dragons), Izaac Tu’itupou Thompson (released)
- 2024 Finish: 16th
- 2025 Predicted Finish: 11th
2024 Betting Statistics
Head To Head
Overall: 7-17
Home: 5-7
Away: 2-10
Against The Line
Overall: 9-15
Home: 6-6
Away: 3-9
Premiership Odds: $34
Touted as a likely finalist with master coach Wayne Bennett riding into town, South Sydney’s price to win the premiership has doubled following a devastating double injury blow that has sidelined Cameron Murray (achilles, indefinite) and Latrell Mitchell (hamstring, Round 7).
Blue-chip three-quarters Campbell Graham and Alex Johnston are also expected to miss the first month of the season and recruit Euan Aitken’s return date from a pec injury is unclear.
That’s all on the back of a second-last finish in 2024 that saw the Rabbitohs concede more than 28 points per game.
Bennett has his work cut out building a team around ageing internationals Cody Walker and Jack Wighton, and English halfback Lewis Dodd.
The finals ship may have already sailed by the time the mercurial Mitchell comes back to go on his customary midyear tear.
Tip: To Miss Top 8 @ $1.57
SYDNEY ROOSTERS
- In: Mark Nawaqanitawase (rugby union), Chad Townsend (Cowboys)
- Out: Joseph Suaali’i (rugby union), Jared Waerea-Hargreaves (Hull KR), Joseph Manu (rugby union), Luke Keary (Catalans), Sitili Tupouniua (Bulldogs), Terrell May (Wests Tigers)
- 2024 Finish: 3rd (preliminary finalists)
- 2025 Predicted Finish: 10th
2024 Betting Statistics
Head To Head
Overall: 13-14
Home: 8-5
Away: 5-9
Against The Line
Overall: 12-14
Home: 5-7
Away: 7-7
Premiership Odds: $19
Despite losing gun centres Joey Manu and Joseph Sua’ali’i to rugby union, props Jared Waerea-Hargreaves and Terrell May, and long-serving five-eighth Luke Keary, the Roosters’ only off-season purchase was veteran half Chad Townsend.
The last time Sydney Roosters experienced a roster overhaul as drastic as this one – in 2016, when they lost James Maloney, Roger Tuivasa-Sheck and Michael Jennings – they ran second-last after winning the previous three minor premierships.
Meanwhile, No.7 Sam Walker and hooker Brandon Smith are still a fair way off returning from injuries that cut their 2024 campaigns short.
The Roosters will have been relatively content with a Top 4 finish and prelim appearance last year for the first time since 2020, yet they never really looked capable of challenging Penrith and Melbourne, who beat them by margins of 20 and 30, respectively, during the finals.
Writing off a team containing Tedesco, Collins, Chrichton, Radley and Leniu may seem foolhardy, but the Roosters have rarely looked this vulnerable in the halves and outside-backs during the Trent Robinson era.
Tip: To Miss Top 8 @ $2.00
WESTS TIGERS
- In: Jarome Luai (Panthers), Sunia Turuva (Panthers), Jeral Skelton (Bulldogs), Royce Hunt (Cronulla Sharks), Jack Bird (Dragons), Terrell May (Roosters)
- Out: Junior Tupou (Dolphins), Isaiah Papali’i (Panthers), Aidan Sezer (Hull FC), John Bateman (Cowboys), Stefano Utoikamanu (Storm), Solomon Alaimalo (rugby union), Jayden Sullivan (Rabbitohs)
- 2024 Finish: 17th (last)
- 2025 Predicted Finish: 16th
2024 Betting Statistics
Head To Head
Overall: 6-18
Home: 5-7
Away: 1-11
Against The Line
Overall: 7-17
Home: 6-6
Away: 1-11
Premiership Odds: $34
After three straight wooden spoons, Wests Tigers are confident the Benji Marshall-led revolution is set to lift the club out of the NRL doldrums this year.
The Tigers boast a mouth-watering spine quartet in Api Koroisau, Jahream Bula, Lachie Galvin and marquee arrival Jarome Luai, who was marvellous in Penrith’s and NSW’s triumphs in 2024.
Picking up Terrell May and Royce Hunt offsets the departure of Stefano Utoikamanu, but the Tigers still look very light on quality and depth in the three-quarter line (Sunia Turuva’s arrival notwithstanding) and in the pack.
The Tigers had the NRL’s worst attack (19.29 points per game) and defence (31.25) last season, and they won just one game away from home – finishing in the 10th-13th bracket would be a significant and realistic improvement, but the finals smoky tag is fancifully premature.
Tip: To Miss Top 8 @ $1.33