The Vegas takeover portion for Round 1 of the 2025 NRL Competition has come and gone, and now it's time to turn our heads to the season proper! There are some great match-ups ahead this weekend, and footy fans everywhere are eager to see how their side will shape up in the new year. Lets dive in and take a look at all the tips and predictions for the remainder of Round 1!
Sydney Roosters v Brisbane Broncos:
The Sydney Roosters are facing a tough start to the 2024 season after losing key players in both the forward and backlines. Veteran enforcer Jared Waerea-Hargreaves and playmaker Luke Keary have moved to the Super League, leaving coach Trent Robinson with gaps to fill. The situation is further complicated by long-term injuries to Sam Walker and Brandon Smith, while Spencer Leniu’s two-game suspension adds another setback.
Meanwhile, the Brisbane Broncos have strengthened their squad with the return of Ben Hunt, a seasoned halfback eager to make an immediate impact. Teaming up with captain Adam Reynolds, Hunt forms the NRL’s oldest halves pairing, but the duo has already proven their sharp decision-making, guiding Brisbane to back-to-back Pre-Season Challenge titles. However, the Broncos will need to adjust their backline as star centre Kotoni Staggs (quad) is sidelined for at least a month. Gehamat Shibasaki could step in, returning to NRL action after a stint with South Sydney in 2023.
Ultimately, I'd expect the Broncos' firepower to be too much for a Roosters outfit that rediscovers itself in the early rounds. I’m tipping the Broncos by 18 points.
Wests Tigers v Newcastle Knights:
The pressure is on for the Wests Tigers as they aim to transform pre-season optimism into a winning start against Kalyn Ponga’s Newcastle Knights. After three consecutive wooden spoons, the Tigers are banking on the arrival of Jarome Luai, whose partnership with rising star Lachlan Galvin could be the spark they need for a 2025 resurgence.
Joining them in the club’s new-look backline are captain Api Koroisau, and powerhouse forward Terrell May. While Koroisau will miss the season opener due to suspension, Tallyn Da Silva steps in as a strong replacement at hooker.
On the other side, the Knights head into this clash with momentum after a dominant eight-try performance against the Roosters in the Pre-Season Challenge. Playmaker Fletcher Sharpe impressed in the No.6 jersey, covering 192 metres across two trial games with his speed and agility creating havoc for defenders. Expect fireworks in the middle as May and Fonua Pole battle it out against Jacob Saifiti and Leo Thompson, with both teams eager to start their 2025 campaign on the front foot.
There are still questions circling around the Wests Tigers defence in 2025. Have they done enough in the off-season to counteract their dismal efforts last year? I’d suspect the experienced attack of Newcastle will be too much to handle this weekend. I’m tipping the Newcastle Knights by 14 points.
Dolphins v South Sydney Rabbitohs:
Wayne Bennett’s return to Sydney kicks off with a fascinating showdown the South Sydney Rabbitohs travel north to face the Dolphins, now led by his former assistant Kristian Woolf. However, Bennett’s return to Redfern has already hit turbulence, with Latrell Mitchell (hamstring) and Cameron Murray (Achilles) sidelined after a brutal training setback. Adding to the challenge, English playmaker Lewis Dodd will miss the opener due to suspension, giving young gun Jamie Humphreys his chance to step up in the halves.
Meanwhile, the Dolphins have enjoyed a smoother build-up, but after a disappointing Pre-Season Challenge loss to the Titans, they’ll need to lift their game. Speedster Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow will be a key weapon at fullback, while Isaiya Katoa is under the spotlight to take another leap forward as the team’s chief playmaker.
With Bennett’s experience pitted against Woolf’s rising coaching credentials, this clash promises to be a tactical battle as both teams look to start their 2025 campaign on the right note. This game is my pick for the match-up of the round, and will be must-see rugby league. When the final siren blows, I think the experience of Cody Walker and Jack Wighton will be enough to get Souths over the line though. I’m tipping the Rabbitohs by 8 points.
St George Illawarra Dragons v Canterbury Bankstown Bulldogs:
The St. George Illawarra Dragons head into their 2025 NRL season opener full of confidence after an impressive Pre-Season Challenge campaign, securing wins over the Roosters and Rabbitohs. New recruits Clint Gutherson, Val Holmes, and Damien Cook have added firepower, helping the Dragons notch up 13 tries in two matches, narrowly missing out on the Pre-Season title.
Coach Shane Flanagan will be encouraged by the developing halves combination of Lachlan Ilias and Kyle Flanagan, while forwards Jack de Belin, Emre Guler, Ryan Couchman, and Luciano Leilua showed promising form. However, if the Dragons are to break their winless streak against the Canterbury Bankstown Bulldogs, which dates back to Round 12, 2022, they’ll need to maintain their attacking sharpness.
Meanwhile, Cameron Ciraldo’s Bulldogs will be looking for a stronger defensive effort after splitting their Pre-Season Challenge with one win and one loss. Although they will be without Jacob Kiraz (back) and Enari Tuala (foot), their backline remains dangerous, featuring Connor Tracey, Stephen Crichton, Bronson Xerri, and Matt Burton.
Coming off a breakout 2024 season, the Bulldogs have a prime opportunity to start fast, with three opening games against non-finals teams from last year – the Dragons, Titans, and Eels. Expect a fiery contest when these two sides meet at Netstrata Jubilee Stadium.
If the Bulldogs can snap back into the cohesion they formed last season in both attack and defence, which made them such a powerhouse, it’s hard to see this new-look Dragons outfit being able to keep up. I’m tipping the Bulldogs by 16 points.
Manly Warringah Sea Eagles v North Queensland Cowboys:
The North Queensland Cowboys head to Sydney determined to celebrate their 30th anniversary in style as they take on the Manly Warringah Sea Eagles in Round 1. Throughout 2025, the club will honour three decades of history, and playmaker Tom Dearden is eager to prove the pundits wrong and steer the Cowboys back to the finals.
Their season opener at 4 Pines Park won’t be easy, with Manly proving a fortress in 2024, losing just twice at home. Veteran halfback Daly Cherry-Evans enters his 15th NRL season, and at 35, the competition’s oldest player is still a major force. Meanwhile, fullback Tom Trbojevic starts the year fully fit, ready to make an early impact and stay on the field.
With both sides keen to set the tone for their 2025 campaign, expect a high-energy showdown. However, I anticipate the defensive prowess of the Sea Eagles will be enough to keep the Cowboys at bay. I’m tipping Manly by 12 points.
Melbourne Storm v Parramatta Eels:
The Melbourne Storm kick off their 2025 NRL season with a chance to erase the pain of last year’s grand final defeat, hosting the Parramatta Eels in a highly anticipated opener. Adding to the stakes, Melbourne will be determined to extend their remarkable Round 1 winning streak, having won an incredible 22 consecutive season openers.
The Storm will field a mostly settled squad, with the retirement of club legend Christian Welch and the arrival of Stefano Utoikamanu marking the biggest roster changes. Meanwhile, the Eels enter a new era under head coach Jason Ryles, who faces his former mentor Craig Bellamy in a statement game. Parramatta’s fresh faces, including Zac Lomax, Isaiah Iongi, and Jack Williams will be looking to make an immediate impact.
With Mitchell Moses fully fit and ready to steer the Eels on the field, Ryles will be hoping for a winning return to AAMI Park. However, after losing both pre-season matches, I’d imagine the Storm are looking to make a commanding statement to open the season. I’m tipping the Storm by 30 points.
With NRL season 2025 kicking off in spectacular fashion, the rest of Round 1 is shaping up to be an absolute blockbuster. From the Roosters battling depth issues against a fired-up Broncos squad, to the Storm looking to extend their incredible opening-round streak, every game is set to deliver high-intensity action. The Rabbitohs and Dolphins clash brings a fascinating coaching battle, while the Dragons and Bulldogs face off in a grudge match that could set the tone for their seasons. Meanwhile, the Tigers and Knights look to prove themselves, and the Sea Eagles defend their home fortress against a determined Cowboys squad. As the dust settles on Sunday afternoon, expect big statements, standout performances, and early-season surprises. Whether your team starts with a bang or needs time to find their rhythm, one thing is certain; 2025 is shaping up to be an unforgettable NRL season! Make sure you gear up for the season with officially licensed NRL jerseys, merchandise, and more at Jerseys Megastore, for all things footy!
