The opening round of the 2025 NRL season kicked off in Las Vegas with the Raiders upsetting the disappointing Warriors and the Panthers proving that they are still the Panthers. The rest of the round concludes this weekend, starting with the big clash between the new-look Roosters and the Broncos and finishing on Sunday wit the Eels facing the Storm, who never lose a first round game.
Good luck with your tips.
Jump ahead to a particular game.
Raiders vs. Warriors
Panthers vs. Sharks
Roosters vs. Broncos
Tigers vs. Knights
Dolphins vs. Rabbitohs
Dragons vs. Bulldogs
Sea Eagles vs. Cowboys
Storm vs. Eels
BYE: Titans
Sunday, March 2
Canberra Raiders vs. New Zealand Warriors, Allegiant Stadium, Las Vegas, 11:00am (AEDT)
Raiders: 1. Kaeo Weekes 2. Savelio Tamale 3. Matthew Timoko 4. Sebastian Kris 5. Xavier Savage 6. Ethan Strange 7. Jamal Fogarty 16. Josh Papali'i 9. Tom Starling 10. Joseph Tapine 11. Hudson Young 12. Zac Hosking 8. Corey Horsburgh Bench: 13. Morgan Smithies14. Owen Pattie 15. Simi Sasagi 17. Ata Mariota Reserves: 19. Trey Mooney 22. Jed Stuart
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Warriors: 1. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad 2. Taine Tuaupiki 3. Ali Leiataua 4. Adam Pompey 5. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck 6. Chanel Harris-Tavita 7. Luke Metcalf 8. James Fisher-Harris 9. Wayde Egan 10. Mitchell Barnett 11. Kurt Capewell 12. Marata Niukore 13. Erin Clark Bench: 14. Dylan Walker 15. Jackson Ford 16. Demitric Vaimauga 17. Leka Halasima Reserves: 21. Eddie Ieremia 20. Te Maire Martin
Officials
Referee: Grant Atkins Touchies: Phil Henderson, Dave Munro Bunker: Gerard Sutton
Verdict: The Raiders started the preseason with a solid victory over a weakened Panthers side, before being thumped by the Sharks in the second week. Coach Ricky Stuart has been tinkering with his line-up, with several options available to play in the halves. The Warriors will be looking to start the season with a strong performance, after a very disappointing 2024. Once again, handling the bright lights and distractions of Las Vegas will come into it, but on paper at least, the Warriors look the stronger.
Tip: Warriors by 12
PointsBet odds: Raiders $2.30 (+3.5 $1.90) Warriors $1.62 (-3.5 $1.90)
Penrith Panthers vs. Cronulla Sutherland Sharks, Allegiant Stadium, Las Vegas, 3:30pm (AEDT)
Panthers: 1. Dylan Edwards 2. Casey McLean 3. Izack Tago 4. Luke Garner 5. Paul Alamoti 6. Jack Cole 7. Nathan Cleary 8. Moses Leota 9. Mitch Kenny 10. Lindsay Smith 11. Scott Sorensen 12. Liam Martin 13. Isaah Yeo Bench: 14. Daine Laurie 15. Isaiah Papali'i 16. Matt Eisenhuth 17. Luron Patea Reserves: 18. Brad Schneider 19. Mavrik Geyer
Sharks: 1. William Kennedy 2. Samuel Stonestreet 3. Jesse Ramien 4. Kayal Iro 5. Ronaldo Mulitalo 6. Braydon Trindall 7. Nicho Hynes 8. Addin Fonua-Blake 9. Blayke Brailey 10. Oregon Kaufusi 11. Briton Nikora 12. Teig Wilton 13. Cameron McInnes Bench: 14. Daniel Atkinson 15. Siosifa Talakai 16. Braden Hamlin-Uele 17. Thomas Hazelton Reserves: 18. Tuku Hau Tapuha 19. Mawene Hiroti
Officials
Referee: Ashley Klein Touchies: Wyatt Raymond, Matt Noyen Bunker: Liam Kennedy
Verdict: The Panthers start their campaign for a fifth straight title in the unfamiliar surrounds of Las Vegas and against one of the tougher opponents. The Sharks finished off their preseason campaign with a convincing victory over the Raiders, while the Panthers were too good for the Sea Eagles. This will be the Panthers' first premiership match of their post Jarome Luai and James Fisher-Harris era. The two were instrumental in their successful run, and it is yet to be seen whether the Panthers can win without them. The Sharks seem to be a more settled unit, and if they can contain Nathan Cleary, they could win this.
Tip: Sharks by 8
PointsBet odds: Panthers $1.65 (-2.5 $1.90) Sharks $2.25 (+2.5 $1.90)
Thursday, March 6
Sydney Roosters vs. Brisbane Broncos, Allianz Stadium, 8pm (AEDT)
Roosters: 1. James Tedesco 2. Daniel Tupou 3. Mark Nawaqanitawase 4. Robert Toia 5. Dominic Young 6. Sandon Smith 7. Chad Townsend 8. Lindsay Collins 9. Connor Watson 10. Naufahu Whyte 11. Angus Crichton 12. Victor Radley 15. Siua Wong Bench: 14. Zach Dockar-Clay 16. Blake Steep 17. Salesi Foketi 19. Taylor Losalu Reserves: 18. Hugo Savala 22. Makahesi Makatoa
Broncos: 1. Reece Walsh 2. Selwyn Cobbo 3. Deine Mariner 4. Gehamat Shibasaki 5. Jesse Arthars 6. Ben Hunt 7. Adam Reynolds 8. Patrick Carrigan 9. Cory Paix 10. Payne Haas 11. Jack Gosiewski 12. Jordan Riki 13. Kobe Hetherington Bench: 14. Billy Walters 15. Corey Jensen 16. Xavier Willison 17. Brendan Piakura Reserves: 18. Tyson Smoothy 19. Delouise Hoeter
Officials
Referee: Gerard Sutton Touchies: Drew Oultram, Chris Sutton Bunker: Chris Butler
Verdict: The Roosters enter the 2025 season having lost a wealth of talent and experience across the park. They are expected to have a dip in performance, but still have enough talent to provide an upset here if the Broncos aren't at the top of their game. With new coach Michael Maguire cracking the whip, the Broncos should be switched on and up to this early challenge in Sydney. This is a interesting clash which could give a good indication of how both teams will go in 2025.
Tip: Broncos by 10
PointsBet odds: Roosters $2.85 (+6.5 $1.95) Broncos $1.42 (-6.5 $1.85)
Friday, March 7
Wests Tigers vs. Newcastle Knights, Campbelltown Sports Stadium, 6pm (AEDT)
Tigers: 1. Heath Mason 2. Sunia Turuva 3. Adam Doueihi 4. Solomona Faataape 5. Jeral Skelton 6. Lachlan Galvin 7. Jarome Luai 8. Terrell May 9. Tallyn Da Silva 10. Fonua Pole 11. Samuela Fainu 12. Alex Seyfarth 13. Alex Twal Bench: 14. Tristan Hope 15. Royce Hunt 16. Jack Bird 17. Sione Fainu Reserves: 18. Latu Fainu 20. Kit Laulilii
Knights: 1. Kalyn Ponga 2. James Schiller 3. Dane Gagai 4. Bradman Best 5. Greg Marzhew 6. Fletcher Sharpe 7. Jack Cogger 8. Jacob Saifiti 9. Phoenix Crossland 10. Leo Thompson 11. Dylan Lucas 12. Kai Pearce-Paul 13. Tyson Frizell Bench: 14. Jayden Brailey 15. Jack Hetherington 16. Brodie Jones 17. Mathew Croker Reserves: 18. Thomas Cant 19. Will Pryce
Officials
Referee: Liam Kennedy Touchies: Ziggy Przeklasa-Adamski, Jon Stone Bunker: Kasey Badger
Verdict: The Tigers' faithful are excited about their new-look line-up as they dream of a long-awaited climb off the bottom of the ladder. Unfortunately injuries mean they won't have their best 13 on the paddock for this opening clash with the Knights. Newcastle have looked good in the pre-season, as they fined tune their combinations. With Kalyn Ponga leading the way Newcastle might have enough class to topple the Tigers in this one.
Tip: Knights by 14
PointsBet odds: Tigers $2 (+1.5 $1.90) Knights $1.80 (-1.5 $1.90)
Dolphins vs. South Sydney Rabbitohs, CommBank Stadium, 8:05pm (AEDT)
Dolphins: 1. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow 2. Jamayne Isaako 3. Jake Averillo 4. Herbie Farnworth 5. Junior Tupou 6. Kodi Nikorima 20. Sean O'Sullivan 8. Daniel Saifiti 9. Jeremy Marshall-King 10. Felise Kaufusi 11. Kulikefu Finefeuiaki 12. Max Plath 13. Tom Gilbert Bench: 14. Kurt Donoghoe 15. Connelly Lemuelu 17. Ray Stone 19. Josh Kerr Reserves: 23. Oryn Keleey 22. Max Feagai
Rabbitohs: 1. Jye Gray 2. Isaiah Tass 3. Jack Wighton 4. Campbell Graham 5. Tyrone Munro 6. Cody Walker 7. Jamie Humphreys 8. Sean Keppie 9. Peter Mamouzelos 10. Davvy Moale 11. Keaon Koloamatangi 12. Jai Arrow 13. Lachlan Hubner Bench: 14. Jayden Sullivan 15. Siliva Havili 16. Tallis Duncan 17. Tevita Tatola Reserves: 18. Liam Le Blanc 19. Fletcher Myers
Officials
Referee: Adam Gee Touchies: Ziggy Przeklasa-Adamski, Nick Pelgrave Bunker: Ashley Klein
Verdict: Wayne Bennett's Rabbitohs face the team he coached for the past two seasons. No one is giving the Bunnies much hope of making the Top 8 this year as they haven't made too many changes to the squad which finished second last in 2024. Dolphins coach Kristian Woolf has been assistant to Bennett for the first two seasons and this will be an interesting test of their styles. On paper the Dolphins should win this one, even in Parramatta.
Tip: Dolphins by 8
PointsBet odds: Dolphins $1.55 (-5.5 $1.90) Rabbitohs $2.45 (+5.5 $1.90)
Saturday, March 8
Dragons: 1. Clinton Gutherson 2. Mathew Feagai 3. Moses Suli 4. Valentine Holmes 5. Christian Tuipulotu 6. Kyle Flanagan 7. Lachlan Ilias 8. Toby Couchman 9. Damien Cook 10. Emre Guler 11. Luciano Leilua 12. Jaydn Su'A 13. Jack de Belin Bench: 14. Jacob Liddle 15. Ryan Couchman 16. Raymond Faitala-Mariner 17. Hamish Stewart Reserves: 18. Dylan Egan 19. Tyrell Sloan 20. Lyhkan King-Togia 21. Loko Jnr Pasifiki Tonga 22. Tom Eisenhuth
Bulldogs: 1. Connor Tracey 2. Blake Wilson 3. Bronson Xerri 4. Stephen Crichton 5. Marcelo Montoya 6. Matt Burton 7. Toby Sexton 8. Max King 9. Reed Mahoney 10. Samuel Hughes 11. Viliame Kikau 12. Jacob Preston 13. Kurt Mann Bench: 14. Bailey Hayward 15. Sitili Tupouniua 16. Harry Hayes 17. Jaeman Salmon Reserves: 19. Blake Taaffe 20. Kurtis Morrin 21. Daniel Suluka-Fifita 22. Luke Smith 23. Ratu Rinakama
Officials
Referee: Todd Smith Touchies: Dave Munro, Belinda Sharpe Bunker: Grant Atkins
Verdict: The Dragons have made some big changes bringing in three very experienced players in Damien Cook, Clint Gutherson and Valentine Holmes. They looked very good in defeating the Rabbitohs in the Charity Shield and will be hoping to catch the Bulldogs napping in the opening round at Kogarah. The Bulldogs really should win this one, but it won't be all one way traffic.
Tip: Bulldogs by 6
PointsBet odds: Dragons $2.45 (+5.5 $1.90) Bulldogs $1.55 (-5.5 $1.90)
Manly Warringah Sea Eagles vs. North Queensland Cowboys, 4 Pines Park, 7:35pm (AEDT)
Sea Eagles: 1. Tom Trbojevic 2. Jason Saab 3. Tolutau Koula 4. Reuben Garrick 5. Lehi Hopoate 6. Luke Brooks 7. Daly Cherry-Evans 8. Taniela Paseka 9. Jazz Tevaga 10. Siosiua Taukeiaho 11. Haumole Olakau'atu 12. Ben Trbojevic 13. Jake Trbojevic Bench: 14. Jake Simpkin 15. Corey Waddell 16. Ethan Bullemor 17. Toafofoa Sipley Reserves: 18. Clayton Faulalo 19. Dean Matterson 20. Gordon Chan Kum Tong 21. Jakob Arthur 22. Josh Aloiai
Cowboys: 1. Scott Drinkwater 2. Braidon Burns 3. Jaxon Purdue 4. Viliami Vailea 5. Murray Taulagi 6. Tom Dearden 7. Thomas Duffy 8. Jordan McLean 9. Reece Robson 10. Sam McIntyre 11. John Bateman 12. Jeremiah Nanai 13. Reuben Cotter Bench: 14. Karl Lawton 15. Harrison Edwards 16. Griffin Neame 17. Coen Hess Reserves: 18. Kai O'Donnell 19. Jake Clifford 20. Thomas Mikaele 21. Jaxson Paulo 22. Jason Taumalolo
Officials
Referee: Peter Gough Touchies: Kasey Badger, Drew Oultram Bunker: Ashley Klein
Verdict: The Sea Eagles host the Cowboys with both teams having had mixed preseasons. This will be a great test for both sides in what should be an open, attacking affair -- weather permitting. The Cowboys can not be written off in this one, but at home, the Sea Eagles really should collect the two points.
Tip: Sea Eagles by 10
PointsBet odds: Sea Eagles $1.45 (- $ ) Cowboys $2.75 (+5.5 $1.95)
Sunday, March 9
Melbourne Storm vs. Parramatta Eels, AAMI Park, 4:05pm (AEDT)
Storm: 1. Ryan Papenhuyzen 2. William Warbrick 3. Jack Howarth 4. Nick Meaney 5. Xavier Coates 6. Cameron Munster 7. Jahrome Hughes 8. Stefano Utoikamanu 9. Harry Grant 10. Josh King 11. Shawn Blore 12. Eliesa Katoa 13. Trent Loiero Bench: 14. Tyran Wishart 15. Alec MacDonald 16. Tui Kamikamica 17. Lazarus Vaalepu Reserves: 18. Grant Anderson 19. Bronson Garlick 20. Joe Chan 21. Sualauvi Faalogo 22. Kane Bradley
Eels: 1. Isaiah Iongi 2. Sean Russell 3. Viliami Penisini 4. Zac Lomax 5. Jake Tago 6. Dylan Brown 7. Ronald Volkman 8. Joe Ofahengaue 9. Brendan Hands 10. Junior Paulo 11. Jack Williams 12. Kelma Tuilagi 13. J'maine Hopgood Bench: 14. Ryley Smith 15. Matt Doorey 16. Ryan Matterson 17. Charlie Guymer Reserves: 18. Joash Papali'i 19. Jordan Samrani 20. Toni Mataele 21. Sam Tuivaiti 22. Joey Lussick
Officials
Referee: Wyatt Raymond Touchies: Matt Noyen, Phil Henderson Bunker: Grant Atkins
Verdict: The Storm under Craig Bellamy simply do not lose their opening round clash. This season they come up against a rebuilt Eels team with new coach Jason Ryles hoping to impress early. Ryles spent a lot of time in the Storm system and should have some tricks up his sleeve to take them on, but the Eels really don't appear to have the talent to spring an upset.
Tip: Storm by 18
PointsBet odds: Storm $1.27 (-9.5 $1.90) Eels $3.75 (+9.5 $1.90)
All odds correct at time of publication. Check pointsbet.com.au for the latest.