The 2025 NRL season has kicked off in Las Vegas, with four teams already in action, while the remaining fixtures are set to begin this week. In the opening matches, the Penrith Panthers triumphed over the Cronulla Sharks, while the Canberra Raiders demonstrated their strength with a decisive victory against the Warriors.
This upcoming round features six exciting matches, but teams are grappling with selection headaches due to injuries and suspensions affecting key players. Coach decisions will be crucial as they finalise their line-ups, which will be announced on Tuesday at 4pm.
Upcoming Matches:
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Thursday:
- Sydney Roosters vs Brisbane Broncos at Allianz Stadium (8pm)
- Roosters’ anticipated line-up includes Tedesco, Nawaqanitawase, and Crichton, though they will be without Spencer Leniu and long-term absentees Sam Walker and Brandon Smith due to injury.
- The Broncos will miss Kotoni Staggs for the first month and will rely on Ben Hunt and Adam Reynolds in the halves.
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Friday:
- Wests Tigers vs Newcastle Knights at Campbelltown Stadium (6pm)
- The Tigers face concerns with Jahream Bula’s shoulder injury, potentially leading to Turuva at fullback.
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The Knights remain stable with Cogger and Sharpe set to start in the halves.
- Dolphins vs South Sydney Rabbitohs at Suncorp Stadium (8.05pm)
- The Dolphins welcome back Tom Gilbert but will be without Jack Bostock and Tom Flegler.
- The Rabbitohs are heavily impacted by injuries, notably losing skipper Cam Murray for the season and Latrell Mitchell for the short term.
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Saturday:
- St George Illawarra Dragons vs Canterbury Bulldogs at Kogarah Oval (5.30pm)
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The Dragons have competitive pressure for spots in their backline, while the Bulldogs are missing star Jacob Kiraz and also affected by Josh Curran’s suspension.
- Manly Sea Eagles vs North Queensland Cowboys at Brookvale Oval (7.35pm)
- Manly sees new recruit Siosiua Taukeiaho starting at prop, and the Cowboys will have John Bateman making his debut, filling in for the injured Heilum Luki.
- Sunday:
- Melbourne Storm vs Parramatta Eels at AAMI Park (4.05pm)
- The Storm’s Ryan Papenhuyzen is a doubt, while the Eels are racing against time to have Mitchell Moses available for the opener.
As the season progresses, teams will need to adapt quickly to the challenges posed by injuries and team dynamics, setting the stage for an intense competition. Stay tuned for the confirmed line-ups and unfolding drama of the 2025 NRL season.