NRL 2025 draw released: Every big game revealed

Early season grudge matches and historic rivalries headline the early rounds of the NRL 2025 draw, with fireworks and narratives all the way from Vegas in Round 1 to rugby league's oldest clash in Round 27.

SEN have analysed the draw and broken down every major game in your one-stop draw assessment.

Round 1

Warriors v Raiders, Panthers v Sharks at Allegiant Stadium, Sunday March 2

las Vegas Double Header

The NRL will return to Las Vegas for the second edition of the game's venture into the USA. Should he return from off-season surgery in time, Nathan Cleary will take on Nicho Hynes, which will be surely a major advertising point for the NRL as they attempt to sway more of the American audience. Meanwhile, New Zealand's two leading frontmen, Joseph Tapine and James Fisher-Harris will lock horns in Fisher-Harris's first appearance for the Warriors.

Dolphins v Rabbitohs at Suncorp Stadium, Friday March 7

Wayne Bennett v Kristian Woolf

Kristian Woolf takes over as Dolphins' head coach and is immediately thrown up against his old mentor, the supercoach himself, Wayne Bennett. Bennett returns to the Rabbitohs after he left the club in 2021 to coach the NRL's newest team, and will be tasked with getting the best out of a talented group that underperformed in 2024.

Storm v Eels at AAMI Park, Sunday March 9

Jason Ryles v Craig Bellamy

Rounding out Round 1 is the battle of apprentice and master. Jason Ryles will take helm of the Parramatta Eels for the first time, going up against his long-term mentor, and the man he was supposed to take over from, Craig Bellamy. Melbourne haven't lost a Round 1 game since 2002, and in the game being in Melbourne means Ryles's men will be up against it. It will also mark the first games for Zac Lomax and Josh Addo-Carr for the Eels, while Stefano Utoikamanu will run out in purple for the first time.

Round 3

Storm v Panthers at AAMI Park, Thursday March 20

Grand Final Rematch

The Storm and Panthers will face each other for the first time since the 2024 Grand Final in this mouth-watering rematch. The Panthers' will be on the hunt for their fifth straight premiership, and this will be a great test of where the club is at after losing Jarome Luai and James Fisher-Harris during the off-season. Meanwhile, the Storm will be looking for redemption after suffering grand final heartbreak at the end of last year.

Round 4

_Dolphins v Broncos at Suncorp Stadium, Friday March 28

The Battle of Brisbane

The Battle of Brisbane returns in its third year in Round 4. The game has delivered some iconic moments over the first two seasons since The Dolphins were introduced to the NRL, and with both clubs having new coaches, it will be a strong gauge of both teams' premiership credentials early in the season.

Round 5

Eels v Dragons at Commbank Stadium, Saturday April 5

King Gutho returns, Lomax against the Dragons

Clint Gutherson left the Eels after nine years of service over the off-season, informed by new coach Jason Ryles he would no longer be the club's fullback. Now, the fallen king of Parramatta returns with his new club, the Dragons, while Australian winger Zac Lomax also faces off against his old side having joined the Eels after his breakout season. Lomax didn't leave without some choice words about his former club, guaranteeing this game will have plenty of feeling.

Round 6

Sharks v Manly, Rabbitohs v Cowboys at Optus Stadium, Saturday April 12

Perth Double Header

The NRL will return to Perth in Round 6 with an exciting double header. The move clearly signifies the NRL's intention to expand into the Western Australian market, despite the Western Bears' bid falling over at the last hurdle. The NRL later returns to Perth for Origin 2 on June 18, before The Dolphins take on the Newcastle Knights there on June 21, showing the NRL's goal to claim a stake of the WA market ahead of the introduction of their 18th team.

Eels v Raiders at TIO Stadium, Saturday April 12

Eels' last hurrah in Darwin

The Eels will return to Darwin for the last time in Round 6, taking on the Canberra Raiders. Eels CEO Jim Sarantinos said it was time for the club to "explore new avenues" having played at the ground since 2014, a venue where the club has had mixed success in recent years.

Round 8

Roosters v Dragons, Warriors v Knights, Storm v Rabbits at Various Grounds, Friday April 25

ANZAC Day Games

The NRL's traditional ANZAC Day game between the Roosters and Dragons headline a Friday triple header, starting at 4pm, and the final game starting at 8:10pm between the Storm and Rabbitohs at AAMI Park. The Warriors and Knights will play at 6pm at Apollo Projects Stadium in Christchurch, making for a memorable day of rugby league.

Round 12

Panthers v Knights at Carrington Park, Saturday May 24

Panthers' Regional Tour

While Penrith Park is under construction, the Panthers are taking their home games on a tour. The club will play home games in Las Vegas, Suncorp Stadium, Commbank Stadium, and Bathurst, with the club returning to the country roots of some of its biggest name players. The club will also play in Mudgee in Round 25 against the Canberra Raiders.

Round 13

Sea Eagles v Broncos at 4 Pines Park, Saturday May 31

Broncos' return to Brookvale

The Brisbane Broncos will return to Brookvale Oval for the first time in nine years to take on the Manly Sea Eagles, after years of the Northern Beaches club selling their home game against the Broncos to Suncorp Stadium. The clash will bring together superstar fullbacks Tom Trbojevic and Reece Walsh, and let the Manly faithful to opportunity to see their club take on the Broncos for the first time in many's recent memory.

Round 14

Tigers v Panthers at Commbank Stadium, Sunday June 8

Jarome Luai against the Panthers

Jarome Luai will take on his former Penrith teammates for the first time in Round 14. The four-time premiership winning five-eighth will go up against childhood friend and halves partner Nathan Cleary in what will be one of the most anticipated match-ups of the 2025 season. The game will also see Isaiah Papali'i up against his old Tigers teammates, having left the club early.

Sharks v Warriors at Sharks Stadium, Saturday June 7

AFB takes on the Warriors

Addin Fonua-Blake will play the Warriors for the first time since seeking a return to Sydney after four seasons with the New Zealand club. The new Sharks prop will link up with Nicho Hynes in the hopes of bringing premiership glory back to the shire.

Round 16

Warriors v Panthers at Go Media Stadium, Saturday June 21

JFH vs the Panthers

Two rounds after having to play Jarome Luai, the Panthers take on their former pack leader in James Fisher-Harris. The New Zealand national captain joins the Warriors and will take on former bash bro partner Moses Leota and the club he won four premierships with.

Round 18

Roosters v Tigers at Allianz Stadium, Sunday July 6

Terrell May's revenge game

One of the stories of the off-season has been Terrell May's shock release from the Roosters. Though the reasons still remain murky, the Roosters' breakout prop has inked a three-year deal with the Tigers and will join Benji Marshall's rebuild of the three-time wooden spooners.

Round 27

Roosters v Rabbitohs at Allianz Stadium, Friday September 5

NRL's oldest rivalry

The final round clash between the Roosters and Rabbitohs returns in season 2025. With both clubs expected to be battling it out for a spot in the top eight, the game could have serious ramifications for the make up of the finals. It's a game always packed with fiery moments and one to be circling in the calendar even 10 months away.

Cowboys Final Round Bye

What are the implications?

The Cowboys final round bye could make or break their season, with every team to have a final round bye missing finals that year. The Cowboys will be hoping to break the curse and qualify for consecutive finals series, but the bye could have major ramifications on the make up of the top eight.

Titans v Tigers at CBUS Super Stadium, Saturday September 6

Spoonbowl 2.0?

Could the Titans and Tigers clash in the final round of the season deliver us Spoonbowl 2.0? Last year's Spoonbowl battle between the Tigers and Eels was one of the most hyped games of the season, and there's no doubt the NRL would be seeking to recreate the magic of it. While we expect both these clubs to improve next season, both teams struggled in 2024, and could find themselves in the cellar dweller battle should they be unable to latch onto their potential.