The 118th NSWRL/ARL/Super League/NRL season began on the weekend in Las Vegas. Last night, the game started in Australia. The Penrith Panthers will look again to defy history to become the greatest side since the Draogns of the 50s/60s. In this 15th season preview, all the usual features are here; in-depth gains and losses for each club as well as each club’s top 17, the premiers, wooden spooners, biggest movers and sliders, top try scorer, Dally M Medalist, one to watch and my 2025 ladder which you will find after And Another Thing. All this and more are in the latest Blog of Cheese.
Premiers: I made the same mistake last year of picking the Grand Finalists to go one better. Though I know how Craig Bellamy operates, that Grand Final loss will sting, and Craig will leave no stone unturned as the Storm look to go one better in 2025.
Wooden Spooners have added two players past their prime and a halfback with massive question marks around him. It will be a long year for the Dragons.
Biggest Movers: After a disappointing 2024, the Warriors will bounce back and return to the finals
Biggest Sliders: Based on an exodus of several experienced players with over 500 games of experience and losing a halfback and hooker to long-term injuries, the Roosters will go from the top 4 to outside the eight.
Top Try Scorer: One of the few predictions I got right last year. Alofiana Khan-Pereira topped the list last year, second-placed Kyle Feldt gone to the Super League, and third and fourth at a struggling Roosters; I’m tipping Alofiana to go back-to-back.
Dally M: His halfback won it last year, and this year, Harry Grant will make it two straight Dally M wins for the Melbourne Storm.
One to Watch: I almost added him last year along with Solomona Faataape, though I’m a big fan of hooker Tristan Hope. He will get his chance when Api Koroisau plays Origin/injured/suspended. I expect Solomona Faataap to have a better year with a full NRL pre-season under his belt.
Brisbane Broncos
Gains: Jack Gosiewski (Cowboys) April, Ben Hunt (Dragons), Hayze Perham (Bulldogs), Latrell Siegwalt (Dolphins)
Losses: Harry Armstrong (Panthers), Corey Oates (Retired), Jordan Pereira (Retired) June, Tristan Sailor (St Helens)
The Broncos lost their first game in 2024 to the Roosters in Vegas. A win in their home opener would set up a win-loss pattern, but three straight wins to finish April would position the club in the 8. A second loss to the Roosters would end the club’s winning streak. The club would win and follow up that loss with back-to-back wins without Adam Reynolds. The club would lose their next six straight games and fall out of the eight, ending their chance to avenge their Grand Final loss. The return of Adam Reynolds would halt their losing streak with a win over the Knights. The club would follow up with back-to-back losses followed by back-to-back wins before two losses to end the season in 12th. An off-season review saw the axing of Kevin Walters, with Michael Maguire named the club’s new head coach.
The Broncos’ top 17 is mainly unchanged from 2024, though it is boosted by the return of prodigal son Ben Hunt after a few unhappy years with the Dragons. Ben will be hoping to help guide the Broncos to a premiership 10 years after he was moments from winning his first. Ben’s return will be a blessing to the club, as Ezra Mam will be suspended until round 10 for an off-field incident. The halves combination of Adam Reynolds and Ben Hunt will surely be among the oldest in league history, with both players being 34 years old. The club will return to the top 8 in 2025 with Michael Maguire as head coach.
Top 17: 1. Reece Walsh 2. Jesse Arthas 3. Kotoni Staggs 4. Deine Mariner 5. Selwyn Cobbo. 6. Ezra Mam 7. Adm Reynolds (c) 8. Payne Hass 9. Ben Hunt 10. Patrick Carrigan 11. Brendan Piakura 12. Jordan Riki 13. Kobe Hetherington. 14. Blake Mozer 15. Corey Jensen 16. Xavier Willison 17. Ben Te Kura
Canberra Raiders
Gains: Myles Martin (Knights), Matty Nicholson (Warrington), Ethan Sanders (Eels), Savelio Tamale (Dragons)
Losses: Nic Cotric (Catalans), Emre Guler (Dragons), Peter Hola (Norths Devils), Hohepa Puru (Sharks), Jordan Rapana (Hull FC), James Schiller (Knights), Adrian Trevelyan (Northern Pride), Elliott Whitehead (Catalans), Zac Woolford (Huddersfield)
The Raiders would start the season with back-to-back wins before back-to-back losses to leave the club in the bottom half of the eight and the end of the first four weeks. The club would then follow the same pattern with back-to-back wins again, followed by back-to-back losses. The club would fix this pattern with only 1 loss following back-to-back wins before another win, and then the club would hit the skids with four straight losses, leaving the club in 13th and their season looking done. The club would once again win back-to-back games before a three-game losing streak. The club would win three straight to end the season, though results would go against them, meaning they would miss the top 8 and finish in 9th.
The club lost almost 600 NRL games due to the loss of experienced first-graders Nic Cotric, Jordan Rapana, and Elliott Whitehead. Ricky Stuart has decided to sign the kids, and three of the signings are former NSW 19s players. Once again, the Raiders turn to the UK, with Matty Nicholson being the latest Englishman to join them. This will be a rebuilding year for the Raiders, with finals at least another year away.
Top 17: 1. Kaeo Weeks, 2. Albert Hopoate 3. Matt Timoko 4. Seb Kris 5. Xavier Savage 6. Ethan Strange 7. Jamal Fogarty 8. Joe Tapine (c) 9. Tom Starling 10. Josh Papalii 11. Hudson Young 12. Zac Hosking 13. Morgan Smithies 14. Owen Pattie 15. Corey Horsburgh 16. Ata Mariota 17. Matty Nicholson.
Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs
Gains: Tom Amone (Leigh), Zyon Maiu’u, Marcelo Montoya (WarrIors), Enari Tuala (Knights), Sitili Tupouniua (Roosters)
Losses: Josh Addo-Carr (Eels), Harrison Edwards (Cowboys) April, Poasa Faamausili (Narellan), Liam Knight (Hull FC), Karl Oloapu (Released), Joash Papalii (Eels), Chris Patolo (Sea Eagles), Hayze Perham (Broncos), Jordan Samrani (Eels), Jeral Skelton (Tigers), Zane Tetevano (Wyong) May
The Bulldogs started the season with back-to-back losses before their first win. They then went on a win-loss pattern until May, when they lost back-to-back games. The club entered the top 8 after three straight wins. A loss to the Cowboys dropped the club from 5th to 7th. The club cements its place in the finals with five consecutive wins. The club would lose their final two games of the season to miss out on a top 4 finish, though the club would secure a finals match for the first time since 2016. The club looked set to progress to week two of the finals until a late try from the Sea Eagles.
The club loses a lot of depth, though it has added Marcelo Montoya and Sitili Tupouniua, who should be among its top 17. The club should return to the top 8 in 2017.
Top 17: 1. Connor Tracey 2. Jacob Kiraz. 3. Bronson Xerri 4. Stephen Crichton (c) 5. Marcelo Montoya 6. Matt Burton 7. Toby Sexton 8. Max King 9. Reed Mahoney 10. Sam Hughes 11. Viliame Kikau 12. Jacob Preston 13. Kurt Mann 14. Bailey Hayward. 15. Sitili Tupouniua. 16. Josh Curran 17. Harry Hayes
Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks:
Gains: Addin Fonua-Blake (Warriors), Hohepa Puru (Raiders)
Losses: Dale Finucane (Retired) April, Sam Healey (Warriors), Royce Hunt (Tigers), Max McCarthy (Rabbitohs), Siteni Taukamo (Knights), Jack Williams (Eels)
The Sharks started the season by winning nine out of their first ten games, putting them at the top of the ladder. However, they lost five of their next six games to fall to fourth. The club went win-loss before rebounding with a four-game win streak. The club would finish the season with a loss and a win to finish in 4th place. The club would lose their qualifying final before bouncing back to win their semi-final before losing in the preliminary final.
The club picked up Addin Fonua-Blake, one of the premier props in the game, after Addin requested a release from the Warriors. The club will again make the top 4, hoping to be around on the first Sunday in October.
Top 17: 1. Will Kennedy 2. Sione Katoa. 3. Jesse Ramien 4. Kayal Iro 5. Ronaldo Mulitolo 6. Braydon Trindall 7. Nicho Hynes (c) 8. Addin Fonua-Blake 9. Blayke Brailey 10. Toby Rudolf 11. Briton Nikora 12. Teig Wilton 13. Cameron McInness 14. Siosifa Talakan 15. Braden Hamlin-Uele 16. Oregon Kaufusi 17. Thomas Hazelton
Dolphins
Gains: Tevita Pangai Junior (Free Agent) June, Max Feagai (Dragons), Kulikefu Finefeuiaki (Cowboys), Daniel Saifiti (Knights), Junior Tupou (Tigers)
Losses: Euan Aitken (Rabbitohs), Jesse Bromwich (Retired), Lachlan Hubner (Rabbitohs), Robert Jennings (Released), Edrick Lee (Retired), Anthony Milford (Souths Logan), Tesi Niu (Leigh), Tevita Pangai Junior (Catalans), Latrell Siegwalt (Broncos), Jeremiah Simbiken (Castleford). Valynce Te Ware (Rugby Union), Jarrod Wallace (Catalans) July
The Dolphins lost their first game of the season before winning their next three straight games. The club would then go loss-win over the next three weeks before another three-game win streak followed by back-to-back losses. The club would pick up another win to move into the top four before back-to-back losses to slide to seventh. The club would win a game to snap the losing streak before going on a three-game losing streak. A close win over the Warriors before back-to-back losses. A dominant win over the Broncos kept the season’s finals chances alive before losing to the Knights ended the club’s final chances.
The Dolphins lost the experienced Jesse Bromwich to retirement, leaving a hole in experience that Daniel Saifiti partially fills. The Dolphins picked up Kulikefu Finefeuiaki, a back-rower whose path to starting at the Cowboys was blocked. A couple of big questions for the Dolphins are whether Kristian Woolf will succeed where many others have failed in taking over from Wayne Bennett and what the future of Tom Flegler is. The Dolphins must wait another year to make their maiden finals appearance.
Top 17 1. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow 2. Jamayne Isaako 3. Jake Averillo 4. Herbie Farnworth 5. Jack Bostock 6. Kodi Nikorima 7. Isaiya Katoa 8. . Daniel Saifiti 9. Jeremy Marshall-King. 10. Thomas Flegler 11. Felise Kaufusi 12. Kulikefu Finefeuiaki 13. Tom Gilbert (c) 14. Max Plath 15. Connelly Lemuelu 16. Ray Stone. 17. Mark Nicholls
Gold Coast Titans
Gains: Reagan Campbell-Gillard (Eels), Carter Gordon (Rugby Union) July
Losses: Tanah Boyd, Erin Clark (Warriors), Isaac Liu (Leigh), Seth Nikotemo (Wakefield), Keenan Palasia (Leeds), Aaron Schoupp (Sea Eagles) May, Joe Stimson (Brisbane Tigers)
The Titans would lose their first 6 games of the season to leave them in last place. The club would enter a win-loss pattern until Round 12 before back-to-back losses. The club would perform their best season with a 60-point win over the Warriors. The victory over the Warriors was the start of the club winning five games of the next six. The club would then lose their last five games to finish the season in 14th.
The club picked up veteran front-rowers Reagan Campbell-Gillard and Carter Gordon from Rugby Union; both should slot into the 17. With Keiran Foran out until at least May, the club will start the season with “three fullbacks” While it looked impressive in the trial, I don’t think they will have much success in the grind of NRL football. While they have one of the best packs in the game, the hooking spot is a weakness. The Titnas will miss the finals
Top 17: 1. Keano Kini 2. Alofiana Khan-Pereira 3. Brian Kelly 4. AJ Brimson. 5. Jojo Fifita 6. Jayden Campbell. 7. Kieran Foran. 8. Reagan Campbell-Gillard 9. Sam Verills 10. Moeaki Fotuaika 11. Beau Fermor 12. David Fifita 13. Tino Fa’asuamaleaui (c) 14. Carter Gordon 15. Jaimin Jolliffe 16. Klese Haas 17. Josiah Pahulu
Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles
Gains: Michael Chee Kam (Rabbitohs), Chris Patolo (Bulldogs), Aaron Schoupp (Titans) May, Jake Simpkin (Tigers) June, Sio Siua Taukeiaho (Catalans), Jazz Tevaga (Warriors), Joey Walsh (Rugby Union)
Losses: Ben Condon (CQ Capras), Zac Fulton (Bradford) March, Bailey Hodgson (Leigh) July, Jamie Humphreys (Rabbitohs), Karl Lawton (Cowboys), Brad Parker (Retired), Jaxson Paulo (Sea Eagles), Josh Schuster (Released) April, Aaron Woods (Retired)
The Sea Eagles started the season with a win in Las Vegas before winning their home opener. The club then lost back-to-back games. Over the next month, the Sea Eagles would be undefeated with three wins and a draw. A loss to the Raiders after the club had the game sown up at halftime would trigger a three-game losing streak. The club would enter a win-loss pattern for the next four weeks. This would be followed by five wins over the next six weeks. A surprise loss to the Tigers would see the club finish the season in a loss-win pattern and finish in 7th. The club would win its first final against the Bulldogs before being dominated by the Roosters in week 2 of the finals.
The top 17 from 2024 is unchanged, with only depth added to the squad. The Sea Eagles have enough talent to be a top-four side, though it remains to be seen if they can pull it off.
Top 17: 1. Tom Trbojevic 2. Jason Saab. 3. Reuben Garrick 4. Tolu Koula 5. Lehi Hopoate 6. Luke Brooks 7. Daly Cherry-Evans (c) 8. Taniela Paseka 9 Lachlan Croker10. Josh Aloiai 11. Haumole Olakau’atu 12. Ben Trbojevic 13. Jake Trbojevic 14. Gordon Chan Kum Tong 15. Nathan Brown 16. Toafofoa Sipley 17. Ethan Bullemor
Melbourne Storm:
Gains: Moses Leo (Rugby Union), Stefano Utoikamanu (Tigers)
Losses: Chris Lewis (Retired), Tepai Moeroa (Released), Aaron Pene (Leigh) June, Remis Smith (Catalans) July, Young Tonumaipea, Christian Welch (Retired)
The Storm won eight out of their first nine games to start the season. The club then entered a loss-win-loss sequence, which was broken by the club’s bye. After the bye, the Storm would win ten out of their next twelve games to secure the minor premiership. The club would defeat the Sharks in week one of the finals to set up the week off. The Storm would defeat the Roosters in the preliminary final to qualify for the club’s first grand final since 2020. The Storm would struggle against the Panthers in the Grand Final.
The Storm will go deep into September, and it might be their arch-rivals, the Panthers, who stop the Storm from lifting the trophy.
Top 17: 1. Ryan Papenhuyzen 2. Will Warbrick 3. Jack Howarth 4. Nick Meaney 5. Xavier Coates 6. Cameron Munster 7. Jahrome Hughes. 8. Stefano Utoikamanu 9. Harry Grant (c) 10. Nelson Asofa-Solomona 11. Shawn Blore 12. Eli Katoa 13. Josh King 14. Tyran Wishart 15. Lazarus Vaalepu 16. Tui Kamikamica 17. Alec MacDonald
Newcastle Knights
Gains: Taj Annan (Rugby Union), Matt Arthur (Eels), Francis Manuleleua (Panthers), James Schiller (Raiders), Tyrone Thompson (Rugby Union)
Losses: David Armstrong (Leigh), Jed Cartwright (Hull FC) June, Thomas Jenkins (St Marys), Myles Martin (Raiders), Krystian Mapapalangi (Released), Daniel Saifiti (Dolphins), Siteni Taukamo (Sharks), Enari Tuala (Bulldogs)
The Knights lost their first two games of the season, including being run down by the Cowboys and losing in Golden Point. The Knights won their next match the following week. The club went win-loss before losing back-to-back games in rounds 6 and 7. The club would win its next four games heading into the bye; after that, it would lose its next three games. Following the club’s second bye, the Knights would lose two games in a row before losing the next two. The club would go loss-win-loss before winning their final three games and finishing in 8th. The club would lose their elimination final to the Cowboys.
The club would lose Daniel Saifiti to salary cap pressure, a massive loss that it has tried to offset with the signing of Tyrone Thompson. Until the club can work out its halves conundrum, the side will miss the 8.
Top 17: 1. Kayln Ponga (c) 2. Greg Marzhew 3. Dane Gagai 4. Bradmen Bet. 5. Jame Schiller 6. Will Pryce 7. Phoenix Crossland 8. Jacob Saifiti 9. Jayden Brailey 10. Leo Thompson 11. Kai Pearce-Paul 12. Tyson Frizell. 13. Adam Elliott. 14. Dylan Lucas 15. Matt Croker 16.Jack Hetherington 17. Fletcher Sharpe
North Queensland Cowboys
Gains: John Bateman (Tigers), Harrison Edwards (Bulldogs) April, Karl Lawton (Sea Eagles), Kai O’Donnell (Leigh), Jaxson Paulo (Sea Eagles)
Losses: Jake Granville (Retired), Kyle Feldt (St Helens), Kulikefu Finefeuiaki (Dolphins), Jack Gosiewski (Broncos) April, Valentine Holmes (Dragons), Jamayne Taunoa Browne (Retired), Chad Townsend (Roosters)
The Cowboys started the season by winning four of their first five games, including a golden point comeback win over the Knights. However, the club lost its next five games and fell to 12th. The club would win five of its next seven games to jump to sixth. The Cowboys would finish the season by winning five of their last six games in fifth place. The club would win their elimination final before losing in the semi-final, ending their season.
The Cowboys have lost 900 games of talent, with Jake Granville, Kyle Fledt, Valentine Holmes, and Chad Townsend leaving the club. The club picked up John Bateman, a handy pickup, given the loss of Heilum Luki due to an ACL injury. The club has enough talent to return to the top eight.
Top 17: 1. Scott Drinkwater 2. Semi Valemi 3. Zac Laybutt 4. Jaxon Purdue 5. Murray Taulagi 6. Tom Dearden (c) 7. Tom Duffy 8. Jordan McLean 9. Reece Robson 10. Jason Taumalolo 11. John Bateman 12 Jeremiah Nanai 13. Reuben Cotter 14. Sam McIntyre 15. Griffin Nemae 16. Coen Hess 17. Thomas Mikaele
Parramatta Eels
Gains: Josh Addo-Carr (Bulldogs), Dean Hawkins (Rabbitohs), Isaiah Iongi (Panthers), Zac Lomax (Dragons), Joash Papalii, Jordan Samrani (Bulldogs), Jack Williams (Sharks)
Losses: Daejarn Asi, Matt Arthur (Knights), Zac Cini (Castleford), Reagan Campbell-Gillard (Titans), Clint Gutherson (Dragons), Morgan Harper (Warriors), Isaac Lumelume, Ofahiki Ogden, Makahesi Makatoa, (Roosters), Lorenzo Mulitalo (Burleigh) Ethan Sanders (Raiders), Maika Sivo (Leeds), Blaize Talagi (Panthers)
The Eels started the season win-loss before losing to the Tigers and the Raiders. They broke the streak with a win against the Cowboys. The Eels then lost five straight, including the end of Brad Arthur’s coaching time. The Eels would win against the Sharks at home before a six-game losing streak. The Eels would defeat the Warriors away from home before another 3 game-losing streak. The Eels would survive a late fightback from the Dragons and then beat the Tigers in the “spoon bowl” with their highest season score.
Jason Ryles cleared out many players as he began his era in charge of the club. The club has bought in regular first graders Josh Addo-Carr, Zac Lomax, and Jack Williams to strengthen the team. Isaiah Iongi and Joash Papalii have joined the club to become the club’s new fullbacks. While the Eels will improve under Jason Ryles, they are a year or two from making the finals.
Top 17: 1. Isaiah Iongi 2. Bailey Simonsson 3. Zac Lomax 4. Will Penisini 5. Josh Addo-Carr 6. Dylan Brown 7. Mitchell Moses (c) 8. Junior Paulo 9.
Brendan Hands 11. Shaun Lane 12. Bryce Cartwright 13. J’maine Hopgood 14. Ryan Matterson 15. Luca Moretti 16. Jack Williams 17. Kelma Tuilagi
Penrith Panthers
Gains: Harry Armstrong (Broncos), Isaiah Papali’i (Tigers), Blaize Talagi (Eels)
Losses: Jett Cleary (Warriors), James Fisher-Harris (Warriors), Isaiah Iongi (Eels), Jarome Luai (Tigers), Taylan May (Released) July, Francis Manuleleua (Knights), Tyrone Peachey (Burleigh) Sunia Turuva (Tigers)
The Panthers started the season with a close-fought loss to the Storm. They then won their next three games before a loss to the Sea Eagles. Following their first bye, the Panthers would win four straight games before a surprise loss to the Warriors at Magic Round. The club would go win-loss over the next two weeks before bouncing back with two consecutive wins. The Panthers would win their next five straight games after a loss to the Cowboys at home. The Panthers would lose two straight and then win two consecutive games to end the season in 2nd place. The Panthers would dominate the Roosters and the Sharks to make their fifth straight grand final. The Panthers would dominate the Storm and win their fourth straght Grand Final.
The Panthers have bought Isaiah Papali’i to play in the second-row and Blaize Talagi to take over at five-eighth. The club lost Jarome Luai, who headed to the Tigers and James Fisher-Harris, who wanted to return to New Zealand. Surprisingly, a healthy Nathan Cleary could be the biggest hurdle to the Panthers winning a 5th straight premiership. Since the Penrith Panthers run that started in 2020, Nathan Cleary has missed a chunk of games due to an off-field incident (in a reduced 2020 season), injury (2021, 2023, and 20224), and suspension (2024). Over these five years, Nathan has yet to play 20 regular season games. The Panthers may have lost Jarome Luai and James Fisher-Harris, though as long as the club has Nathan Cleary, Liam Martin and Isaah Yeo, they will be very close to winning their 5th straight premiership.
Top 17: 1. Dyaln Edwards 2. Casey McLean, 3. Izac Tago 4. Paul Alamoti 5. Brian To’o 6. Blaize Talagi 7. Nathan Cleary (c) 8. Moses Leota 9. Mitch Kenny 10. Lindsay Smith 11. Isaiah Papali’i 12. Liam Martin 13. Isaah Yeo 14. Daine Laurie 15. Scott Sorensen 16. Liam Henry 17. Luke Garner
South Sydney Rabbitohs
Gains: Euan Aitken (Dolphins), Gerome Burns (Norths Devils), Lewis Dodd (St Helens), Jamie Humphreys (Sea Eagles), Lachlan Hubner (Dolphins), Max McCarthy (Sharks), Josh Schuster (Free Agent), Jayden Sullivan (Tigers)
Losses: Tom Burgess (Huddersfield), Michael Chee Kam (Sea Eagles), Damien Cook (Dragons), Jacob Gagai (Huddersfield, Dean Hawkins (Eels), Lachlan Ilias (Dragons), Taane Milne (Huddersfield)
The Rabbitohs started the season by losing nine out of their first ten games. During this stint, Jason Demetriou lost his job. The Rabbitohs rebounded by winning six out of their next seven games from late May. The win over the Tigers in late July was the last win of the season as the Rabbitohs would lose seven straight to end the season in 16th
Wayne Bennett returns to the Rabbitohs after three seasons, hoping to turn around the Rabbitohs form over the last two seasons and go one better than in his final season at the Rabbitohs in 2021 when they made the Grand Final. The Rabbitohs have bought in Englishman Lewis Dodd to take over at halfback, a position the club has struggled at since Adam Reynolds left. The club also bought Euan Aitken, who followed Wayne to Redfern. With Cameron Murray out for an extended period and Latrell Mitchell out for at least a month, the Rabbitohs will struggle in 2025 and might consult someone to remove the bad luck at the club’s training base.
Top 17: 1. Latrell Mitchell 2. Alex Johnston 3. Jack Wighton. 4. Campbell Graham 5. Tyrone Munro 6. Cody Walker 7. Lewis Dodd 8. Tevita Tatola 9. Peter Mamouzelos 10. Davvy Moale 11. Keaon Koloamatangi 12. Euan Aitken 13. Jai Arrow 14. Tallis Duncan 15. Sean Keppie 16. Davy Moale 17. Shaq Mitchell
St George Illawarra Dragons
Gains: Fa’amanu Brown (Hull FC) April, Damien Cook (Rabbitohs), Emre Guler (Raiders), Clint Gutherson (Eels), Valentine Holmes (Cowboys), Lachlan Ilias (Rabbitohs
Losses: Jack Bird (Tigers), Max Feagai (Dolphins), Ben Hunt (Broncos), Zac Lomax (Eels), Jesse Marschke (North Sydney), Dan Russell (Warrington), Savelio Tamale (Raiders), Paul Turner (Featherstone) March
The Dragons started the season with a convincing win over the Titans before losing three of their next four games. The club would bounce back with back-to-back wins before back-to-back losses. The Dragons would go win-loss over the next two weeks before back-to-back wins to jump into the eight. The Dragons went on a loss-win pattern from mid-June to late August and looked destined to make the eight before three straight losses to miss the eight.
The Dragons would lose skipper Ben Hunt after his repeated requests for a release were finally granted. The club has bought in veterans Damien Cook, Clint Gutherson, and Val Holmes to add some strike power out wide. Lachlan Illias, who would be the answer to replace Adam Reynolds, heads to the Dragons hoping to prove the Rabbitohs wrong. A lack of high-quality players will mean they miss the eight.
Top 17: 1. Clint Guttherosn (c) 2. Tyrell Sloan 3. Valentine Holmes. 4. Moses Suli 5. Christian Tuipulotu 6. Kyle Flanagan 7. Lachlan Ilias 8. Blake Lawrie 9. Damien Cook 10. Emre Guler 11. Luciano Leilua 12. Jaydn Su’A 13. Tom Eisenhuth 14. Jacob Liddle 15. Toby Couchman 16. Raymond Faitala-Mariner 17. Tom Eisenhuth
Sydney Roosters
Gains: Makahesi Makatoa (Eels), Mark Nawaqanitawase (Rugby Union) July, Chad Townsend (Cowboys)
Losses: Joseph-Aukuso Sua’ali’i (Rugby Union), Luke Keary (Catalans), Joey Manu (Rugby Union), Terrell May (Tigers), Lewis Murphy (St Helens), Sitili Tupouniua (Bulldogs), Jared Waerea-Hargreaves (Hull KR)
The Roosters started the season with a win in Los Vegas before losing to the Sea Eagles. The club would have a big win against the Rabbitohs before back-to-back losses. The Roosters would win a close game to the Knights before a close loss to the Storm. The Roosters would rebound with their biggest win of the season over the Dragons on Anzac Day, which was the start of a three-game win streak. The club would start a steak of loss-win-loss heading into their first bye. The Roosters would win eight out of their next ten games to cement their place in the top 4. The Roosters would finish the season loss-win. The Roosters would lose in the qualifying final before bouncing back with a dominant win in the semi-final. The Roosters would bow out in the preliminary final.
The Roosters have gone through a partial roster cleanout headed by veterans Luke Keary and Jared Waerea-Hargreave, heading to the UK and taking over 550 NRL games. The club also lost two outside backs to Rugby Union, though the club remains hopeful Joey returns mid-year after the end of his Rugby commitments. The club signed Chad Townsend, who will take the halfback jersey with Sam Walker out for most of the year. The Roosters will miss the eight with the mass exodus, and Sam and Brandon Smith will be out for an extended period.
Top 17: 1. James Tedesco (c) 2. Daniel Tupou 3. Billy Smith 4. Mark Nawaqanitawase 5.Dominic Young 6. Sandon Smith 7. Chad Townsend 8. Spencer Leniu 9. Connor Watson 10. Lindsay Collins 11. Angus Crichton 12. Nat Butcher 13. Victor Radley 14. Egan Butcher 15. Siua Wong 16. Naufahu Whyte 17. De La Salle Va’a
Warriors
Gains: Tanah Boyd (Titans), Erin Clark (Titans), Jett Cleary (Panthers), James Fisher-Harris (Panthers), Morgan Harper (Eels), Sam Healey (Sharks)
Losses: Addin Fonua-Blake (Sharks), Tohu Harris, Shaun Johnson (Retired), Zyon Maiu’u Marcelo Montoya (Bulldogs), Jazz Tevaga (Sea Eagles)
After starting the season with back-to-back losses, the Warriors went undefeated after the next month, with three wins and a draw, to sit fourth. The club would hit the skids as they lose the next four straight. They would bounce with three wins. They would then lose back-to-back games, including a sixty-point loss to the Titans. The Titans would bounce back with a win over the Broncos before back-to-back losses. The Warriors would defeat the Tigers before going on a five-game losing streak. The Warriors would end the season with a come-from-behind win to send Shaun Johnson into retirement a winner.
James Fisher-Harris returns home to New Zealand and will replace Addin Fonua-Blake, who signed with the Sharks. Tanah Boyd and Erin Clark add depth to the squad. The Warriors have also lost the experienced Shaun Johnson and Tohu Harris, wo retired earlier this year. Have enough talent to make the top eight.
Top 17: 1. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad 2. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak 3. Roco Berry 4. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck 5. Ali Leiataua 6. Chanel Harris-Tavita 7. Luke Metcalf 8,. James Fisher-Harris (c) 9. Wayde Egan 10. Mitch Barnett (c) 11. Jackson Ford 12. Kurt Capewell 13. Erin Clark 14. Dylan Walker 15. Marata Niukore 16. Bunty Afoa 17. Tom Ale
Wests Tigers
Gains: Eiden Ackland (Mt Albert Lions), Jack Bird (Dragons), Tristan Hope (Brisbane Tigers), Royce Hunt (Sharks), Jarome Luai (Panthers), Terrell May (Roosters), Jeral Skelton (Bulldogs), Sunia Turuva (Panthers)
Losses: Solomon Aliamalo (Rugby Union), John Bateman (Cowboys), Isaiah Papali’i (Panthers), Aiden Sezer (Hull FC), Jake Simpkin (Sea Eagles) June, Jayden Sullivan (Rabbitohs), Junior Tupou (Dolphins), Stefano Utoikamanu (Storm)
After starting the season with a bye, the Tigers lost their first game in round 2. They then won back-to-back games. The club lost its next nine games to fall to 17th. The club would again win back-to-back games. The club would again go on a losing streak, losing seven straight games. The Tigers would win back-to-back games again, hoping to end their third straight wooden spoon before losing in the “spoon bowl”.
The Tigers have been active in the player market, signing Jarome Luai and Sunia Turuva from the Pnthers, Terrell May from the Roosters, Jack Bird from the Dragons, and Jeral Skelton from the Bulldogs. Before they succeed, the club will need Benji Marshall to become a full-time coach. They are still a year or two from making the eight.
Top 17: 1. Jahream Bula 2. Sunia Turuva 3. Justin Olam 4. Adam Doueihi 5. Jeral Skelton 6. Lachlan Galvin 7. Jarome Luai 8. Terrell May 9. Api Koroisau (c) 10. David Klemmer11. Samuela Fainu 12. Jakc Bird. 13.AlexTwal 14. Latu Fainu 15. Royce Hunt 16. Fonua Pole 17. Samuela Fainu
Another thing: If you head to the NRL casualty ward, the NRL has listed 23 players as TBC for their return to injury. In 2025, how is that possible? Not listing a full and proper injury report calls into question the integrity of the game and allows for possible scandals related to betting on inside information.
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Till next time,
Cheese
NRL Ladder
- Melbourne Storm
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