NRL 2025 Season Begins: Exciting Fixtures and Fresh Coaching Matchups
The NRL has unveiled the first round of fixtures ahead of the 2025 season, with Wayne Bennett coming face-to-face with his understudy and Jason Ryle’s being handed a baptism by fire.
NRL Goes Global: Opening Matches in Las Vegas
While the Panthers, Warriors, Raiders and Sharks will all take the field at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas on Sunday March 2.
Broncos and Roosters to Kick Off the Australian Leg
The remainder of the competition kicks off on Thursday night, March 6, with a blockbuster clash between the Roosters and Broncos—the first game on Australian soil for the season.
This match marks Michael Maguire’s debut as head coach of the Broncos, following his appointment after Kevin Walters was dismissed at the end of the 2024 campaign.
Tigers and Knights Headline Early Friday Action
On Friday, the Tigers take on the Knights in the early game, featuring debut appearances for Jarome Luai, Jack Bird, and Royce Hunt under Benji Marshall’s leadership.
Bennett and Woolf Set for a Coaching Showdown
Later that evening, Wayne Bennett and Kristian Woolf square off in a highly anticipated Friday night showdown, with Woolf now leading the Dolphins after two years as Bennett’s assistant.
Bennett’s Return to the Rabbitohs
Wayne Bennett has signed a three-year deal to return to the Rabbitohs after completing his two-year stint with the NRL newcomers, paving the way for Kristian Woolf to take over ahead of the 2025 season.
South Sydney had a challenging 2024 season, finishing 16th as superstar Latrell Mitchell grappled with suspensions and off-field controversies.
Ryles Faces Tough Start Against the Storm
Elsewhere, Ryle’s has been handed the toughest draw in rugby league to begin his time as the Eels’ head coach, facing off against his former club the Storm.
Craig Bellamy has maintained an unbeaten record in Round 1 fixtures since taking charge of the Melbourne Storm in 2003, with Jason Ryles notably serving as an assistant under the legendary coach.
Dragons and Bulldogs Ready for a Packed Stadium
Meanwhile, the Dragons and Bulldogs are set to clash in what promises to be a sold-out showdown, while the Sea Eagles take on the Cowboys in another exciting matchup.
Full Round 1 Schedule
SUNDAY MARCH 2
Raiders vs Warriors — Allegiant Stadium, Las Vegas @ 11am EST
Panthers vs Sharks — Allegiant Stadium, Las Vegas @ 3:30pm EST
THURSDAY MARCH 6
Roosters vs Broncos — TBC @ 8pm EST
FRIDAY MARCH 7
Tigers vs Knights — TBC @ 6:00pm EST
Dolphins vs Rabbitohs — TBC @ 8:05pm EST
SATURDAY MARCH 8
Dragons vs Bulldogs — TBC, 5:30pm AEST
Sea Eagles vs Cowboys — TBC, 7:35pm EST
SUNDAY MARCH 9
Storm vs Eels — TBC, 4:05pm EST
2025 State of Origin Schedule
Women’s State of Origin Game One, Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane, Thursday, May 1
– Women’s State of Origin Game Two, Allianz Stadium, Sydney, Thursday, May 15
– Men’s State of Origin Game One, Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane, Wednesday, May 28
– Women’s State of Origin Game Three, McDonald Jones Stadium, Newcastle, Thursday, May 29
– Men’s State of Origin Game Two, Optus Stadium, Perth, Wednesday, June 18
Men’s – Under-19s State of Origin and Under 19s Women’s State of Origin, Sunshine Coast Stadium, Thursday, June 19
– Men’s State of Origin Game Three, Accor Stadium, Sydney, Wednesday, July 9
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