**EXCLUSIVE: 25 Bold Predictions for the NRL in 2025**
As the 2024 NRL season draws to a close, the anticipation for 2025 is already heating up. Here are 25 bold predictions that could reshape the league over the next year.
1. **New Zealand Warriors to win the Grand Final**
After years of heartbreak, 2025 will be the year the Warriors claim their first-ever NRL title, with a dynamic roster and the leadership of new coach Andrew Webster.
2. **Cameron Munster to leave Melbourne Storm**
Munster will make a shock move to a rival club, likely the Sydney Roosters, to seek a new challenge.
3. **Penrith Panthers dynasty ends**
After dominating for several years, Penrith will fall short in 2025, unable to secure another premiership due to a combination of injuries and evolving competition.
4. **NRL to introduce a mid-season international tournament**
The NRL will add a mid-year international competition featuring Australia, New Zealand, and Pacific Island nations, boosting the global profile of the game.
5. **Tom Trbojevic to win the Dally M**
Trbojevic will bounce back from injury woes and be awarded the Dally M Medal, reaffirming his status as one of the game’s best.
6. **The NRL to expand to 18 teams**
A team from Queensland’s southeast, potentially the Sunshine Coast or Brisbane II, will be introduced, bringing fresh rivalries and expanding the league’s footprint.
7. **Billy Slater becomes head coach of Queensland**
After a strong stint as the Maroons’ assistant, Slater will take over as head coach, leading Queensland to a new era of dominance.
8. **Tino Fa’asuamaleaui to captain Queensland**
The Titans’ powerhouse will take over from Daly Cherry-Evans as the Maroons’ captain, bringing energy and leadership.
9. **Nathan Cleary moves to the Sydney Roosters**
After a period of dominance with Penrith, Cleary will sign a massive deal with the Roosters, further solidifying their star-studded squad.
10. **A new record for highest points in a season**
The NRL will see a new scoring record set, likely by a dominant team like the Panthers or Roosters, with attacking football becoming the norm.
11. **Latrell Mitchell to captain Australia**
Following a standout year, Latrell Mitchell will be named Australia’s captain, bringing flair and leadership to the international stage.
12. **Rise of a new NRL superstar from the Pacific Islands**
A rising star from Fiji, Tonga, or Samoa will emerge as one of the league’s premier players, showcasing the growing Pacific influence on the NRL.
13. **Daly Cherry-Evans retires at the end of 2025**
After an illustrious career, Cherry-Evans will hang up the boots, ending his time with Manly and Queensland.
14. **NRL salary cap overhaul**
The NRL will introduce changes to the salary cap, allowing teams more flexibility to retain players in the face of financial pressures.
15. **Gold Coast Titans make the top 4**
After years of underperformance, the Titans will finally break into the top 4, led by a rejuvenated squad.
16. **Cronulla Sharks win a second premiership**
The Sharks will go all the way, riding high on the back of a revitalized spine and solid forward pack.
17. **Cameron Smith enters coaching**
The greatest hooker of all time will take his first coaching role, likely with an expansion team, marking the beginning of his post-playing career.
18. **Jack Wighton becomes a game-changing signing for Souths**
Wighton will prove to be a transformative figure at South Sydney, adding another layer of potency to their attacking game.
19. **Melbourne Storm to miss the finals for the first time in years**
The Storm’s dominance will wane as key players like Cameron Munster and Ryan Papenhuyzen either depart or struggle with injury.
20. **Sydney Roosters break the player acquisition record**
The Roosters will continue their ambitious recruiting strategy, signing a superstar from overseas or a rival club.
21. **Blake Ferguson to return to the NRL**
After a stint overseas, Blake Ferguson will make a surprise return to the NRL with a mid-table team, adding valuable experience.
22. **The NRL to launch a women’s competition in 2025**
The women’s game will gain further momentum, with the NRL launching a full-scale women’s competition alongside the men’s.
23. **New sponsorship deal worth over $50 million**
A new, groundbreaking sponsorship deal will be announced, pushing NRL’s commercial growth into the stratosphere.
24. **Sydney-based teams to dominate in 2025**
With the exception of Melbourne, Sydney clubs will make up at least 6 of the top 8 teams by the end of the season.
25. **Expansion clubs exceed expectations**
Both the Dolphins and any new expansion clubs will exceed expectations in 2025, causing major disruption to the NRL’s established powerhouses.
These predictions paint a picture of a rapidly evolving NRL, with fresh talent, exciting rivalries, and groundbreaking changes. 2025 promises to be a thrilling year for rugby league fans.
Be the first to comment