The 2025 NRL regular season hits the halfway mark this weekend. What better time to take a look at what’s working and what isn’t at each of the 17 clubs.
Bulldogs
Mid-season status/the story so far: First spot, nine wins, two losses. Couldn’t have dreamt of a better start to the season. Defence has been the cornerstone of their rise to the top of the NRL ladder. The fans are packing out home games, providing a huge lift to the side.
A stat that tells the story: 202 points. That’s how many points the blue-and-whites have conceded all season. That’s the least of any side in the NRL. If defence wins games – and premierships – then they are on track to give the 2025 title a shake.
The surprise packet: Max King. The pundits tossed up plenty of NSW bolters before the first NSW side was picked, but few had King in their side. Justified his selection with a strong performance on debut.
What they need to do in the second half of the season: Work out how to best utilise Lachlan Galvin. His addition could be the x-factor that turns the Bulldogs into a real contender, or result in disrupting the harmony of a side that has been humming along.
Prediction: Canterbury should be a better team with Galvin in it. However, we won’t see the best of him at the Bulldogs until he’s spent an entire pre-season under Cameron Ciraldo. There’s no reason why they can’t be one of the last four teams standing.
Eels
Mid-season status/the story so far: 15th, four wins, eight losses. It was always going to be a tough initiation for Jason Ryles. The rookie coach made the tough calls – most notably letting go of Clint Gutherson, Reagan Campbell-Gillard and Maika Sivo – in a bid to set up the club for lasting success. Promising signs from the rookies he’s blooded after a poor start.
A stat that tells the story: 34 points; that’s how many points the Eels have conceded in the past three games. A huge improvement to their defence after conceding 56 points to the Storm in a horror start to the Ryles campaign.
Eels star Zac Lomax.Credit: Getty Images
The surprise packet: Isaiah Iongi took over from fan favourite Gutherson after just the one NRL appearance at the Panthers. A revelation in the No.1 jersey, Iongi is a leading contender for rookie-of-the-year honours. Has a long NRL career ahead of him.
What they need to do in the second half of the season: Build on the improvement they have shown in recent weeks. Iongi, Ryley Smith, Jordan Samrani, Kitione Kautoga, Joash Papalii and Sam Tuivaiti will gain valuable experience that will put them in good stead for future campaigns.
Prediction: The top eight looks beyond them, but they have the opportunity to put distance between themselves and the wooden spoon. Mitchell Moses and Zac Lomax are the club’s two best players, but they have only played twice together. If both remain fit, Parra can climb a couple of ladder rungs.
Sea Eagles
Mid-season status/the story so far: Seventh, six wins, six losses. Their position on the ladder is an accurate reflection of their season. As good as anyone on their best day, but the same can be said of their worst. Wildly inconsistent – as shown on Thursday night when they were run down by the Knights after leading 16-0 at half-time. The Daly Cherry-Evans saga hasn’t helped.
A stat that tells the story: Just seven games to date for Tom Trbojevic. The injury-prone star has been down on form and confidence, to the point where he was overlooked for Origin selection. Needs a big, and injury-free, second half of the season if the Sea Eagles are to contend.
Lehi Hopoate is a rising star.Credit: Getty Images
The surprise packet: Lehi Hopoate has been a revelation. Whether on the wing or filling in at fullback for Trbojevic, he has shown enough to suggest he will be the club’s long-term No.1. Behind only James Tedesco for most run metres.
What they need to do in the second half of the season: Such a Jekyll and Hyde team. They need to find consistency if they are going to press for the top four.
Prediction: Feels like they will be just outside the top-four, which is where you need to be a legitimate challenger. Not enough has been made about just how big the loss of Taniela Paseka for the season has been. Big Brookvale home crowds are a huge factor in the run home.
Storm
Mid-season status/the story so far: Fourth, seven wins, four losses. Started the season as premiership favourites, and deservedly remain so despite a few unexpected dips to date. Boast the best spine in the game, and they are finally getting some much-needed game time together. Feels like their best footy is in front of them.
A stat that tells the story: 63 tries, one more than the second-placed Raiders. Ryan Papenhuyzen leads the league with 12 of them as well as a league-leading 134 points. The fullback has made a huge difference after stringing some games together.
The surprise packet: Trent Loiero is such a Storm story. Just fits into the system, does his job and is largely underrated by all but his teammates. Finally got the recognition he deserves when Billy Slater handed him a Maroons debut for this year’s series.
Ryan Papenhuyzen is in fine form.Credit: Getty Images
What they need to do in the second half of the season: Stay healthy and secure a top-four spot. If they can do this, a premiership is theirs to lose. The pain of last year’s defeat, coupled with Penrith’s decline, leaves Melbourne as the team most likely.
Prediction: Storm to win the comp. So far, they have performed well below their ability. It’s a long season, they don’t need to peak too early, so Craig Bellamy should have them firing come finals time.
Raiders
Mid-season status/the story so far: Second, 10 wins, three losses. Along with the Bulldogs, this is the success story of the season. One of the spoon favourites at the start of the season, they are shaping up as a not-so-dark horse for the title. Ethan Strange, Kaeo Weekes and Savelio Tamale are just some of the big improvers.
A stat that tells the story: 84 penalties conceded, the most in the NRL. Just shows how much improvement there is in this team if they can improve their discipline. And here’s a positive stat: an NRL-best 21,704 run metres. That’s a great platform for the halves and speed men to work from.
The surprise packet: Corey Horsburgh. So strained was the relationship between he and coach Ricky Stuart that they didn’t speak for much of last season. Now “Big Red” is back to his rampaging best and is making a strong claim to return to the Origin arena.
What they need to do in the second half of the season: Most of the hard work has already been done. They have banked competition points during a horror road stretch early, and will finish with two byes and a fair share of home games in the run home. Just need to keep doing what they are doing.
Prediction: They are probably a season or two from being in a position to take out the whole thing, but there’s no reason why this side can’t get to at least the penultimate weekend of the season.
Warriors
Chanel Harris-Tavita and teammates celebrate.Credit: Getty Images
Mid-season status/the story so far: Third, nine wins, three losses. The Warriors suffered a harsh reality check last season, finishing 13th, but have rediscovered their 2023 form. The loss of Mitch Barnett to a season-ending knee injury is a body blow, but after six wins in their past seven games, the Wahs have momentum.
A stat that tells the story: 31 Dally M points. That’s how many votes Warriors halfback Luke Metcalf had accumulated to lead the race for the medal when the polling went behind closed doors. Metcalf’s hot form has allayed fears following the retirement of club legend Shaun Johnson.
The surprise packet: Leka Halasima, the 19-year-old back-rower, has emerged as a genuine weapon, scoring four tries in 12 games. He’s progressed from the bench to the starting line-up and is likely to be terrorising edge defenders for many years to come.
What they need to do in the second half of the season: The Warriors are a genuine chance of winning all six of their remaining home games. If they pick up a few victories on the road – and they have won their past four in Australia – they’ll be right up at the pointy end of the top four come finals time.
Prediction: Anything less than a top-four finish and a home play-off would be a surprise/disappointment for fans across the ditch.
Dragons
Clint Gutherson’s presence gives the Dragons hope in their quest for the finals.Credit: Getty Images
Mid-season status/the story so far: Eighth, five wins, six losses. Funny team, the Dragons. They haven’t earned many accolades this season, but after back-to-back wins against Brisbane and Newcastle, they are in the finals mix. At their best, they’re dangerous, as they showed in round three when they beat Melbourne.
A stat that tells the story: Three losses by one point. The Dragons have been denied by field goals in games against Souths, Parramatta and the Warriors. Those results could well come back to haunt them at season’s end.
The surprise packet: Jacob Liddle. When the Dragons signed former Test hooker Damien Cook, Liddle must have been wondering if he’d spend the whole season in NSW Cup. Instead, the 28-year-old has starred off the bench, featuring in all 11 games and scoring six tries.
What they need to do in the second half of the season: Dragons coach Shane Flanagan is craving consistency.
Prediction: Given what appears to be a tough draw, they’ll fizzle out in the coming weeks.
Rabbitohs
Rookie half Jamie Humphreys has given Souths a new dimension with his kicking game.Credit: Getty Images
Mid-season status/the story so far: Ninth, six wins, six losses. The Rabbitohs are lurking with intent at the midway point, and there is no better coach than Wayne Bennett to get them firing when it counts. Injuries have been a constant drain on Bennett’s resources, but with their main men back on the paddock, anything is possible.
A stat that tells the story: 8442 total kick metres. The Bunnies have gained more ground via the boot than any rival team, mainly thanks to rookie halfback Jamie Humphreys. That’s a valuable asset, especially in tight games.
The surprise packet: Humphreys has been a revelation after Souths signed him from Manly with one NRL game under his belt. He has a great kicking game, defends strongly and looks every inch a quality, long-term first-grader.
What they need to do in the second half of the season: If they can keep their big guns on the field, the rest will take care of itself. Jack Wighton and Cody Walker return this week for the clash with the Raiders in Canberra, and they will make a massive difference.
Prediction: At $51 to win the title, and $2.75 to make the top eight, Souths are arguably the best-value bet in the NRL. They’re not far off where they need to be and will be winning games in the finals.
Knights
Mid-season status/the story so far: 15th, four wins, eight losses. What a horror show it has been. Coach Adam O’Brien recently said he has the full support of the board. What he needs is the full support of the players. They seem bereft of ideas in attack and still don’t know what their best halves pairing is.
A stat that tells the story: 4708. That’s how many tackles – the most in the league – that the Knights have made this season. You just can’t win games without the football. The Knights are also the worst team for errors (170) and ineffective tackles (252). That’s a damning set of numbers.
Young Knights half Fletcher Sharpe.Credit: Getty Images
The surprise packet: It’s evident that Fletcher Sharpe is a special talent, but he’s really shone when replacing Kalyn Ponga at fullback. If fortunes don’t improve, expect more debate about whether Ponga should shift from fullback to the halves.
What they need to do in the second half of the season: Settle on a halves combination. They used 11 pairings last year and are no closer to arriving at a solution. Unless they do so, their points drought will continue.
Prediction: The Knights have lashed out up to $14 million to poach Dylan Brown. O’Brien won’t be around to coach him if the Knights can’t improve their fortunes. They shouldn’t get the spoon, but it will be a close-run race.
Cowboys
The Cowboys are well placed in the race for the play-offs.Credit: Getty Images
Mid-season status/the story so far: Sixth, five wins, one draw, five losses. North Queensland have broken even thus far, but their inconsistency will have frustrated coach Todd Payten. The form they showed during a four-game winning run gave a glimpse of their potential, and their destiny is in their own hands over the second half of the season.
A stat that tells the story: 81 offloads. Only the Rabbitohs (79) have produced fewer this year. Maybe the Cowboys need to take a few chances in possession to create more second-phase football.
The surprise packet: Robert Derby. The Papua New Guinea Test winger debuted in the NRL last year but clearly has found his feet this season, scoring seven tries in nine games, including a hat-trick against Gold Coast. He should keep improving with experience.
What they need to do in the second half of the season: The Cows need to capitalise on their home-ground advantage and win their remaining six games in Townsville. If they pick up another win or two on the road, that will secure a top-eight finish.
Prediction: They should make the eight, judging by their draw.
Dolphins
Dolphins skipper Tom Gilbert is unlikely to play again this season.Credit: NRL Photos
Mid-season status/the story so far: 10th, five wins, seven losses. Rookie coach Kristian Woolf endured a disastrous start, losing his first four games, but to his credit, the Dolphins are still in the race for a first finals berth. They face a crucial game against the Dragons on Friday. The winners will stay in touch with the top eight, the losers could find themselves playing catch-up for the rest of the season.
A stat that tells the story: The Dolphins have a points differential of plus-42 (294 for, 252 against). That’s the sixth best in the NRL and highlights what a competitive team they are. They don’t beat themselves, and they’ll keep every opponent honest in the dogfight to reach the play-offs.
The surprise packet: Kulikefu Finefeuiaki joined the Dolphins from North Queensland and has since established himself as a starting edge forward, playing the full 80 minutes in his past four games. He’s provided an ageing pack with some energy and spark.
What they need to do in the second half of the season: The loss of Tom Gilbert and Daniel Saifiti to injuries, on top of the uncertainty surrounding Tom Flegler, will test the Dolphins’ depth. They’ll need their forwards to break even each week so that Isaiya Katoa can create chances for strike weapons Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow and Herbie Farnworth.
Prediction: They’ll be thereabouts but might just miss the eight for the second season in a row.
Broncos
Broncos captain Adam Reynolds and coach Michael Maguire speak to the media after another loss.Credit: NRL Photos
Mid-season status/the story so far: 11th, five wins, seven losses. Their 50-14 thrashing of the Roosters in round one has all but faded from memory, and the Broncos are now seriously under the pump. In saying that, they have a star-studded roster and enough time to get their season back on track. Over to you, Michael Maguire.
A stat that tells the story: Six losses in their past seven games. How can a team with so much talent, and who started the season with such high expectations, have performed so poorly?
The surprise packet: Journeyman centre Gehamat Shibasaki has returned to the Broncos and grabbed his opportunity. He has played in every game this season, scoring six tries in the process.
What they need to do in the second half of the season: For starters, a win against last-placed Gold Coast on Saturday is a non-negotiable. If they lose that, the Broncos are officially in crisis, and all bets are off. The return from injury of Reece Walsh might be just what they need to resurrect an underwhelming campaign.
Prediction: They’ll turn it around, qualify for the postseason, and do some damage when they get there.
Sharks
Mid-season status/the story so far: Fifth, seven wins, five losses. The jury remains out. After a slow start to the season, Nicho Hynes is playing good football. Addin Fonua-Blake has been a welcome addition. It remains to be seen whether this team is better placed for a title tilt than in previous years.
A stat that tells the story: Nicho Hynes has 16 line-break assists, the most in the league. There have been times when Braydon Trindall has taken the control of Cronulla’s attack, but they are starting to strike a nice balance. The spotlight will be on whether Hynes can deliver when it counts.
Nicho Hynes is warming into the season.Credit: Getty Images
The surprise packet: When voting went behind closed doors, Will Kennedy was on 29 Dally M points. That’s just one point off the leader, Luke Metcalf. Incredibly, Kennedy remains unsigned for next season. Surely the Sharks can find the cap space to table a decent deal.
What they need to do in the second half of the season: It’s a downhill ski for the Sharks; they don’t leave Sydney after round 18, and they still have two byes to come. They need to take advantage and cement a spot in the top four. After making the preliminary final last year, they need to go a step further.
Prediction: A top-four spot, a home (region) final, but no premiership. This is a very open competition and the Sharks should again be one of the last four teams standing. Just feels like they are lacking that X-factor required to win the whole thing.
Roosters
There has been no more exciting player in the NRL this season than Mark Nawaqanitawase.Credit: NRL Photos
Mid-season status/the story so far: 12th, five wins, seven losses. Win, lose or draw, the Roosters have been entertaining this season. They’ve unearthed an excitement machine in ex-Wallaby Mark Nawaqanitawase and some dynamic tyros like halfback Hugo Savala. The outstanding form of skipper James Tedesco has also been a highlight. Even if they don’t reach the finals, they’re good to watch.
A stat that tells the story: 82 tackle breaks by James Tedesco. That’s the most in the NRL, by the way. At 32, “Teddy” is playing out of his skin and doing his utmost to inspire his young teammates.
The surprise packet: Robert Toia made his NRL debut in round one, and three months later was a shock choice for Queensland in the Origin series opener. Still only 20, he is presumably only going to improve.
What they need to do in the second half of the season: Only once this season have the Chooks won consecutive games. They’ll be hoping the return of Sam Walker helps them start stringing wins together.
Prediction: They have the talent to make the finals, but perhaps not the consistency.
Tigers
Are the Tigers better off without Lachlan Galvin?Credit: Getty Images
Mid-season status/the story so far: 13th, five wins, seven losses. After three consecutive wooden spoons, the only way was up for the Tigers. But they remain a work in progress and have had to deal with the ongoing distraction that culminated in Lachlan Galvin joining Canterbury. With that saga done and dusted, the Tigers can now focus on trying to win games.
A stat that tells the story: 166 offloads, the most in the NRL. Terrell May has delivered an NRL-best 36 on his own. That suggests the Tigers are playing an enterprising brand of football and trying to keep the ball alive. More power to them.
The surprise packet: Starford To’a arrived at the Tigers in 2022, after being discarded by Newcastle. This season, he has established himself as one of the most-improved centres in the NRL, scoring seven tries in nine games. Outside him, Sunia Turuva has scored nine tries. Beware the Tigers’ right edge.
What they need to do in the second half of the season: Benji Marshall has his team heading in the right direction, but he’ll wants more consistency, especially in defence. Only the Titans have conceded more points this season.
Prediction: They won’t finish last, which amounts to progress. But they won’t make the play-offs.
Panthers
Penrith will need to produce a remarkable turnaround to have any hope of defending their title.Credit: NRL Imagery
Mid-season status/the story so far: 14th, four wins, seven losses, one draw. The four-time premiers kicked off their season by beating Cronulla in Las Vegas, but then followed an inexplicable five-game losing streak that left them at the foot of the table. The champions will need to produce something special simply to make the finals.
A stat that tells the story: 281 points conceded. That works out to be 23.4 points per game, seven points a game more than last season’s average. Penrith have been statistically the most miserly defensive team in the NRL throughout their reign. Now they rank 11th. Sure, they’ve lost some key players, but the cracks in a once-impregnable system are the worry.
The surprise packet: Thomas Jenkins. Spent most of last year in Newcastle’s NSW Cup side and was pondering retirement before the Panthers threw him a lifeline. The utility back has since appeared in nine NRL games to resurrect his career.
What they need to do in the second half of the season: Penrith probably need eight wins from their remaining 12 games, a tall order but far from impossible. They know what’s required, but there is precious little margin for error.
Prediction: As Manchester City discovered this season in the English Premier League, dynasties can be suddenly dented. It will require a minor miracle for Penrith to reach the finals, let alone retain their title. But this team have a habit of rewriting the record books, so one way or the other, it will be intriguing to see how this plays out.
Titans
Mid-season status/the story so far: 17th, three wins, eight losses. This has been a tale of woe. On paper, this is a team that should not be sitting in last place. The contract clause in Des Hasler’s contract appears deliberately leaked, putting even more pressure on the coach. They are deserved favourites to finish last.
A stat that tells the story: This is proof that stats can be misleading. The Gold Coast are the most disciplined team, making just 217 errors. The issue is when and where they make their blunders. Too often it’s in their own end, and when the game is on the line.
The surprise packet: Jaylan De Groot has been a rare bright spot in a dismal season. Home grown, he has just earned a contract extension after impressing at fullback in the absence of injured No.1 Keano Kini. Will be interesting to see where he fits in when Kini is back.
What they need to do in the second half of the season: Require massive improvement to climb off the bottom of the ladder and save Hasler’s job. David Fifita needs to get back on the field and start delivering to a standard that’s reflective of his salary.
Prediction: The Titans don’t want to be known as a club that constantly churns through coaches. Unless there is massive improvement in the coming months, that’s what they will be. Hasler will struggle to survive if they get the spoon.
Michael Chammas and Andrew “Joey” Johns dissect the upcoming NRL round, plus the latest footy news, results and analysis. Sign up for the Sin Bin newsletter.
