The release of the 2025 NRL draw has sparked plenty of discussion, with fans and pundits dissecting the fixture to uncover the winners, losers, and everything in between. For some teams, the schedule offers a clear advantage, while for others, it promises a more challenging road ahead. Here’s a closer look at the key talking points, including the pain for Wayne Bennett’s Rabbitohs, Penrith’s cushy run, and Ricky Stuart’s complaints that seem to be more about venting than substance.
Pain for Wayne at the Bunnies
For South Sydney, the 2025 draw is shaping up to be a tough one, with coach Wayne Bennett set to face a challenging start to the season. The Rabbitohs have been handed a difficult early run of matches, facing several top-tier teams in the opening rounds. Given Bennett’s reputation for nurturing young talent and guiding his team through adversity, it’s clear that the veteran coach will need to dig deep if his side is to navigate this tough stretch successfully.
The Bunnies’ fixtures include games against the premiers, Penrith, and perennial contenders like Melbourne and Sydney Roosters early on, which could set the tone for the rest of their season. While Bennett’s experience and tactical acumen are undeniable, the added pressure of these tough early fixtures could make for a rocky start to 2025, especially as the club aims to break its premiership drought.
Penrith’s Dream Run
On the other end of the spectrum, Penrith has been handed what looks like a golden opportunity with a much easier draw compared to their rivals. The Panthers will face a more favorable set of fixtures to open the season, with games against lower-ranked teams that could allow them to build momentum early. Having dominated the competition for the past few years, Penrith will be hoping to continue their strong form and take advantage of their relatively soft start.
This cushy run could give them the chance to secure important early wins and build up a commanding position on the ladder. However, the true test will come as the season progresses and the competition intensifies, but if Penrith is able to capitalize on these early fixtures, they will be well-positioned to continue their reign at the top of the NRL.
Ricky’s Complaints Are All Hot Air
Canberra’s coach, Ricky Stuart, has already voiced his with the 2025 draw, claiming that the Raiders have been handed a tough schedule that will make it difficult for them to succeed. However, many are questioning the validity of Stuart’s complaints. While it’s true that the Raiders will face several tough matchups, the NRL draw is designed to challenge all teams, and Canberra’s grievances seem a bit exaggerated.
Stuart’s comments have sparked debate, but many argue that the draw reflects a fair distribution of fixtures across the league. The Raiders are not the only team facing tough opponents, and plenty of other clubs have been handed equally challenging schedules. While it’s understandable for a coach to express concerns about the impact of the fixture on his team, it’s hard to see why Ricky’s complaints should be given much weight in a league that prides itself on the unpredictability and fairness of its competition.
Conclusion
As the 2025 NRL season looms, the draw has created plenty of talking points. For Wayne Bennett’s Rabbitohs, the tough early games may put them on the back foot, while Penrith’s favorable start gives them a golden chance to build on their success. Meanwhile, Ricky Stuart’s complaints about the Raiders’ schedule appear to be more about posturing than a genuine cause for concern. Regardless of the schedule, the 2025 NRL season promises to be a thrilling ride, with plenty of drama, surprises, and fierce competition ahead.
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