The 2025 NRL season has arrived with two intriguing clashes in Las Vegas getting the campaign off with a bang. 

Canberra and New Zealand got the action underway at Allegiant Stadium before Penrith and Cronulla tussled later on. 

Attention will now shift back Down Under where Michael Maguire's reign in Brisbane will start with a blockbuster clash against the Sydney Roosters. 

MORE: NRL injury list - Your club’s medical news, casualty ward and player return dates

The Wests Tigers will attempt to get their season off to a winning start when the much-changed outfit take on Newcastle, while Wayne Bennett will take on the Dolphins in a relocated fixture with South Sydney. 

Canterbury face a tricky test away from home when they square off against a rejuvenated St George Illawarra, while Manly hosts North Queensland on Saturday night. 

To conclude the extended opening round, Melbourne's incredible winning Round 1 record will go on the line when they battle with Parramatta, who will have to do without one of their star men. 

Sydney Roosters vs. Brisbane Broncos

(Thursday, March 6 at Allianz Stadium, 8:00pm AEDT)

Sydney confirmed team:

1. James Tedesco
2. Daniel Tupou
3. Mark Nawaqanitawase 
4. Robert Toia
5. Dom Young
6. Sandon Smith
7. Chad Townsend
8. Lindsay Collins
9. Connor Watson
10. Naufahu Whyte 
11. Angus Crichton
12. Victor Radley
13. Nat Butcher 

14. Zach Dockar-Clay 
15. Siua Wong
16. Blake Steep 
17. Salesi Foketi

18. Hugo Savala
19. Taylor Losalu
20. Ethan King
21. Fetalaiga Pauga
22. Makahesi Makatoa

Roosters team news:

Mark Nawaqanitawase has been named in the centres despite the former Wallaby picking up a calf complaint in the trials. 

Robert Toia will grab the other spot in the centres following the exits of Joey Manu and Joseph Suaalii, while Junior Pauga is waiting in the reserves. 

Sandon Smith and Chad Townsend form a new halves partnership with Luke Keary's exit and Sam Walker's injury. 

Spencer Leniu is set to take over the enforcer role following Jared Waerea-Hargreaves' departure, yet the prop will miss the opening rounds after being cited for a high shot in the trials. Naufahu Whyte will start in his place. 

Connor Watson will take the No.9 jersey with Brandon Smith remaining on the sidelines with a knee injury, while Nat Butcher starts at lock. 

An inexperienced bench is set to see teenage prospect Salesi Foketi make his NRL debut, while Blake Steep also features alongside Siua Wong. 

Brisbane confirmed team:

1. Reece Walsh
2. Selwyn Cobbo
3. Deine Mariner
4. Gehamat Shibasaki
5. Jesse Arthars
6. Ben Hunt
7. Adam Reynolds
8. Patrick Carrigan 
9. Cory Paix
10. Payne Haas
11. Jack Gosiewski
12. Jordan Riki
13. Kobe Hetherington 

14. Billy Walters
15. Corey Jensen
16. Xavier Willison 
17. Brendan Piakura

18. Tyson Smoothy
19. Delouise Hoeter
20. Martin Taupau
21. Benjamin Te Kura
22. Jaiyden Hunt 

Broncos team news: 

Michael Maguire received a big blow with Kotoni Staggs ruled out for up to six weeks with a quad issue. Gehamat Shibasaki will take his spot after pushing Deine Mariner in the trials. 

Selwyn Cobbo will return to the wing, while Jesse Arthars has made the other spot on the flank his own. 

Ben Hunt takes over in the No.6 jersey following his return to the club and Ezra Mam's suspension. 

Patrick Carrigan is set for a positional switch with the forward joining Payne Haas up front and Kobe Hetherington taking over at lock. 

Cory Paix has nudged his nose in front in the race for the No.9 jersey, with Billy Walters having to settle for a place on the bench.

Jack Gosiewski has also uprooted former guaranteed starter Brendan Piakura in the backrow. 

There are places on the pine for Xavier Willison and Corey Jensen. 

Wests Tigers vs. Newcastle Knights

(Friday, March 7 at Campbelltown Sports Stadium, 6:00pm AEDT)

Wests Tigers confirmed team:

1. Heath Mason
2. Sunia Turuva
3. Adam Doueihi
4. Solomona Faataape
5. Jeral Skelton 
6. Lachlan Galvin
7. Jarome Luai
8. Terrell May
9. Tallyn Da Silva 
10. Fonua Pole
11. Samuela Fainu
12. Alex Seyfarth
13. Alex Twal

14. Tristan Hope
15. Royce Hunt
16. Jack Bird
17. Sione Fainu

18. Latu Fainu
19. Charlie Staines
20. Kit Laulilii
21. Tony Sukkar
22. Reuben Porter

Tigers team news:

Jahream Bula has failed to recover from his shoulder injury in time for the opener, so Heath Mason will be the fullback. 

Sunia Turuva and Jeral Skelton will make their debuts for the club on the wings after their arrivals in the summer, with Brent Naden out of contention after dislocating his kneecap in the trials. 

Justin Olam could be forced into early retirement with the PNG favourite absent from the centres. Solomona Faataape and Adam Doueihi are the new pairing to start the season. 

Jarome Luai will shrug off a calf complaint to take his place at halfback where he will be partnered with Lachlan Galvin. 

Terrell May will form a front row partnership with Fonua Pole, while Tallyn Da Silva will fill in at hooker as skipper Api Koroisau serves the final match of his suspension. 

Alex Twal will start at lock, while recruits Jack Bird and Royce Hunt have been included on the bench alongside Tristan Hope, who has bumped Latu Fainu to 18th man. 

Newcastle confirmed team:

1. Kalyn Ponga
2. James Schiller
3. Dane Gagai
4. Bradman Best
5. Greg Marzhew
6. Fletcher Sharpe
7. Jack Cogger 
8. Jacob Saifiti
9. Phoenix Crossland
10. Leo Thompson
11. Dylan Lucas
12. Kai Pearce-Paul
13. Tyson Frizell

14. Jayden Brailey 
15. Jack Hetherington 
16. Brodie Jones
17. Mathew Croker

18. Thomas Cant
19. Will Pryce
20. Logan Aoake
21. Jackson Hastings
22. Adam Elliott 

Knights team news: 

James Schiller is the new addition in the backline after his signing from Canberra with former winger Fletcher Sharpe moving to five-eighth. 

Jack Cogger has won the race to start at halfback with Jackson Hastings in the extended squad and Tyson Gamble nowhere to be seen. 

Jacob Saifiti will start at prop with his brother, Daniel, having left the club after a long stay in the Hunter. 

Phoenix Crossland has grabbed the starting dummy-half role with Jayden Brailey dropping to the bench. 

Dylan Lucas and Kai Pearce-Paul will start in the backrow, while Tyson Frizell has switched to lock with Adam Elliott only named in the reserves. 

Brodie Jones, Mat Croker and Jack Hetherington have all been included on the bench. 

Dolphins vs. South Sydney Rabbitohs

(Friday, March 7 at CommBank Stadium, 8:05pm AEDT)

Dolphins confirmed team:

1. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow
2. Jamayne Isaako
3. Jake Averillo 
4. Herbie Farnworth
5. Junior Tupou
6. Kodi Nikorima
7. Isaiya Katoa
8. Daniel Saifiti
9. Jeremy Marshall-King
10. Felise Kaufusi
11. Kulikefu Finefeuiaki
12. Max Plath 
13. Tom Gilbert 

14. Kurt Donoghoe
15. Connelly Lemuelu
16. Mark Nicholls
17. Ray Stone

18. Kenny Bromwich
19. Josh Kerr
20. Sean O'Sullivan
21. Harrison Graham
22. Max Feagai

Dolphins team news:

Jack Bostock is set for a stint on the sidelines after suffering a knee injury during his side's final trial. Junior Tupou is the man to replace the Dally M Rookie of the Year. 

Felise Kaufusi will start at prop with Tom Flegler still sidelined with his shoulder injury. The Queenslander will be joined up front by new recruit Daniel Saifiti. 

Kulikefu Finefeuiaki will start in the backrow along with Max Plath, who has moved to an edge to accommodate the return of Tom Gilbert. 

Kurt Donoghoe has grabbed the utility role although Ray Stone has still been included in the 17. 

Connelly Lemuelu will have to setttle for a place on the pine after he has made his return from a shoulder issue. 

South Sydney confirmed team:

1. Jye Gray
2. Isaiah Tass
3. Jack Wighton
4. Campbell Graham
5. Tyrone Munro
6. Cody Walker
7. Jamie Humphreys
8. Sean Keppie
9.  Peter Mamouzelos
10. Davvy Moale
11. Keaon Koloamatangi
12. Jai Arrow 
13. Lachlan Hubner 

14. Jayden Sullivan
15. Siliva Havili
16. Tallis Duncan
17. Tevita Tatola

18. Liam Le Blanc
19. Fletcher Myers
20. Jacob Host
21. Thomas Fletcher
22. Salesi Ataata

Rabbitohs team news: 

Jye Gray will start in the No.1 jersey following the disatrous injury to Latrell Mitchell in the pre-season. 

In a much-changed backline, Isaiah Tass will feature on the wing in Alex Johnston's injury-enforced absence, while Campbell Graham will make his long-awaited return from injury. 

Cody Walker has been named despite struggling with a calf issue, while he will partner Jamie Humphreys in the halves. 

Star recruit Lewis Dodd has been hit with a one-match suspension for a high tackle in the trials, so is out of the opener. 

Sean Keppie starts up front alongside Davvy Moale, while the side has been boosted by the inclusion of prop Tevita Tatola. 

Peter Mamouzelos takes over from the departed Damien Cook at dummy-half, with support provided off the pine by Jayden Sullivan.

Jai Arrow is back on deck after an injury-plagued 2024 and will take his spot in the backrow. 

Lachlan Hubner has won the race for the vacant No.13 jersey following Cam Murray's disastrous injury blow, with Tallis Duncan to be introduced off the bench. 

St George Illawarra Dragons vs. Canterbury Bulldogs

(Saturday, March 8 at Netstrata Jubilee Stadium, 5:30pm AEDT)

St George Illawarra confirmed team:

1. Clint Gutherson 
2. Mathew Feagai
3. Moses Suli
4. Valentine Holmes
5. Christian Tuipulotu
6. Kyle Flanagan
7. Lachlan Ilias
8. Toby Couchman
9. Damien Cook
10. Emre Guler
11. Luciano Leilua
12. Jaydn Su'A
13. Jack de Belin

14. Jacob Liddle
15. Ryan Couchman 
16. Raymond Faitala-Mariner
17. Hamish Stewart

18. Dylan Egan
19. Tyrell Sloan
20. Lyhkan King-Togia
21. Loko Pasifiki Tonga
22. Tom Eisenhuth 

Dragons team news:

Shane Flanagan has made several changes to his outfit following last year's late collapse at the business end of the campaign. 

Clint Gutherson, Val Holmes, Lachlan Ilias, Damien Cook and Emre Guler will all start for the Dragons, while Ben Hunt and Zac Lomax headline the exits. 

Tyrell Sloan has missed out on a spot on the wing after Gutherson usurped him for the fullback role, with Mathew Feagai and Christian Tuipulotu getting the nod on the flanks. 

Jacob Liddle will drop to the bench to accommodate Cook's arrival, while Toby Couchman will start at prop alongside Guler due to Francis Molo's inevitable departure from the club. 

Ryan Couchman has earned a place in the 17, as has Hamish Stewart. 

Canterbury confirmed team:

1. Connor Tracey
2. Blake Wilson
3. Bronson Xerri
4. Stephen Crichton
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. Harry Hayes
17. Jaeman Salmon

19. Blake Taaffe
20. Kurtis Morrin
21. Daniel Suluka-Fifita
22. Luke Smith
23. Ratu Rinakama

Bulldogs team news:

Marcelo Montoya is the only new addition in the backline with the winger taking over from the sacked Josh Addo-Carr.

Otherwise, it's a settled starting 13 for Cameron Ciraldo following last year's climb into the top eight with Kurt Mann back on board. 

Jaeman Salmon picked up an injury and was a late withdrawal from his side's final trial but is expected to be fine for the opener after being included on the bench. 

He will take his place on the pine alongside Sitili Tupouniua, with the former Rooster recovering in time from a hamstring issue. 

Josh Curran has been suspended for the opener after being cited for a high shot in the trials, so Harry Hayes gets an opportunity. 

Manly Sea Eagles vs. North Queensland Cowboys

(Saturday, March 8 at 4 Pines Park, 7:35pm AEDT)

Manly confirmed team:

1. Tom Trbojevic
2. Jason Saab
3. Tolutau Koula
4. Reuben Garrick
5. Lehi Hopoate
6. Luke Brooks
7. Daly Cherry-Evans
8. Taniela Paseka
9. Jazz Tevaga
10. Siosiua Taukeiaho
11. Haumole Olakau’atu
12. Ben Trbojevic
13. Jake Trbojevic

14. Jake Simpkin 
15. Corey Waddell
16. Ethan Bullemor
17. Tof Sipley

18. Clayton Faulalo
19. Dean Matterson
20. Gordon Chan Kum Tong
21. Jake Arthur
22. Josh Aloiai

Sea Eagles team news:

Tom Trbojevic will start at fullback despite murmurs of him being moved to the centres in the off-season. 

Lehi Hopoate will earn a spot on the wing with Jason Saab grabbing the other spot on the flank. 

Reuben Garrick and Tolutau Koula will line up in the centres, while Tommy Talau has been ruled out through injury. 

Taniela Paseka picked up a shoulder issue in the trials but the prop has been cleared for Round 1. He will line up alongside veteran Siosiua Taukeiaho, with Josh Aloiai only included in the extended squad. 

Jazz Tevaga will start the campagin at dummy-half with Lachlan Croker set to miss the opening month of action due to a knee injury. 

Ben Trbojevic has been returned to his place in the backrow after losing his spot to Karl Lawton last year. 

Jake Simpkin and Corey Waddell are inclusions on a bench that is missing the presence of Nathan Brown. 

North Queensland confirmed team:

1. Scott Drinkwater
2. Braidon Burns
3. Jaxon Purdue
4. Viliami Vailea
5. Murray Taulagi
6. Tom Dearden
7. Thomas Duffy
8. Jordan McLean
9. Reece Robson
10. Sam McIntyre
11. John Bateman
12. Jeremiah Nanai
13. Reuben Cotter

14. Karl Lawton
15. Harrison Edwards
16. Griffin Neame
17. Coen Hess

18. Kai O'Donnell
19. Jake Clifford
20. Thomas Mikaele
21. Jaxson Paulo
22. Jason Taumalolo

Cowboys team news: 

Todd Payten has been forced to refresh his backline following the exits of Kyle Feldt, Val Holmes and Chad Townsend. 

Braidon Burns has grabbed the vacant wing spot, while Jaxon Purdue will take over in the centres. 

Jake Clifford and Tom Duffy have been battling for the No.7 jersey with the latter getting the jump on his rival in the trials and earning the starting spot. 

John Bateman will take his place in the backrow with Heilum Luki ruled out for the year after rupturing his ACL. 

Fellow new recruit Karl Lawton will take over from Jake Granville as the side's utility, with the likes of Coen Hess and Harrison Edwards listed in the 17. 

Jason Taumalolo is racing the clock to be fit in time for the opener after picking up an injury in last year's Pacific Championships. The big forward has only been named in the reserves. 

Melbourne Storm vs. Parramatta Eels

(Sunday, March 9 at AAMI Park, 4:05pm AEDT)

Melbourne confirmed team:

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
10. Josh King
11. Shawn Blore
12. Eli Katoa
13. Trent Loiero

14. Tyran Wishart
15. Alec MacDonald
16. Tui Kamikamica
17. Lazarus Vaalepu 

18. Grant Anderson
19. Bronson Garlick
20. Joe Chan
21. Sua Fa'alogo
22. Kane Bradley

Storm team news:

Ryan Papenhuyzen wasn't expected to feature for the Storm until Round 3, however he has seemingly shaken off a knee issue to take his place at fullback. 

Xavier Coates and Jahrome Hughes missed the trials due to injuries but will start in the match against the Eels. 

Stefano Utoikamanu will take over up front following his arrival from the Tigers with Nelson Asofa-Solomona still suspended and Christian Welch retired. 

Lazarus Vaalepu has earned a place in the 17 after impressing towards the end of last year. 

Parramatta confirmed team:

1. Isaiah Iongi
2. Sean Russell 
3. Will Penisini
4. Zac Lomax 
5. Jake Tago
6. Dylan Brown
7. Ronald Volkman 
8. Joe Ofahengaue
9. Brendan Hands
10. Junior Paulo
11. Jack Williams
12. Kelma Tuilagi
13. J'maine Hopgood

14. Ryley Smith 
15. Matt Doorey
16. Ryan Matterson 
17. Charlie Guymer

18. Joash Papalii
19. Jordan Samrani
20. Toni Mataele
21. Sam Tuivaiti
22. Joey Lussick 

Eels team news: 

Isaiah Iongi is the new fullback for Parra after the rookie took over from former skipper Clint Gutherson. 

Sean Russell and Jake Tago are set for starts on the wings following Maika Sivo's exit, Josh Addo-Carr still having to serve his suspension and Bailey Simonsson remaining injured. 

Mitch Moses has been ruled out of the clash in a major blow to the side with Ronald Volkman named at halfback in his absence. 

Joe Ofahengaue starts up front following the exit of Reagan Campbell-Gillard. He will be joined by Junior Paulo who has recovered from injury. 

Kelma Tuilagi is set to start in the backrow, with Jack Williams joining him on an edge. Shaun Lane is expected to miss the first month of the season due to a knee injury. 

J'maine Hopgood is back on deck after being struck down by injury midway through last year. 

On the bench, there is a new face in Ryley Smith who will provide support for Brendan Hands out of dummy-half. 

NRL Round 1 results:

Canberra Raiders 30-8 New Zealand Warriors

(Sunday, March 2 at Allegiant Stadium, 11:00am AEDT)

Canberra confirmed team:

1. Kaeo Weekes
2. Savelio Tamale
3. Matthew Timoko
4. Seb Kris
5. Xavier Savage
6. Ethan Strange
7. Jamal Fogarty
8. Corey Horsburgh
9. Tom Starling
10. Joe Tapine
11. Hudson Young
12. Zac Hosking
16. Josh Papali'i 

13. Morgan Smithies
14. Owen Pattie
15. Simi Sasagi
17. Ata Mariota

22. Jed Stuart 

Raiders team news:

Kaeo Weekes will start at fullback after impressing in the No.1 jersey towards the back end of last season. 

Savelio Tamale will take his spot on the wing with Albert Hopoate remaining in Australia to attend the birth of his child with his partner. 

Tom Starling has taken the No.9 jersey with Owen Pattie winning the role for the utility spot on the bench ahead of Danny Levi. 

Corey Horsburgh has been named to start up front alongside new skipper Joe Tapine, with Josh Papali'i relegated to the pine. 

Zac Hosking has been battling a calf injury during the off-season but has been named to take his place in the side.

He will be joined by Hudson Young and Morgan Smithies in the backrow, despite the pair coming under scrutiny for a late-night wrestle in Vegas. 

Ata Mariota and Simi Sasagi will join the veteran prop on the bench with Trey Mooney missing out. 

New Zealand confirmed team:

1. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad
2. Taine Tuaupiki
3. Ali Leiataua
4. Adam Pompey 
5. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck
6. Chanel Harris-Tavita
7. Luke Metcalf
8. James Fisher-Harris
9. Wayde Egan
15. Jackson Ford
11. Kurt Capewell
12. Marata Niukore
10. Mitch Barnett

13. Erin Clark
14. Dylan Walker 
16. Demitric Vaimauga
17. Leka Halasima

21. Eddie Ieremia-Toeava

Warriors team news:

Injuries have already hit in the backline for Andrew Webster ahead of their season opener with Dallin Watene-Zelezniak suffering a fractured wrist in the trials and Rocco Berry remaining out indefintiely. 

Adam Pompey will start in the centres despite struggling with an injury himself, while Roger Tuivasa-Sheck appears set for a permanent move to the wing. Taine Tuaupiki will join him on the opposite flank. 

Luke Metcalf has won the race to the No.7 jersey following Shaun Johnson's retirement with Chanel Harris-Tavita surprisingly being named to partner him despite Te Maire Martin playing in both trials. 

James Fisher-Harris will make his debut for the club after his illustrious career at Penrith came to an end last year. He will be joined by fellow co-captain Mitch Barnett up front with the returning Jackson Ford providing support off the bench. 

Kurt Capewell will start  in the backrow with Marata Niukore fending off the challenge from Demitric Vaimauga to join him. 

Erin Clark has claimed the No.13 jersey following his arrival from the Gold Coast, with Dylan Walker having to settle for a place on the bench. 

Leka Halasima has also earned a spot on the pine with the teenager looking to build on his four NRL appearances from last season. 

Penrith Panthers 28-22 Cronulla Sharks

(Sunday, March 2 at Allegiant Stadium, 3:30pm AEDT)

Penrith confirmed team:

1. Dylan Edwards
2. Casey McLean
3. Izack Tago
4. Luke Garner
5. Paul Alamoti
6. Jack Cole
7. Nathan Cleary
8. Moses Leota
9. Mitch Kenny
10. Lindsay Smith
11. Scott Sorensen 
12. Liam Martin
13. Isaah Yeo

14. Daine Laurie
15. Isaiah Papali'i 
16. Matthew Eisenhuth
17. Luron Patea 

18. Brad Schneider

Panthers team news:

Dylan Edwards, Brian To'o, Paul Alamoti and Nathan Cleary were all in doubt for the opener after battling with injuries throughout the summer. 

However, three of the four have been named in the side with To'o the only absentee after the star winger succumbed to a hamstring strain. 

Alamoti has shifted to the wing in his absence with Luke Garner named to start in the centres. 

In another change to the backline from last year's premeirship-winning outfit, Casey McLean will replace the departed Sunia Turuva. 

The race to replace Jarome Luai at five-eighth has seen Jack Cole claim the jersey with Brad Schneider and new recruit Blaize Talagi, who nursed a shoulder injury in the off-season, in the extended squad. 

Lindsay Smith will take over from James Fisher-Harris up front, with Scott Sorensen preferred over new addition Isaiah Papali'i in the starting side. 

Daine Laurie will act as the utility off the pine and is joined by veteran Matthew Eisenhuth and up-and-coming prop Luron Patea with Liam Henry not included. 

Cronulla confirmed team:

1. Will Kennedy
2.  Sam Stonestreet
3.  Jesse Ramien
4.  Kayal Iro
5.  Ronaldo Mulitalo
6.  Braydon Trindall
7.  Nicho Hynes
8. Addin Fonua-Blake 
9.  Blayke Brailey
10. Oregon Kaufusi
11. Briton Nikora
12. Teig Wilton
13. Cameron McInnes

14. Daniel Atkinson
15. Sifa Talakai
16. Braden Hamlin-Uele
17. Tom Hazelton

18. Tuku Hau Tapuha
19. Mawene Hiroti

Sharks team news:

Sam Stonestreet is set to grab the vacant wing spot after Sione Katoa was ruled out with a long-term shoulder injury. 

Nicho Hynes was pictured with ice on his leg during his side's last trial but he will take his place at halfback in Vegas. 

Addin Fonua-Blake will debut for the club up front after his switch from the Warriors in an otherwise settled lineup. 

Daniel Atkinson will fill the utility role, with a powerful bench including Sifa Talakai and Tom Hazelton joining him.

Toby Rudolf, who is recovering from a shoulder issue, will serve a one-match suspension for the opener.