The 2025 NRL regular season has concluded, leaving nine clubs to reflect on their performances and look towards the future. While some teams showed promise, others faced significant challenges, raising questions about their prospects for the coming year.
The Dolphins: A Tale of Offensive Success and Defensive Struggles
The Dolphins finished ninth with a record of 12 wins and 12 losses, earning them 30 points. Despite being the best attacking team in the competition, scoring 721 points, their defensive frailties kept them out of the finals.
Under new head coach Kristian Woolf, the Dolphins showed improvement, overcoming a tough start to the season. The team, led by young halfback Isaiya Katoa, displayed offensive prowess but conceded 596 points, ranking them as the seventh-worst defense in the league.
The Dolphins’ 62-point haul in Round 27 against the Raiders was a highlight, yet their defensive issues remain a concern for Woolf to address in the offseason.
Recruitment will be key, particularly in strengthening their forward pack, with England international Morgan Knowles being a notable addition. The Dolphins aim to build on their progress and make a finals appearance in 2026.
Sea Eagles: A Season of Disappointment and Uncertainty
Manly Sea Eagles also finished with 30 points but endured a challenging season, marked by the departure of halfback Daly Cherry-Evans. The team showed late-season promise, winning their last three games, but internal turmoil affected their overall performance.
Despite a strong start, the Sea Eagles failed to capitalize on their potential, with coach Anthony Seibold facing pressure to deliver results next season. The departure of Cherry-Evans and the off-contract status of the Trbojevic brothers present both challenges and opportunities for the club.
Journalist Andrew Webster highlighted the internal divisions at Manly, describing the club as “a club in absolute turmoil.”
The Sea Eagles will need to manage their salary cap effectively and make strategic recruitment decisions to improve their standing in 2026.
Eels: Rebuilding with Promise Amidst Challenges
The Parramatta Eels ended the season with 26 points, showing signs of progress under new coach Jason Ryles. Key playmaker Mitchell Moses’ return from injury was pivotal, leading to notable victories against top teams.
However, Moses’ limited availability due to injuries impacted the team’s consistency. The Eels will focus on strengthening their forward pack, with Junior Paulo nearing the end of his contract and new recruit Jack de Belin providing short-term support.
“Moses makes them a 12, 14, 15-point better team,” said analyst Cooper Cronk, emphasizing his importance to the Eels’ success.
With promising young talents like Isaiah Iongi emerging, the Eels are optimistic about their future prospects.
Cowboys and Beyond: Defensive Woes and Future Aspirations
The North Queensland Cowboys, finishing with 25 points, struggled defensively, conceding 684 points, the second-worst in the league. Despite their offensive capabilities, inconsistency plagued their season.
Coach Todd Payten faces scrutiny, with the need for a more robust forward pack and improved defensive strategies. The return of key players from injury and strategic recruitment will be crucial for the Cowboys’ success in 2026.
Meanwhile, the Wests Tigers, Rabbitohs, Dragons, Titans, and Knights all faced their own set of challenges and opportunities. Each team will need to address specific areas of concern, from player injuries to recruitment strategies, to improve their standings in the upcoming season.
Matty Johns and Cooper Cronk provided insights into each team’s performance, highlighting areas of improvement and potential for growth.
As the NRL clubs reflect on the 2025 season, the focus shifts to the offseason, where strategic decisions and player development will shape their fortunes in 2026. With a mix of experienced players and emerging talents, the league promises another exciting year of rugby league action.
