As the NRL season heats up, fans are gearing up for another exciting round of matchups. Here’s a breakdown of the upcoming games, along with the latest betting odds as of March 26, 2025.
March 27, 8:00 PM AEST: South Sydney Rabbitohs vs. Penrith Panthers
Odds: Rabbitohs $3.80 | Panthers $1.27
March 28, 6:00 PM AEST: Sydney Roosters vs. Gold Coast Titans
Odds: Roosters $1.47 | Titans $2.67
March 28, 8:00 PM AEST: Dolphins vs. Brisbane Broncos
Odds: Dolphins $4.45 | Broncos $1.21
March 29, 3:00 PM AEST: St. George Illawarra Dragons vs. Melbourne Storm
Odds: Dragons $3.06 | Storm $1.38
March 29, 5:30 PM AEST: North Queensland Cowboys vs. Canberra Raiders
Odds: Cowboys $1.90 | Raiders $1.94
March 29, 7:35 PM AEST: Cronulla Sharks vs. Canterbury Bulldogs
Odds: Sharks $1.26 | Bulldogs $3.90
March 30, 4:05 PM AEST: Manly Sea Eagles vs. Parramatta Eels
Odds: Sea Eagles $1.13 | Eels $6.05
March 30, 6:15 PM AEST: Wests Tigers vs. New Zealand Warriors
Odds: Tigers $1.57 | Warriors $2.41
These odds provide insight into which teams are favored heading into their respective clashes, with teams like the Broncos, Panthers, and Sea Eagles seen as strong favorites, while underdogs like the Dolphins and Eels will look to cause upsets.
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Dylan Brown Under Fire Amid Contract Controversy
A major talking point in the NRL this week has been the future of Dylan Brown and his struggles with the Parramatta Eels. The 24-year-old playmaker has been under intense scrutiny, particularly after signing a record-breaking contract with the Newcastle Knights.
As the Eels attempt to navigate the remainder of the season without their injured halfback Mitch Moses, Brown has been tasked with leading the team’s attack. However, his performances have been widely criticized, with some suggesting that his presence in the team may be doing more harm than good.
Nathan Hindmarsh: Time to Move On from Brown?
Former Parramatta legend Nathan Hindmarsh recently spoke on The Bye Round podcast, hosted by ex-NRL star James Graham. Hindmarsh admitted that while he initially supported Brown staying with the Eels, he now believes it may be best for both parties to part ways sooner rather than later.
> “We spoke the other week about Dylan Brown and possibly, is it better to just move him on?’’ Hindmarsh said.
“I’m getting to that point now where it makes sense … He’s not offering much at the Eels.”
Hindmarsh also acknowledged that the pressure Brown is facing is unique compared to what he experienced during his playing days, especially given the demands of being a lead playmaker.
> “It was easy for me to do my job, cart the ball up, tackle someone,” he said.
“Where he’s got to organise the whole shit show that it is at the moment.”
While Brown’s massive contract with Newcastle has increased scrutiny, Hindmarsh argues that even without the high price tag, expectations for him would still be significant.
James Graham: Brown is Playing with Fear
James Graham, a former English international, believes Brown’s struggles on the field are due to a lack of confidence. Speaking on the same podcast, he suggested that Brown is playing too cautiously, afraid to make mistakes.
> “He just looks lost,” Graham said.
“You look at Nathan Cleary, the best halfback in the game, he makes mistakes.”
“He’s not afraid to make mistakes, where I feel Dylan Brown has gone into his shell and he’s shitting himself about making a mistake.’’
This lack of confidence has been evident in recent matches, with Brown often hesitant to take risks or dictate play as a dominant half should.
Gorden Tallis: Eels Need to Focus on the Future
Rugby league great Gorden Tallis echoed Hindmarsh’s sentiments, suggesting that the Eels may be missing an opportunity to develop a new playmaker by keeping Brown in the team. Speaking on NRL 360, Tallis questioned whether Parramatta should be investing in someone who won’t be part of their long-term future.
> “They can drive your standards lower,” Tallis said, referring to keeping departing players in the lineup.
“You blood a young kid and you give him an opportunity and you put all your time and effort into that guy.”
“It’s just better for both organisations. Why would you put your time in him when you’ve got a young kid there that’s going to be your future?”
Tallis pointed to examples from his own career, specifically when Brisbane Broncos coach Wayne Bennett benched Justin Hodges in reserve grade after he signed with the Sydney Roosters.
> “It’s not a bad way of doing it.”
What’s Next for Dylan Brown and the Eels?
With Moses still sidelined for at least a few more weeks, the pressure on Brown isn’t going away anytime soon. If he fails to step up, the calls for the Eels to drop him and invest in a younger player will only grow louder.
The Eels are in a difficult position. Dropping Brown would mean relying on an inexperienced playmaker to lead the team during a crucial part of the season. However, keeping him in the lineup when he’s clearly struggling could further damage team morale and performance.
Ultimately, Parramatta’s coaching staff must make a tough decision:
1. Stick with Brown and hope he regains confidence and form before Moses returns.
2. Move on from him now, giving a younger player the opportunity to develop in the No.6 jersey.
If Brown remains in the lineup, he’ll need to find a way to silence his critics and prove he’s still capable of leading a team. Otherwise, the pressure from both fans and former players will continue to mount.
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Conclusion: A High-Stakes Week in the NRL
With several key matchups on the horizon, the NRL landscape is shifting as teams fight for positioning. Meanwhile, the Dylan Brown saga adds another layer of drama, with opinions divided on whether the Eels should hold onto their embattled playmaker or cut ties early.
As the weekend unfolds, all eyes will be on Parramatta’s next move—and whether Brown can rise to the challenge or succumb to the mounting pressure.
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