As the NRL 2025 season heads into its final stretch, the power rankings reflect a league in flux—with some clubs peaking at the right time and others spiraling into uncertainty. At the top, the Canberra Raiders have emerged as the standout team of the year. Boasting 15 wins and riding an eight-game winning streak, the Raiders have established themselves as minor premiership frontrunners. While critics note their relatively easy schedule, Canberra has beaten every team placed in front of them and earned their top spot. However, the biggest question remains whether their young, untested players can handle the pressure once finals football begins.
The Melbourne Storm, currently sitting third on the ladder, remain one of the favorites despite a rollercoaster year. Their recent narrow loss to Manly has raised eyebrows about their consistency, but with Craig Bellamy at the helm and a lineup packed with finals experience, the Storm are expected to rebound quickly. Their upcoming clash against the Roosters will be a litmus test for their premiership aspirations.
Meanwhile, the Penrith Panthers are experiencing a dramatic resurgence. From sitting last early in the season, they’ve surged into sixth with six consecutive wins. Their recent 30-10 dismantling of the Rabbitohs—without superstars Nathan Cleary and Isaah Yeo—sent a warning shot to the competition. Now, with both leaders refreshed and back in action, the reigning champions look poised to chase a historic fifth consecutive title.
Another team getting hot at the right time is the Brisbane Broncos. After five straight victories and a well-timed bye, they’re sitting in fifth and gaining momentum. Coach Michael Maguire now has his ideal spine in place, with Ben Hunt rejoining Reece Walsh, Ezra Mam, and Adam Reynolds. Their run home includes matches against the Eels and Rabbitohs, but their real test will come in two clashes against the Storm, which could determine whether they finish inside the top four.
The Canterbury Bulldogs, despite sitting second on the ladder, have not fully convinced pundits or fans. Back-to-back wins over the Cowboys and Dragons did little to erase concerns about their sputtering attack. The mid-season acquisition of young halfback Lachlan Galvin has added unpredictability, but it also signals instability. Coach Cameron Ciraldo has worked wonders to transform the club, yet it’s possible their true premiership window is still a year or two away.
In contrast, the New Zealand Warriors continue to quietly go about their business. With 12 wins and a favorable schedule ahead, they’re solidly in the top four. However, the season-ending injury to halfback Luke Metcalf casts a long shadow. Replacement Tanah Boyd has been steady, but whether he can steer the team through the finals remains uncertain. Their biggest challenge will be competing with the NRL’s elite in September.
The Cronulla Sharks have staged a strong mid-season revival. After wins over fellow finals contenders the Dolphins and Roosters, they’re now in eighth. With a relatively soft draw and Nicho Hynes rediscovering his form, the Sharks could be a dangerous proposition come finals. Coach Craig Fitzgibbon’s experience will be critical in navigating this crucial stretch.
Just outside the eight sit the Dolphins, but their outstanding points differential (+169) keeps their finals hopes alive. With attacking stars Isaiya Katoa and Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow leading the charge, they’re a side no team wants to face if they sneak in. A bye in Round 21 gives them a shot at leapfrogging into the eight, especially if the Sea Eagles or Sharks slip.
Manly, currently in seventh, face a brutal run home. Despite their recent victory over the Storm, clashes with the Bulldogs, Roosters, and Raiders in the next three weeks could derail their campaign. The presence of veterans like Daly Cherry-Evans and Tom Trbojevic will be key, but their finals hopes hang in the balance.
The Roosters’ situation is even more precarious. Despite a talented roster, their inferior points differential puts them at a disadvantage compared to other fringe finalists. With James Tedesco having a Dally M-worthy season and Sam Walker back from injury, there’s enough talent to make a run—but facing the Storm twice and key rivals down the stretch leaves little room for error.
The Wests Tigers have found a spark late in the season. Though not in finals contention, wins over the Roosters and Titans show a side determined to avoid another wooden spoon. Losing young stars Lachlan Galvin and Tallyn Da Silva mid-season was a blow, but there’s promise in their rebuild. Upcoming tough games against Penrith and the Bulldogs will be challenging, but they’ve shown enough grit to potentially finish strong.
The Dragons, meanwhile, have been competitive, but their injury list and lack of game-changers in key positions may catch up with them. Despite outplaying the Bulldogs at times in their last matchup, they couldn’t close it out. With a tough fixture list to close out the season, they’re not safe from the spoon.
The Cowboys, once considered finals contenders, have collapsed. With the worst defence in the league and a dreadful -163 points differential, they’ve now lost three in a row. Coach Todd Payten is under immense pressure and appears to be on the hot seat. Their season now hinges on a must-win clash with the Dragons, or they risk finishing at the very bottom.
Parramatta’s struggles continue, having dropped three straight. Jason Ryles’ rebuild has been criticized, particularly his handling of Dylan Brown, who was benched and dropped ahead of his move to Newcastle next season. Star fullback Isaiah Iongi’s injury only worsens their plight. With Mitchell Moses returning, there’s hope for improvement, but their focus appears to be firmly on 2026 rather than immediate success.
The Knights are another team in danger of claiming the spoon. With Kalyn Ponga sidelined until next year and little creativity in the halves, they’ve lost three straight and face the Raiders and Panthers in their next two. Coach Adam O’Brien is under increasing pressure, and fans are growing restless.
The Rabbitohs, surprisingly sitting 15th, have endured a disastrous year under Wayne Bennett. Injuries have played a part, but their form has been poor, and their next games against the Sharks and Broncos don’t offer much optimism. Souths could very well find themselves in a battle to avoid the spoon—something no one predicted at the start of the season.
Finally, the Titans anchor the ladder. Coach Des Hasler’s furious reaction following their recent last-minute loss to the Tigers spoke volumes. Their constant injury woes in the spine and the poor form of star forward David Fifita have left the team in disarray. With no real momentum and clashes against the Warriors and Panthers on the horizon, the Titans are now favorites to take home the dreaded wooden spoon.
As Round 21 looms, clubs like the Panthers and Broncos are surging at the right time, while others like the Bulldogs and Eels face growing uncertainty. With just a few weeks left before finals, the picture is becoming clearer—but for many teams, the stakes have never been higher.
