The 2025 NRLW season begins earlier this year, with the addition of two teams in the Bulldogs and Warriors, expanding the length of the season and increasing the number of teams which qualify for the Finals from 4 to 6. Action has been fantastic already this year for these players, with the Women’s State of Origin won by NSW. The quality of the game was easily the best since its inception, and it sets a high standard for teams to meet this season.
The Roosters captured their second title last year; after finishing 2nd in the regular season, they withheld a gallant Sharks team 32-28 in the Grand Final. Finally, they delivered to the standard that their hype has suggested. Now, teams are even more wary of what the glamour club offers and will be out to upset their momentum this season. 11 other teams believe they have what it takes to ‘go all the way’ with many young players coming through the ranks out to make a name for themselves.
Before You Bet will offer weekly previews of each round for punters, providing insight and analysis on the NRLW action. 2024 delivered a success fun for follows of this page and we aim to provide the same level of success in 2025.
Ahead of the start of the NRLW competition, let’s look at each team, their chances and what lies ahead for them this season. And if you’re keen to follow our bets for the NRLW each week, simply head to our dedicated NRLW Tips page.
2025 NRLW Season Preview, Predictions & Tips
Brisbane Broncos ($3)
Won the Minor Premiership last season but failed in the Semi Final when upset by the Sharks. Will be disappointed with the way that year ended for them and have made a few key additions to their 2025 squad. Most notably, they welcome dynamic fullback Tamika Upton, who is arguably one of the best players in the competition. This adds another dimension to their attack and will provide Brigginshaw with numerous options in attack. Defensively, improvement is needed. They had conceded the most points of any Top 4 team last season and will want this as a point of difference in 2025.
Prediction = should finish inside the Top 6. Have a talented squad of players at their disposal but the biggest question remains whether they can take the next step the Finals series. Well placed to succeed but too short at this stage of the season.
Canberra Raiders ($17)
After a strong start to the season, the Raiders could only manage 3 wins for the season and disappointingly finished the season in 7th place. While capable in attack, they were let down defensively as they conceded 24ppg. As they enter their 3rd season, they have wasted no time in improving the depth of their squad, letting several unsigned players leave the club. A key inclusion of Tufuga and Saunders, they are determined to improve further.
Prediction = they are still a club which is building. While they will be strong in the forwards and score plenty of points (averaged 21.6ppg in 2024), they still need to improve defensively to be competitive. They will be pushing for one of the remaining spots in the Top 8 but need numerous factors to positively influence them to extend their season further.
Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs ($13)
Entering the competition for the first time, the Bulldogs are building a strong team of players developed through their junior system. Adding in some key signings and it appears as though they will have a competitive team for the 2025 season. They performed strongly in their only trial against the Eels (winning 24-18), and this is a strong indication that they will be competitive. The week-to-week grind of the competition is unknown for majority of players, and they will be tested under these conditions.
Prediction = it would be an achievement for this team to make the Finals in their inaugural season. Unfortunately, they will be hard pressed to achieve this. With uncertainty around their depth and overall quality, they are best avoided this year or a clearer decision made once a few games have been viewed.
Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks ($9)
They surprised most with how they finished the season in 2024, unlucky to some extent in the Grand Final. Quietly going about their business, they are right where they want to be again in 2025. They have a strong squad of players with defensive grit. When it appeared as though their attack was an issue in 2024, they had the ability to lift and change that completely. This bodes well for them this year and they will again be out to prove a point.
Prediction = the Sharks should make the Finals. They have squad depth and there is no reason why they cannot make the jump into Premiers. The price offered now is somewhat ‘overs’ given the positives working in their favour. This means that they are value worth considering and should only get shorter as the season progresses.
Gold Coast Titans ($15)
In with a chance of making the Finals at the midway point of the 2024 season, the Titans lost 5-straight games to finish 8th on the ladder. It was a disappointing end considering how well they performed in 2023 and one which raised questions about how this club progresses moving forward. With only a few key players added to their squad, the Titans are placing faith in the current group to turn things around. A positive performance in the trial against the Cowboys suggests they are on the right path.
Prediction = capable on their day, the Titans must play with consistency to succeed. It let them down last year at key stages. They had issues on both sides of the ball last year and providing they can be improved; they should be in contention for one of the remaining spots in the Top 6.
Newcastle Knights ($17)
The Knights has been a consistently good team in this competition, finish in the Top 4 again last season. Unfortunately, as the defending premiers, they were unable to make the decider. Known for being a tough team defensively, they attack with flair courtesy of confident (and highly skilled) playmakers. A few key players have departed their ranks this season, meaning that the depth of the squad will be tested. One thing is for sure, the Knights are always competitive at home and will want to make this another tough ground for other teams to win at.
Prediction = the Knights face their toughest test in 2025, but their price doesn’t reflect their talent or capabilities. They will be making a push for the Top 6 and once they reach that, anything can happen. In terms of an outsider, the Knights loom as a likely selection. Having Southwell alone at halfback makes them a threat each and every week.
North Queensland Cowboys ($21)
The Cowboys were surprisingly strong in 2024, finish 6th and coming within 2 wins of making the Top 4. Winning just 1 of their remaining 5 matches hurt their cause but it does show that they are a capable team. They need to do a better job of making their home ground a fortress and have set about adding some depth to their team. Going far and wide and recruiting rugby/rugby 7’s players to their squad will add another dimension to their attack. Playing 3 of their first 4 games at home should give them a strong platform to make a statement in season 2025.
Prediction = the surprise packet which should finish in the Finals. The price on offer for the Cowboys devalues the strength of their squad. Roache (Knights), Kelly (Rugby) and Dick (Rugby 7’s) are three key players to the success of this team. Two are relatively unknown in NRLW but have proven themselves elsewhere. Behind the Knights, the Cowboys are the next team offering the most value.
Parramatta Eels ($21)
The Eels were unlucky to miss the Top 4 last year, finishing 1 win outside a spot in the Finals. They won matches by tough, uncompromising play in the middle which allowed them to succeed in attack when the game opened up. The same approach is expected from them this season, with a relatively similar squad to last season taking the field. These players will want to make amends for last season and prove their worth to their club.
Prediction = providing the Eels continue to believe in themselves, there is no reason why they cannot push for a spot in the Top 6. They will not be the flashiest team, but they will be consistent. Providing this standard is maintained throughout the year, they will be surprising teams each week and could feature in the Finals.
St George-Illawarra Dragons ($21)
It was a disappointing 2024 campaign for the Dragons, finishing 9th on the ladder and recording just 2 wins for the season. This culminated in the sacking of coach Soward and a complete reset for the once proud club as they enter their 8th season. A lot must change for them to be successful, and they have attempted to recruit a strong set of players. The addition of Hannah Southwell (Knights) and Nita Maynard (Knights) signals their intention. Now, it is time for the rest of the squad to step up.
Predication = the Dragons are a team to be avoided early in the season. There is everything to suggest that they are capable and can push for a spot in the Finals, but they struggled their way to a 12-4 win over the Tigers in their only trial match. It is best to watch what they offer first before deciding on their potential for season 2025.
Sydney Roosters ($3.50)
The team to beat in 2025 if their competitors want to steal the title away from them. Always a talented team, the Roosters have again assembled a strong group of players. Despite losing several key players from their 2024 squad, they have depth and will be challenged with the new team coming together ahead of the 2025 campaign. The key for them is again playing fast through the middle with a pack of mobile forwards at their disposal. It is unlikely that this will change and with their strong defensive structure again providing issues for opponents, the Roosters are set to again make the Finals.
Prediction = it may be a slow start to the season for the Roosters as their new combinations come together. However, once this ‘clicks’, expect a strong showing each week. They are a club which will not settle for poor performances and as the Premiers, will not give their title up without a fight.
New Zealand Warriors ($13)
The Warriors return to the NRLW competition after a 4-year hiatus following COVID. In building a squad for this season, they have assembled a strong group of players which includes 2-gold medal winning Rugby 7’s players, Origin representatives and a strong crop of talented youngsters coming through their program. Arguably their best signing, coach Ronald Griffiths, hasn’t even rated a mention just yet either; his success at the Knights speaks for itself.
Prediction = you heard it here first: the Warriors will play Finals in 2025. They are a strong team with underrated (home grown) players that has a strong coaching staff leading the way. Their price is ‘overs’ for this stage of the season and will only get shorter as the season progresses. They are a big watch this year.
Wests Tigers ($34)
It was a tough campaign in 2024 for the Tigers, winning just 2 matches and waiting 8 games for their first. Injuries to key players hurt their cause, as did ill-discipline in their attack. This failed to build pressure and increased everything onto them when their opponents had the ball. A large turnover of players has led to a rebuild within this club and they will be determined to finish higher in 2025.
Prediction = as much as they desire improved performances in 2025, a lot will have to go right for the Tigers to achieve this. They are void of depth in their squad and have question marks around their overall attacking structure, as well as their ability to defend for large periods of match.
2025 NRLW Season Verdict
With 6 teams now progressing through to the Finals, you need to strategise your investment around this structure. There is a clear difference between the contending teams and the rest of the competition. It appears the Warriors, Roosters, Broncos and Sharks are a class above the other sides. The Eels overachieved last season; along with the Titans, they could push the others and be the ‘improvers’ this year, forcing their way into the Top 6. There is also a watch on the Bulldogs. The Broncos are the favourites for a reason, and you could have a ‘saver’ on them or back them straight out and be happy with your bet for a long part of the year. They are a classy outfit. Underestimate the Knights at your own peril.
2025 NRLW Outright Betting Tips
