NRL 2025 Finals Contenders: Who Can Go All the Way?
With the regular season heading into its closing stretch, the fight for the Top 8 is fierce. Canberra and Melbourne lead the charge, but proven finalists like Penrith and Sydney still loom large. Here’s where things stand and what could shape the run to the premiership.
Current Top 8 (Late August 2025)
| Rank | Team | W | L | Pts | Recent Form |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Canberra Raiders | 19 | 4 | 44 | W W L W W |
| 2 | Melbourne Storm | 17 | 6 | 40 | W W W W W |
| 3 | Canterbury Bulldogs | 16 | 7 | 38 | W L W L L |
| 4 | Brisbane Broncos | 14 | 9 | 34 | L W L W W |
| 5 | Cronulla Sharks | 14 | 9 | 34 | W W W L W |
| 6 | NZ Warriors | 14 | 9 | 34 | L L L W W |
| 7 | Penrith Panthers | 12 | 10 | 31 | W W W L L |
| 8 | Sydney Roosters | 12 | 11 | 30 | L W W W L |
Contenders in Focus
- Canberra Raiders: Dominant all season, blending youthful energy with seasoned leaders. Finals inexperience is the only question mark.
- Melbourne Storm: Peaking at the right time, with trademark discipline and attacking depth making them dangerous.
- Canterbury Bulldogs: A revitalized squad with plenty of wins, but struggles against power packs like Brisbane could prove costly.
- Brisbane Broncos: Injuries cloud their ceiling, but when healthy, their forward pack and creativity make them a serious threat.
- Penrith Panthers: The reigning premiers remain the team to beat in big games, even from lower seeding.
Matchups to Watch
- Raiders vs. Panthers – experience vs. form
- Storm vs. Raiders – Canberra’s unpredictability vs. Melbourne’s system
- Bulldogs vs. Broncos – power vs. mobility in the middle
Outlook: The 2025 finals race is stacked with genuine contenders. Canberra and Melbourne lead the way, but with Penrith’s pedigree and Brisbane’s potential, no spot in the Top 8 feels safe. Expect twists, upsets, and drama right through to the grand final.