Canberra will see its first Rugby League action of the 2025 season as the Raiders and Sharks clash on Thursday night footy. Here is a look at every game of NRL Round 5.
Canberra Raiders (12th) vs Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks (10th)
The Raiders kicked off the season in style with two strong wins but are now in danger of sliding further down the ladder after back-to-back losses. Last week’s defeat to the Cowboys exposed some issues under the high ball, and they’ll need to tighten up defensively against a dangerous Sharks attack. The good news is that Morgan Smithies returns from concussion to add some steel to the forward pack. GIO Stadium has been a fortress for Canberra lately, with four wins from their last five games at home, and they’ll be keen to make it five from six to get their season back on track. Winger Xavier Savage has been in great form at home, scoring five tries in his past four outings, while Josh Papali'i has a habit of finding the try line, crossing five times in his last eight games.
The Sharks suffered their second loss of the season last week, falling to the Bulldogs, who remain the only undefeated team in the competition. The defeat was compounded by a string of injuries, with key players Teig Wilton, Siosifa Talakai, and Kayal Iro all missing this clash. Despite the setbacks, Cronulla still boasts a strong lineup, with Billy Burns slotting into the back row and Mawene Hiroti taking over in the centres. Historically, the Sharks have had no trouble finding points against the Raiders, racking up 100 points in their last three meetings. Ronaldo Mulitalo will be one to watch, having scored nine tries in 11 games against Canberra. With four wins in their last five trips to GIO Stadium, the Sharks will back themselves to bounce back and stay in the top half of the ladder.
Stadium Record
Canberra are 5-5 in their last 10 games at Canberra Stadium. Cronulla are 1-4 in their last 5 games at this venue.
Head to Head Record
Since 2018, the Raiders are 9-5 against the Sharks.
Best Bet
The Sharks have had the wood over the Raiders lately but I think the Green Machine will be fired up in front of their home fans for the first time. They've also won 4 of their last 5 at home against the Sharks by a 1-12 margin. To top it off, the Raiders are 3-0 as a home underdog.
Same Game Multi
The Under has saluted in the Sharks last 4 games and I think this will be a tough and low-scoring battle.
Canberra Raiders +4.5 / Under 46.5 pts = $3.25
Penrith Panthers (13th) vs North Queensland Cowboys (14th)
The Panthers are in unfamiliar territory, coming into this clash on the back of three straight losses. But with Nathan Cleary returning to steer the ship, Penrith fans will be hoping this is the turning point. The reigning premiers have struggled to replace key departures, and cracks have started to show in their usually dominant system. However, with Isaah Yeo set to play his 250th game and the team eager to get back on track, expect a fired-up performance, especially at CommBank Stadium, despite their recent struggles there.
The Cowboys finally got their first win of the season last week, taking down the Raiders in convincing fashion. Halfback Jake Clifford led the charge with a double, and the team looked sharper than they have all year. They'll need to maintain that momentum against a desperate Panthers side, especially given their poor record at CommBank Stadium. Todd Payten has named an unchanged 17, sticking with the squad that got the job done last week. If the Cowboys can rattle Cleary and control the middle of the field, they could make it two wins on the trot.
Stadium Record
Penrith are 5-5 in their last 10 games at Western Sydney Stadium. North Queensland are 0-3 at this venue since 2018.
Head to Head Record
In the last 10 meetings, the Panthers hold a 6-4 record against the Cowboys.
Best Bet
The Panthers suddenly look beatable and the Cowboys will be high on confidence after their first win. Penrith also have a poor record at CommBank, failing to cover in their last 5 games.
South Sydney Rabbitohs (7th) vs Sydney Roosters (15th)
The Rabbitohs have started the season strong under Wayne Bennett, sitting at 3-1 after wins over the Dolphins, Dragons, and Panthers. They’ve been solid defensively, conceding 21 points per game—an improvement from 2024 - but will need to step up against a Roosters attack featuring James Tedesco, Mark Nawaqanitawase, and Angus Crichton. The return of Latrell Mitchell in the centres adds firepower, while Jye Gray continues to impress at fullback. With Cody Walker’s exceptional record at Accor Stadium against the Roosters and Bennett’s experience guiding them, Souths will be confident in snapping their four-game losing streak against their arch-rivals.
The Roosters have struggled defensively, leaking an average of 31.5 points per game on their way to a 1-3 start. Despite this, history is on their side, having beaten the Rabbitohs in their last four meetings. James Tedesco has been a standout performer against Souths in recent years, scoring five tries in his last three encounters. The return of Connor Watson at hooker and Salesi Foketi off the bench provides some much-needed stability, while Lindsay Collins and Nat Butcher take on key roles in the forward pack. The Roosters will need a big performance to overcome their defensive woes, but their firepower gives them a fighting chance in this historic rivalry.
Stadium Record
South Sydney are 3-6 in their last 10 games at Stadium Australia. Sydney are 4-6 in their last 10 games at this venue.
Head to Head Record
In the last 10 meetings, the head-to-head is squared at 5-5.
Best Bet
These two rivals should produce another brutal defensive display and I think the Under as a result. It's 4-0 in the Rabbitohs last 4 games too.
Parramatta Eels (17th) vs St. George Illawarra Dragons (11th)
The Parramatta Eels have endured a tough start to the 2025 season, remaining winless under new coach Jason Ryles. While their defensive efforts have improved in the past two weeks, they will need to take another step forward to secure their first victory. Zac Lomax’s first game against his former club will be a major talking point, while the experience of new recruit Dylan Walker off the bench could provide much-needed spark. With Josh Addo-Carr’s attacking threat and the leadership of Junior Paulo up front, the Eels will be looking to turn their fortunes around at CommBank Stadium.
The St George Illawarra Dragons enter this clash on a high after a determined defensive effort against the Melbourne Storm. With Kyle Flanagan and Lachlan Ilias beginning to gel in the halves, the Red V have shown promise in attack, while the additions of David Klemmer and Valentine Holmes have brought experience and class. Clint Gutherson remains a key playmaker at fullback, and his impressive try-scoring form at CommBank Stadium could be a difference-maker. If the Dragons can maintain their defensive discipline and take advantage of the Eels' struggles, they have a great opportunity to secure back-to-back wins.
Stadium Record
Parramatta are 3-7 in their last 10 games at this venue. St. George are 3-7 at this venue since 2018.
Head to Head Record
The Eels are 3-2 against the Dragons in the last 5.
Best Bet
The Eels get a good chance for an upset, they have won 5 of their last 6 as an underdog against the Dragons. There's also the Zac Lomac factor against his former side.
Gold Coast Titans (5th) vs Dolphins (16th)
The Gold Coast Titans enter this Queensland derby with confidence, having secured back-to-back wins over the Knights and Roosters. Under Des Hasler’s guidance, the Titans are chasing their best season start since 2016, with young guns Jayden Campbell and AJ Brimson developing an exciting partnership in the halves. Fullback Jaylan De Groot has stepped up in place of the injured Keano Kini, while the return of Jaimin Jolliffe strengthens their forward pack. With four wins in their last six home games, the Titans will be eager to capitalize on their strong form and continue their upward trajectory.
The Dolphins, on the other hand, are desperate to break their winless streak after a tough opening month to the season. Coach Kristian Woolf will be looking to fullback Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow to spark their attack, while young halfback Isaiya Katoa has a big role to play in guiding the team around the park. The return of Connelly Lemuelu from injury adds strength to their forward pack, and they’ll take confidence from their unbeaten record at Cbus Super Stadium. With pressure mounting, the Dolphins will need to lift their intensity and execute better if they want to register their first win of 2025.
Stadium Record
Gold Coast are 3-2 in their last 5 games at this venue. Dolphins are 2-0 at this venue since 2018.
Head to Head Record
The Dolphins are 3-1 against the Titans since 2018.
Best Bet
There has been plenty of rain on the GC and the Uuder is now 6-0 with the Fins involved.
Brisbane Broncos (3rd) vs Wests Tigers (9th)
The Broncos have hit their stride under the guidance of Michael Maguire, blending experience with emerging talent to secure a strong position early in the season. Led by Adam Reynolds in the halves and the forward power of Payne Haas and Patrick Carrigan, Brisbane has proven difficult to stop. A standout performance from Gehamat Shibasaki last week highlighted the squad's depth, while Cory Paix continues to shine in his unexpected starting role at hooker. With Jordan Riki suspended, Brendan Piakura steps up into the starting second-row spot, adding another dimension to the Broncos' pack. Playing at home in front of a passionate Suncorp Stadium crowd, the Broncos will be eager to continue their winning momentum and put the Wests Tigers to the sword.
The Wests Tigers have shown resilience under Benji Marshall, consistently defying expectations despite a challenging start to the season. A narrow loss to the Warriors last week has only added fuel to their determination, and they’ll be looking to bounce back against the Broncos. With Jarome Luai serving a one-game suspension, young gun Latu Fainu takes over at halfback, bringing fresh energy to the attack. Co-captain Api Koroisau remains a key leader, while teenager Lachlan Galvin continues to impress in the five-eighth role. The Tigers will need a complete team effort to overcome Brisbane at Suncorp, but with Adam Doueihi cleared to play and a promising forward pack, they’ll be determined to cause an upset.
Stadium Record
Brisbane are 3-6 in their last 9 games at Suncorp. Wests are 2-3 in their last 5 games at this venue.
Head to Head Record
The Tigers are 3-2 against the Broncos in the last 5 meetings.
Best Bet
The Broncos have struggled at Suncorp lately with an 0-9 ATS record and I think the Tigers can make it a game despite missing Luai.
Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles (2nd) vs Melbourne Storm (4th)
The Sea Eagles head into this clash determined to maintain their strong recent form despite a major setback with Tom Trbojevic sidelined due to injury. Anthony Seibold’s men have built momentum over the past two rounds, with Lehi Hopoate stepping into the fullback role and Jason Saab providing a constant threat out wide. With veteran halfback Daly Cherry-Evans leading the side and the power of Haumole Olakau’atu in the pack, Manly will be looking to extend their dominance over Melbourne at 4 Pines Park, where they’ve won three of the past four meetings against the Storm.
The Storm will be eager to bounce back after a surprise defeat to the Dragons in Round 4, with Craig Bellamy demanding an immediate response from his squad. While Hughes remains in doubt, Tyran Wishart is set to steer the team alongside Cameron Munster. Ryan Papenhuyzen’s attacking spark from fullback will be crucial, as will Harry Grant’s leadership around the ruck. With a strong forward pack led by Stefano Utoikamanu and Eliesa Katoa, the Storm will be determined to break their 4 Pines Park drought and get their season back on track.
Stadium Record
Manly are 8-2 in their last 10 games at Brookvale. Melbourne are 3-3 at this venue since 2018.
Head to Head Record
In the last 10 meetings, the Storm have won 7 games against the Sea Eagles.
Best Bet
If the weather is fine, this should be a high-scoring affair at Brooky. The Over is 9-1 in the Storm's last 10-day games as well.
Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs (1st) vs Newcastle Knights (8th)
The Bulldogs have been unstoppable in 2025, riding a four-game winning streak into their clash with the Knights. With an electric backline led by Connor Tracey and Stephen Crichton, the Dogs have torn through opposition defences, piling on points with ease. Accor Stadium has been a happy hunting ground for them in recent seasons, and they’ll be keen to continue that dominance, especially after their emphatic win over Newcastle last year. Even without Sitili Tupouniua, their forward pack remains formidable, with Josh Curran and Max King setting the platform. If their spine continues to fire, the Bulldogs could cement their status as the competition's early front-runners.
After a bright start to the season, the Knights have stumbled in recent weeks and will be desperate to get their campaign back on track against the high-flying Bulldogs. Kalyn Ponga remains their biggest weapon, with his dazzling footwork and precise goal-kicking giving Newcastle an X-factor few teams can match. The return of Leo Thompson adds some much-needed firepower to the forward pack, but they’ll need their halves pairing of Jack Cogger and Fletcher Sharpe to step up if they want to challenge Canterbury’s defensive line. With Bradman Best’s incredible try-scoring form against the Bulldogs, Newcastle will look to their strike centre to cause havoc out wide and give them a chance of causing an upset.
Stadium Record
Canterbury are 7-3 in their last 10 games at Stadium Australia. Newcastle are 2-3 in their last 5 games at this venue.
Head to Head Record
In the last 10 meetings, the head-to-head is squared at 5-5.
Best Bet
I think the Dogs will be tough to beat but I also like the Uuder trend. It's 6-0 in the Knights last 6 games and the Bulldogs are strong defensively.
