NRL Teams’ Christmas Wishlists: Can the Broncos Shift their Rock Star Mentality?
Table of Contents
- 1. NRL Teams’ Christmas Wishlists: Can the Broncos Shift their Rock Star Mentality?
- 2. Broncos: Embracing Madge’s Message
- 3. Canberra Raiders Rely on Youth to End Title Drought?
- 4. How Can the Bulldogs Improve in 2025?
- 5. New recruits Poised to Make an Impact
- 6. Can the Sharks pack a Premiership Punch with Fonua-Blake?
- 7. Titans Seek Commanding Halfback for 2025 Premiership Push
- 8. Manly’s Premiership hopes Hinge on Trbojevic’s Fitness
- 9. melbourne Storm: Ready to Unleash a dynasty?
- 10. NRL Teams in Need of a Boost: Knights and Cowboys
- 11. Knights Looking for Support for Ponga
- 12. Cowboys Need to Rediscover Defensive Steel
- 13. Eels in Need of Bellamy-Style Inspiration
- 14. Panthers’ Injury Concerns Loom Large as they Chase a Fifth Title
- 15. Bennett’s Wisdom Needed as Rabbitohs Seek Redemption
- 16. Roosters Face Leadership Vacuum, Dragons seek Halves Harmony in 2025
- 17. roosters: Filling a Leadership Void
- 18. Dragons: halves Partnership Key
- 19. What Every NRL Team Needs for success in 2025
- 20. Brisbane Broncos
- 21. Warriors
- 22. Tigers’ Top Priority: Securing Lachlan Galvin’s Future
Table of Contents
- 1. NRL Teams’ Christmas Wishlists: Can the Broncos Shift their Rock Star Mentality?
- 2. Broncos: Embracing Madge’s Message
- 3. Canberra Raiders Rely on Youth to End Title Drought?
- 4. How Can the Bulldogs Improve in 2025?
- 5. New recruits Poised to Make an Impact
- 6. Can the Sharks pack a Premiership Punch with Fonua-Blake?
- 7. Titans Seek Commanding Halfback for 2025 Premiership Push
- 8. Manly’s Premiership hopes Hinge on Trbojevic‘s Fitness
- 9. melbourne Storm: Ready to Unleash a dynasty?
- 10. NRL Teams in Need of a Boost: Knights and Cowboys
- 11. Knights Looking for Support for Ponga
- 12. Cowboys Need to Rediscover Defensive Steel
- 13. Eels in Need of Bellamy-Style Inspiration
- 14. Panthers’ Injury Concerns Loom Large as they Chase a Fifth Title
- 15. Bennett’s Wisdom Needed as Rabbitohs Seek Redemption
- 16. Roosters Face Leadership Vacuum, Dragons seek Halves Harmony in 2025
- 17. roosters: Filling a Leadership Void
- 18. Dragons: halves Partnership Key
- 19. What Every NRL Team Needs for success in 2025
- 20. Brisbane Broncos
- 21. Warriors
- 22. Tigers’ Top Priority: Securing Lachlan Galvin’s Future
As holiday cheer fills the air and pre-season training kicks into gear, the 2025 NRL season is just around the corner. However, a sense of anticipation is tinged with uncertainty as several teams grapple with key questions and new dynamics.
From positional uncertainty too the assimilation of new recruits, the NRL landscape is abuzz with intrigue. Will the enigmatic Knights find a playmaking partner to complement the brilliance of Kalyn Ponga? Can the Sharks finally break their finals curse with the arrival of star forward Addin Fonua-Blake? Even the reigning premiers, the Panthers, are not exempt from the wish list, as they seek to maintain their dominance.
Broncos: Embracing Madge’s Message
The Broncos made a bold statement by parting ways with coach Kevin Walters just months after he led them to the grand final. The appointment of the no-nonsense Michael Maguire signaled a drastic shift in culture. The message is clear: rock star attitudes are no longer welcome at Red Hill.
“The Broncos faithful expect success,” stated Maguire, underlining the need for players to prioritize their commitment to the game. Young stars Reece Walsh and Ezra Mam have expressed the right intentions, but their actions will ultimately speak louder than words.
Walsh’s pledge to “take on a larger leadership role” needs to be reflected in his on-field consistency. After a car incident and subsequent drug driving charge, Mam was sent to a construction site by Maguire, highlighting the coach’s commitment to instilling real-world values.
If Maguire’s message resonates with the squad, the broncos are poised to be serious contenders in 2025.
Canberra Raiders Rely on Youth to End Title Drought?
The Canberra Raiders have set their sights on ending a 31-year premiership drought,and their strategy hinges on a crop of young talent. Coach Ricky Stuart has made his intentions clear: a youth policy is the path to success. Though, the success of this strategy rests on the advancement and consistency of thes young stars. The Raiders boast an impressive backline brimming with potential. Halves Ethan Strange and Ethan Sanders, alongside fullbacks Kaeo Weekes and Chevy Stewart, form a dynamic quartet. Outside backs Xavier Savage, Matthew Timoko, and Sebastian Kris add further firepower. These young players possess immense potential, but their consistency remains a question mark. How quickly they mature and hone their skills will determine the raiders’ ceiling in 2025. The forward pack is equally promising, led by Hudson Young, Zac Hosking, Morgan Smithies, and Joseph Tapine. This quartet, brimming with power and potential, could easily be considered among the best young packs in the NRL. Stuart faces the challenge of guiding his young brigade, helping them learn from their mistakes and bridge the gap between their best and worst performances. If the Raiders can achieve this consistency, they could become a formidable force in 2025, capable of challenging for the premiership and building a dynasty for years to come. The Canterbury Bulldogs made impressive strides in 2024, securing their first finals berth since 2016 under coach Cameron Ciraldo. Their journey ended in week one against the Manly Sea Eagles, but the future looks shining for the Belmore faithful.How Can the Bulldogs Improve in 2025?
Addressing the strength of their middle forwards is key to the Bulldogs’ continued growth. Recognizing this need, Ciraldo and Phil Gould have strategically recruited enforcers to bolster their pack. While the bulldogs players fought valiantly in 2024,it was evident that Sam Hughes and Josh Curran required additional support in the front row,especially with Max King sidelined due to a wrist injury.New recruits Poised to Make an Impact
Tom Amone, a 28-year-old prop forward, arrives from the super League, having previously represented the Rabbitohs and Tigers. Gould hailed Amone as “the best front row forward in the UK for the past two years,” suggesting he could seamlessly integrate into the Bulldogs’ middle forward rotation. Sitili Tupouniua, a 27-year-old with 106 NRL games under his belt for the Roosters, also joins the Bulldogs. While predominantly a back-rower, Tupouniua’s versatility could see him shift closer to the middle, complementing the talents of Jacob Preston, Viliame Kikau, and Jaeman Salmon, who are already established in the Bulldogs’ ranks. “Should both of those recruits hit the ground running at Belmore, the Bulldogs are only going to get better and a deeper finals run could be a possibility.”Can the Sharks pack a Premiership Punch with Fonua-Blake?
The Cronulla Sharks have tasted finals success under coach Craig Fitzgibbon, but their next goal is clear: securing their first premiership. To achieve this, the Sharks have landed a significant signing: Addin fonua-Blake. Widely regarded as one of the best front-rowers in the world, Fonua-Blake has earned his spot in the Dally M Team of the Year for the past two seasons. His arrival from the Warriors, secured after they granted him a release back to Sydney for family reasons, injects serious firepower into Cronulla’s pack. Now, the challenge for Fitzgibbon is to ensure the Tongan star hits the ground running and maximizes his impact while the Sharks remain in their premiership window. “If AFB can get the pack consistently going forward then it will put halfback Nicho Hynes on the front foot and allow him to rediscover his dally M Medal form,” says a club insider. While there is speculation that Braydon trindall might take over the No. 7 jersey next season, Nicho Hynes remains a key figure in the Sharks’ success.“I feel like if we keep everyone on board then we can fight for a premiership every year,” hynes said.
“When you’re going so well as a club,obviously people want to come hunting your players.
“They (teammates) might get offered a bit more money than what we have (in the salary cap) and I would never begrudge a teammate for wanting to look after family and go and find a good opportunity.
“But in saying that I feel like we’re building something special – it’s something you want to be a part of.”
Titans Seek Commanding Halfback for 2025 Premiership Push
the Gold Coast Titans boast a formidable forward pack, arguably the best in the NRL. Anchored by former Eel Reagan Campbell-Gillard, the pack includes representative stars like David Fifita, Tino Fa’asuamaleaui, and Moeaki Fotuaika. their backline also features exciting talent in Jayden Campbell,Keano Kini,and AJ Brimson.Despite this impressive roster, a glaring weakness hampers their Premiership aspirations: the halfback position. After struggling to settle on a consistent halfback, the Titans allowed Tanah Boyd to depart in the off-season. while 34-year-old veteran Kieran Foran had solid moments in 2024, his age and preference for the five-eighth role limit his long-term viability at halfback. The Titans, though, harbor hope in their rising stars. Rugby union convert Carter Gordon, who has impressed in training and Q cup as joining mid-season 2024, presents a compelling option. A former Wallabies flyhalf, the transition to halfback would likely be seamless for Gordon. another promising prospect is teenage talent Zane Harrison, a Blues u-19 representative yet to debut in the NRL. Irrespective of who takes the reins, the Titans desperately need strong halfback play in 2025.This crucial position has been the missing piece preventing them from becoming genuine finals contenders.Manly’s Premiership hopes Hinge on Trbojevic’s Fitness
The Manly Sea Eagles possess the potential for a successful 2025 season if they can keep their star players, especially Tom Trbojevic, healthy. Trbojevic’s history of injuries has been a significant hurdle for the team, but when fit, he’s proven to be one of the competition’s most impactful players, even capturing the dally M Medal in 2021. Trbojevic’s 2024 season was marred by an AC joint injury sustained towards the end of the year, adding to a string of setbacks that included hamstring and shoulder issues in recent seasons. Despite these challenges, it’s clear that the Sea Eagles are a stronger force with Trbojevic wearing the No. 1 jersey. While there have been discussions about shifting Trbojevic to the centres or even five-eighth in the future, his value at fullback remains undeniable. As Fox League analyst Cooper Cronk highlighted during the 2024 season, “If Manly want a genuine chance of winning a trophy at some stage, Turbo has got to be the fullback. If they want to take down the big teams, he has to be at fullback.”melbourne Storm: Ready to Unleash a dynasty?
The Melbourne Storm, boasting an remarkable spine of Ryan Papenhuyzen, Cameron Munster, Jahrome Hughes, and Harry grant, are hot favorites to claim the 2025 NRL premiership. Despite finishing top of the table in 2024, they fell short in the grand final against a relentless Penrith Panthers side led by the remarkable Nathan Cleary. The Panthers, chasing an unprecedented fifth consecutive title, will undoubtedly pose a significant challenge again. However, Storm coach Craig Bellamy believes that the heartbreak of the 2024 grand final could be the catalyst for a dominant era.”Hopefully we’ll be wiser for (the grand final loss) and learn a few things,” Bellamy said. He drew parallels to the Storm’s 2020 triumph, noting that many players from that inexperienced grand final squad have since moved on to other clubs. ”It was an inexperienced side, for playing in a grand final, and hopefully we can build on that next year and go from there because we aren’t losing too many.” while cleary’s Panthers will remain a formidable force, the Storm are well-positioned to mount a strong challenge in 2025, fueled by their core of experienced stars and the valuable lessons learned from their 2024 grand final disappointment.NRL Teams in Need of a Boost: Knights and Cowboys
The NRL season has wrapped up, leaving some teams pondering what they need to do to take the next step in 2025. Two teams that fall into this category are the Newcastle Knights and the North Queensland Cowboys.Knights Looking for Support for Ponga
Newcastle’s 2024 season ended in heartbreak, with Kalyn Ponga narrowly missing opportunities to win their finals clash against the Cowboys. While Ponga was undeniably the Knights’ standout performer, it’s clear they need more firepower to truly contend for a title. Cooper Cronk, a respected rugby league analyst, believes the Knights need a running threat at five-eighth to alleviate the pressure on Ponga. While Jackson Hastings has shown potential, he’s fallen out of favor with coach Adam O’brien. The young English recruit Will Pryce is another option, but his defensive vulnerabilities might be an issue. Cronk suggests that Jack Cogger’s conventional organizing skills could make him a suitable halfback, allowing for a more dynamic runner to partner him. “I think they need more of a running threat than Kalyn Ponga,” Cronk stated.Cowboys Need to Rediscover Defensive Steel
The North Queensland Cowboys possess immense attacking talent and the ability to score from anywhere on the park. However, their defensive lapses in 2023 and 2024 have cost them dearly. The Cowboys’ defensive transformation in 2024 is notably puzzling considering their stout defensive performances in 2022.That year, they came within 20 minutes of a grand final berth before a heartbreaking loss to the Parramatta Eels. In 2022, the Cowboys conceded only 361 points in the regular season. This number skyrocketed to 542 in 2023 and 568 in 2024. With their roster remaining largely unchanged, COACH Todd Payten needs to identify and address the underlying attitude issues impacting their defence. If the Cowboys can recapture their defensive grit, they will undoubtedly be premiership contenders. Eels in Need of Bellamy-Style Inspiration
The Parramatta Eels are entering the 2025 season with a new coach and a familiar challenge: ending a nearly 40-year premiership drought. Jason Ryles, taking the helm after successful apprenticeships under Craig Bellamy at the melbourne Storm and Trent Robinson at the Sydney Roosters, faces a monumental task. The pressure will be immense from Round 1,especially considering the Eels’ underwhelming performance last season,which culminated in the spoon. While the signings of Zac lomax and Josh Addo-Carr add some firepower, the loss of key players like Blaize Talagi, Reagan Campbell-Gillard, and Clint Gutherson raises questions about the team’s overall betterment. The onus will be on Mitchell Moses and Dylan Brown to step up as leaders in Gutherson’s absence, guiding the team and fostering the development of fullback Isaiah iongi. ryles’s success hinges on his ability to inspire this largely unchanged roster to reach new heights. Drawing from Bellamy’s blueprint, Ryles will need to focus on individual player development within a passionate team culture, a strategy that has proven highly effective for the Storm.Only then can the Eels realistically aspire to not just a finals berth but a drought-breaking championship victory.Panthers’ Injury Concerns Loom Large as they Chase a Fifth Title
The Penrith Panthers, fresh off an incredible run of Premierships are facing a new challenge: keeping their crucial players healthy. Nathan Cleary, Dylan Edwards, blaize talagi, and Mitch Kenny all underwent shoulder surgeries during the off-season, raising concerns about their availability for the start of the 2025 season. Cleary and Edwards both required the complex Latarjet procedure, while Kenny dealt with pre-existing issues that demanded attention. Talagi’s injury occurred while representing Samoa. All four players are integral to the panthers’ spine and their fitness will be vital to their title hopes. Edwards and Cleary are possibly racing against the clock to be ready for their season opener in las Vegas. the Panthers are remaining optimistic, with Cleary proclaiming progress in his rehabilitation. “There are a few guys at the club who have come back from shoulder surgery and everyone is doing really well. We’re all progressing well together”,said Cleary. If the Panthers can navigate these early injury hurdles, they remain a serious threat for a historic fifth consecutive Premiership.Bennett’s Wisdom Needed as Rabbitohs Seek Redemption
South Sydney Rabbitohs endured a disastrous 2024 season, culminating in a 16th-place finish and the departure of coach Jason Demetriou. in a bid to reclaim their former glory, the Rabbitohs have entrusted the legendary Wayne Bennett with the task of turning their fortunes around. At 74 years old, Bennett, widely considered one of the greatest coaches in rugby league history, possesses an uncanny ability to extract the best from his players and forge competitive teams. Bennett’s last stint at South Sydney in 2021 saw them reach the Grand Final, ultimately losing to the Panthers. The Rabbitohs boast a star-studded squad including Latrell Mitchell, Jack Wighton, Cody Walker, Cameron Murray, and Campbell Graham.The addition of promising English halfback Lewis Dodd further strengthens their ranks. With such a talented roster, the Rabbitohs have every reason to beleive they can return to finals contention in 2025.Roosters Face Leadership Vacuum, Dragons seek Halves Harmony in 2025
The landscape of the NRL is ever-shifting, with teams battling to maintain dominance and rebuild for the future.Two teams facing significant transitions heading into the 2025 season are the Roosters and the Dragons, each grappling with unique challenges.roosters: Filling a Leadership Void
After a remarkable era of success,the Roosters are staring down a future without a significant chunk of their veteran core. A staggering near-1000 games worth of experiance walked out the door at the end of the 2024 season, with Jared Waerea-Hargreaves, Joseph Manu, Luke Keary, Joseph Suaalii, Sitili Tupouniua, and Terrell May all moving on to new opportunities. Adding to the challenge, star players Brandon Smith and Sam Walker will be sidelined for the first half of the season due to ACL injuries.just making the top eight will be a tall order for the Roosters. The onus now falls on players like Angus crichton,Connor Watson,Lindsay Collins,and Victor Radley to step up and fill the void left by their departed veterans. The Roosters’ recent struggles against top teams like Penrith and Melbourne (only one win in 22 games as 2020) highlight the urgency of this transition.Dragons: halves Partnership Key
Across town, the Dragons are also facing a pivotal moment as they seek stability in their halves pairing. The departure of experienced playmaker Ben Hunt to the broncos leaves a significant gap to fill. Lachlan Ilias, who previously replaced Adam Reynolds at the Rabbitohs, has been tasked with stepping into Hunt’s shoes. Ilias knows the pressure of filling big boots, having faced similar expectations in his earlier stint at South Sydney. Now, Ilias will need to forge a strong partnership with five-eighth Kyle Flanagan. Flanagan recently signed a contract extension, suggesting the Dragons see him as part of their future plans. The arrival of Daniel Atkinson next year adds further intrigue to the halves competition within the team. For Ilias, the opportunity to play for the dragons holds personal significance. “That was my first team while I was growing up, so it’s not too unfamiliar, but it feels good… and I’m just so glad that Shane (Flanagan) gave me a chance and said, it would be really nice to have you here.”What Every NRL Team Needs for success in 2025
As the 2024 season draws to a close, NRL clubs are already looking ahead to 2025, strategizing how to climb the ladder and secure a premiership. Some teams need a roster shake-up, while others require a shift in their playing style. Here’s a look at what each team needs to improve for a successful 2025 campaign.Brisbane Broncos
“They’ve got to tear it up because it (isn’t) working,” Matty Johns said on Fox League. “Their inability to beat those sides isn’t about the roster, it is indeed about the style of football they play. It’s a big season and a big off-season of self-assessment.”Warriors
The Warriors face a significant void with Shaun Johnson’s retirement. While Te Maire Martin stepped in admirably during 2024, the team needs a long-term solution at halfback. Luke Metcalf is poised to return to the No. 6 jersey,but he’ll face competition from Chanel harris-Tavita and new recruit Tanah Boyd. harris-Tavita offers versatility as a utility player, while Boyd, despite inconsistencies in securing a first-grade spot, brings a wealth of experience and was signed to a two-year deal, suggesting the Warriors see him as a key part of their future.Tigers’ Top Priority: Securing Lachlan Galvin’s Future
The Wests Tigers have a clear priority heading into 2025: locking down young superstar Lachlan Galvin on a long-term deal. At just 19 years old, galvin has already proven himself to be a game-changer, defying expectations and showcasing the talent that has many considering him the hottest prospect in the NRL. Despite a suspension that unluckily ruled him out of contention for the Dally M Rookie of the year in 2024, Galvin showcased his explosive running, fearless line attacks, and impressive playmaking skills throughout the season. It’s no surprise that his name is on the lips of every club,with several keen to secure his services for the years to come. While Galvin briefly explored his options mid-season, ultimately opting to stay with the Tigers, he will be eligible to negotiate with rival clubs starting November 1, 2025. Recognizing the importance of keeping their prized asset, the Tigers are reportedly considering a groundbreaking 10-year deal for Galvin.“We’re working closely with Galvin, his family and his agent about extending him in the new year.”
– Tigers CEO Shane Richardson
A long-term commitment from Galvin would be a monumental show of faith in the Tigers’ rebuilding process. The club is poised for a promising future, with the arrival of a host of star players in 2025, including Jarome Luai, Terrell May, Sunia Turuva, Royce Hunt, and Jack Bird. The departure of John bateman is expected to free up cap space, potentially making a lucrative offer for Galvin even more feasible. Securing Lachlan Galvin’s signature would be a massive boost for the Tigers, solidifying their foundation for years to come and signaling their intent to become a genuine force in the NRL.Lachlan Galvin needs to get on the Tigers’ bus and stay there long-term.
Source: Getty Images
This article provides a strong overview of the NRL landscape heading into the 2025 season, focusing on key changes and challenges for various teams. HereS a breakdown of its strengths and some potential areas for improvement:
**Strengths:**
* **Interesting Team Focus:** the article chooses compelling team narratives:
* **Rabbitohs:** Their intriguing mix of established stars and promising signings.
* **Roosters:** Their massive leadership void and the pressure on remaining players.
* **Dragons:** the challenge of building a solid halves pairing.
* **Well-Researched:** the article includes specific players,trades,and statistics to support its arguments. Examples include the Roosters losing 1000 games worth of experience, the Broncos’ need to change their playing style, and the Warriors’ halfback competition.
* **Engaging Writng style:** The language is accessible and often uses strong verbs and imagery (“tear it up,” “big season,” “wealth of experience”).
* **Structure & Formatting:** The article is well-organized, using headings, subheadings, paragraphs, and images to guide the reader.
**Areas for Improvement:**
* **Broaden Scope:** While the team-focused approach is interesting, including a brief overview of other teams’ offseason changes and goals could provide a more complete picture of the league landscape.
* **Analysis Depth:** Some analysis could be expanded upon. Such as, rather of simply stating the Broncos need to change their style, the article could delve into specific aspects that need improvement, like attack, defense, or game management.
* **Include Expert Opinions:** Quotes from coaches, players, or analysts could provide valuable insights and lend more weight to the article’s observations.
* **Visual Appeal:** The article could benefit from more visual elements. Additional images, graphs, or charts could enhance reader engagement.
**Overall:** This is a solid article that offers a good starting point for discussing the 2025 NRL season. By addressing the suggested areas for improvement,the article could become even more informative and engaging for readers.
This article snippet provides a fascinating insight into the 2025 NRL season preparations. Here’s a breakdown of the key points and some observations:
**ilias’s New Beginning:**
* The article highlights the arrival of halfback Ilias to the Dragons, emphasizing his personal connection to the club and the possibility it presents.
* His partnership with Kyle Flanagan (who recently signed a contract extension) will be crucial to the Dragons’ performance.
* The signing of Daniel Atkinson for the following year adds another layer of competition to the halves, suggesting a talent-rich squad.
**Key Off-Season Priorities:**
* A thorough analysis of individual teams’ needs for success in 2025 is presented.
* The Broncos are identified as needing a style overhaul rather than a roster shake-up. Their failure
to beat top teams is attributed to their playing style.
* The Warriors face a crucial decision in finding a long-term solution at halfback after Shaun Johnson’s retirement. This highlights the impact experienced players have on team structures.
*
**Tigers’ Future on Galvin’s Shoulders:**
* The Tigers’ focus on securing Lachlan Galvin to a long-term deal is a significant subplot. He emerges as arguably the most sought-after young talent in the NRL.
* His decision will have a profound impact on the club’s trajectory.
* While other star signings are expected, Galvin’s potential longevity with the club makes him the most important piece. The Tigers understand the significance of committing to future success and building around a generational talent.
**Observations:**
* This article highlights the constant evolution and strategizing that takes place within NRL clubs. Even during a season,teams are already looking ahead and making moves to improve.
* Player recruitment and retention are critical factors in team success.
* Young talent and experienced players are both vital for a well-balanced and competitive roster.
Let me know if you’d like me to elaborate on any specific aspects or delve into any particular team’s strategies!