The NRL pre-season is always unpredictable. Teams use these games to experiment with new combinations, give young players a shot, and test out different game plans before the real action begins.
These tips are more of a guide rather than a lock. We’ve factored in team depth, playing conditions, pre-season history, and likely team approaches to give you the best possible read on each matchup.
While the pre-season doesn’t always reflect regular-season form, it does give us valuable insights into which teams are shaping up well for 2025.
Let’s dive into the Week 2 tips! 👇🏉
Raiders vs Sharks
📅 Thursday, February 13, 2025 – 🏟 GIO Stadium, Canberra, ACT
💡 Tip: Raiders
- The Raiders have a strong preseason track record, especially at home.
- Expect a physical forward pack to dominate in the middle against a Sharks side likely experimenting with combinations.
- The Canberra conditions could also play a role, favouring the home side.
Knights vs Eels
📅 Friday, February 14, 2025 – 🏟 McDonald Jones Stadium, Broadmeadow, NSW
💡 Tip: Eels
- The Eels have more experienced depth players, who should handle the preseason rotations better.
- Newcastle may rest key stars, and their younger squad members might struggle against Parra’s aggressive style.
- Mitchell Moses and Dylan Brown’s leadership should see the Eels control the tempo.
Cowboys vs Dolphins
📅 Friday, February 14, 2025 – 🏟 Barlow Park, Cairns, QLD
💡 Tip: Dolphins
- Wayne Bennett’s influence ensures the Dolphins treat these early-season clashes seriously.
- Cairns conditions will suit the Dolphins’ endurance-based game plan.
- Cowboys may prioritise youth development over winning in the preseason.
Warriors vs Storm
📅 Saturday, February 15, 2025 – 🏟 Go Media Stadium, Auckland, NZ
💡 Tip: Warriors
- The Warriors are formidable when playing at home in front of their home crowd.
- Storm tends to experiment in the preseason, often fielding untested players.
- Warriors have an aggressive pack that should overpower Melbourne’s second-string lineup.
Rabbitohs vs Sea Eagles
📅 Saturday, February 15, 2025 – 🏟 Industree Group Stadium, Gosford, NSW
💡 Tip: Rabbitohs
- Souths have a strong spine, even in the pre-season. Expect Cody Walker and Latrell Mitchell (if playing) to have an impact.
- Manly may be without key forwards, giving the Bunnies an edge in the middle.
- South’s ability to attack from anywhere on the field should see them rack up points.
Broncos vs Titans
📅 Sunday, February 16, 2025 – 🏟 Berghofer Stadium, Toowoomba, QLD
💡 Tip: Broncos
- The Broncos have a deep squad with plenty of young talent looking to impress.
- Titans have struggled in preseason matches in recent years.
- Toowoomba will be packed with Broncos fans, giving them a major home-ground advantage.
Bulldogs vs Wests Tigers
📅 Sunday, February 16, 2025 – 🏟 Netstrata Jubilee Stadium, Kogarah, NSW
💡 Tip: Wests Tigers
- Tigers’ new signings will be eager to make an early impact.
- Bulldogs’ combinations are still a work in progress, which could hurt them in a scrappy preseason match.
- The Tigers’ forward pack has been bolstered, giving them the edge in the middle.
Dragons vs Roosters
📅 Sunday, February 16, 2025 – 🏟 Netstrata Jubilee Stadium, Kogarah, NSW
💡 Tip: Roosters
- Roosters’ squad depth is far superior, even if they rest key players.
- Dragons are in a rebuilding phase and may not field their best lineup.
- Sydney-based Roosters will have plenty of fan support, despite this being a ‘Dragons’ home game.
