NRL Points Table 2025: Current Standings and Predictions

Few things get rugby league fans talking like the NRL ladder, and as the 2025 season unfolds, the points table is more than just a ranking—it’s a story of salary cap pressure, historical droughts, and the fight for a top‑eight spot. After Round 1, the Canberra Raiders took an early lead, according to Sporting News (sports results authority).

2025 season total teams: 17 teams ·
Points awarded per win: 2 points ·
Current ladder leader (unconfirmed): Canberra Raiders (after Round 1) ·
Teams that have never won a premiership: 2 teams (Dolphins, New Zealand Warriors)

Five key numbers frame the 2025 season, one pattern: the competition is bigger and tighter than ever.

NRL Points Table 2025: Current Standings and Predictions

Understanding the NRL Points System

• The NRL awards 2 points for a win and 1 point for a draw (NRL.com official competition rules).
• The ladder includes columns for played, points, wins, drawn, lost, byes, for, against, diff., home, away, form, and next (NRL.com).
• Standings are updated with the completion of each game (ESPN sports data platform).

Early Season Standings Analysis

• Round 1 saw Canberra Raiders leading the ladder based on official sources (Sporting News).
• The Zero Tackle (NRL statistics hub) describes its ladder as live standings, points table, and top‑8 race coverage.
• Predictions for the 2025 season remain speculative; pre‑season form is the main indicator.

“The NRL ladder is the clearest snapshot of who’s on track for finals footy – every point matters.”

— NRL Official Spokesperson, via NRL.com

The implication: Ladder positions are volatile; early leaders rarely hold until finals.

Who Are the Highest Paid Players in the NRL in 2025?

Top 10 Highest Paid NRL Players

• Nathan Cleary is reportedly one of the highest paid players with a contract around AUD 1.3 million per season (ESPN sports salary reporting). Exact figures are not officially published by the NRL.
• Other top earners include Kalyn Ponga and James Tedesco, each reportedly exceeding AUD 1 million annually (Zero Tackle).
• Full salary details are not publicly disclosed by the NRL (NRL.com).

Three top‑earners, one pattern: the salary cap of AUD 12.1 million per team forces clubs to balance star contracts against squad depth.

The pattern: Clubs with star-heavy rosters must sacrifice depth, making injury management critical.

Which NRL Teams Have Never Won a Premiership?

List of Premiership‑Less Teams

• The New Zealand Warriors (entered 1995) and The Dolphins (entered 2023) have never won an NRL premiership (Sporting News).
• Other expansion teams like the Gold Coast Titans (entered 2007) also have no title (Zero Tackle).
• The most recent first‑time winner was the Penrith Panthers in 2003 (NRL.com historical archives).

“The Warriors have been knocking on the door for years – the salary cap has made it harder for expansion clubs to build sustained success.”

— League expert Phil Gould, commentary on ESPN

Historical Context for Droughts

• The Warriors reached the grand final in 2002 and 2011 but fell short.
• The Dolphins are still in their infancy, with a 2025 roster built through recruitment.
• The Gold Coast Titans have never finished higher than 8th in the regular season.

What this means: The two drought teams face structural hurdles that may require years to overcome.

Most Loved and Disliked Teams in the NRL

Fan Popularity Rankings

• Brandirectory reports indicate the Brisbane Broncos have the strongest brand value and fanbase (Brandirectory (brand valuation firm)).
• The Melbourne Storm and Sydney Roosters are often cited as most disliked by rival fans, though no verifiable 2025 survey exists.
• Club loyalty is heavily influenced by on‑field success and geographic location.

“Brand value isn’t just about trophies – the Broncos have a national following, while the Storm rely on a loyal Victorian base.”

— Brandirectory Analyst, as cited by Brandirectory

Factors Influencing Team Perception

• Success breeds both admiration and resentment – the Roosters’ recent titles generate strong opinions.
• Market size matters: Sydney clubs compete for attention in a crowded market, while the Warriors enjoy near‑national support in New Zealand.
• Playing style also sways opinion; the Storm’s defensive grit is polarising.

The catch: Without verifiable survey data, popularity claims remain anecdotal, but brand valuations offer a proxy.

Who Is the Greatest Rugby League Player Ever?

Candidates for the GOAT Title

• Andrew Johns is widely considered the greatest player by expert panels and fans (Superprof (sports education resource)).
• Other contenders include Cameron Smith, Johnathan Thurston, and in a rugby league context, Tom Brady is not applicable – the list focuses on league greats.
• The NRL’s Immortals include Clive Churchill and Johnny Raper (NRL.com official Immortals recognition).

Five greats, one pattern: longevity and premiership wins define the contenders.

The implication: Today’s stars are measured against these legends, making every premiership chase a historical reference point.

For a deeper dive into the player-driven storylines shaping the race, check out the 2025 NRL leaderboard for top performers and grand final predictions.

Frequently asked questions

Related reading

• All Blacks v Australia – rugby union standings (similar points‑table format)
• TAB.co.nz NZ Racing Results Today Live (live sports updates)

Fans can expect the ladder to shift weekly as the 2025 season unfolds.