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The NRL ladder is one of the most closely followed aspects of the rugby league season. It tracks team performance in real-time and plays a key role in shaping playoff hopes and finals qualification. With the 2025 season now well underway, the ladder offers a detailed snapshot of where each side stands after months of competition.
Introduction to the 2025 NRL Season
The 2025 NRL season kicked off in March with 17 clubs competing across Australia and New Zealand. The Dolphins, who joined the NRL in 2023, are now entering their third season, maintaining the 17-team structure with a bye each round. The regular season is made up of 27 rounds, with the top eight teams at the end of the round-robin phase advancing to the finals series in September.
So far, teams like the Panthers and Broncos remain strong contenders, while the Bulldogs are experiencing a competitive resurgence. The Dragons, meanwhile, continue a rebuilding phase. The Warriors, New Zealand’s representative side, have been performing with consistency and are in contention for a top-four finish.
Team Performance
At the mid-to-late point in the season, the ladder has already started to show clear groupings: top contenders, mid-table battlers, and those looking to avoid finishing in the bottom four. The Panthers and Storm continue to be strong defensive teams. While the Roosters and Cowboys have shown attacking potential, they are currently outside the top eight and not leading the competition statistically.
The Warriors, under Andrew Webster, have balanced their attack with reliable defence. Key performances from Shaun Johnson and Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad have helped the side maintain pressure across multiple phases, contributing to an improving for-and-against margin – an important ladder tiebreaker.
Key Matchups
Certain matchups each season directly impact ladder movement more than others. These include top-four clashes, games with playoff implications, and contests between closely ranked teams.
This season, the key matches are:
- Broncos vs. Storm (Round 12), which shifted top-four positions.
- Warriors vs. Sharks (Round 15), which tightened the mid-table fight.
- Panthers vs. Roosters (Round 18), where ladder leaders were tested in high-intensity conditions.
Upcoming games in Rounds 21–25 are expected to be decisive, especially where teams sitting between 6th and 10th place are concerned. Points gained here often define who squeezes into the top eight or misses out entirely.
Rugby League Analysis
The NRL ladder doesn’t just reflect results – it reveals performance patterns. Teams with higher completion rates, fewer penalties, and solid goal-line defence tend to climb the standings. In 2025, the impact of repeat sets, kick-pressure strategies, and effective interchange use has become more pronounced.
The use of middle-forward rotations has grown in influence, particularly for clubs like the Raiders and Knights, who rely on high-possession strategies. Likewise, attacking threats off quick play-the-balls continue to be a key difference-maker. Coaches increasingly analyse ladder trends alongside in-game stats to adapt their weekly tactics.
From a viewer’s perspective, the ladder is more than just a ranking; it acts as a form guide that helps understand which clubs are gaining momentum and which may be facing depth or injury challenges.
Playoff Scenarios
As the finals series draws closer, the ladder becomes a vital reference point. The top eight system rewards consistency, but small changes in points differential or back-to-back wins can cause significant movement. Teams ranked first to fourth are aiming to secure home finals advantage, while those placed fifth to eighth are focused on holding their positions and avoiding late-season drop-offs.
Sides sitting between the ninth and eleventh still have mathematical chances of qualifying, but they’ll need to win upcoming matches and rely on other results going their way. The Warriors, currently inside the top six, are well placed to push for a home final if they can pick up wins in their remaining games, particularly against lower-ranked opponents. In contrast, clubs like the Rabbitohs and Titans will need to string together strong finishes to stay in the finals conversation.
FAQs
How is the NRL ladder calculated?
The NRL ladder uses a points-based system where teams earn 2 points for a win, 1 for a draw, and 0 for a loss. Byes also award 2 points, which accounts for the uneven number of teams. If teams are level on points, rankings are determined by points differential – total points scored minus points conceded.
What happens if teams are tied on points on the NRL ladder?
When teams are tied on points, the ladder ranks them based on points differential, with the higher positive margin placing higher. If still equal, the next deciding factors are the most points scored, head-to-head results, and total wins. This process ensures tie-breaks are handled consistently and fairly heading into the finals.
How often is the NRL ladder updated during the season?
The NRL ladder updates after every game, allowing teams and fans to track standings in real-time. Significant changes can occur after early-round matches, especially involving teams close on the table. Most platforms publish live updates immediately following each full-time whistle.