LeagueNews.co | Jason Patrick
In the upcoming 2025 NRL season, a new feature will be introduced, with last year's final table used as a base. Each week, teams will either rise, fall, or remain static, depending on their weekend performances.
This system will not reflect the actual 2025 NRL competition ladder but will provide an alternate perspective on each team's current standing.
Last year's finishing order: 1. Storm, 2. Panthers, 3. Roosters, 4. Sharks, 5. Cowboys, 6. Bulldogs, 7. Sea Eagles, 8. Knights, 9. Raiders, 10. Dolphins, 11. Dragons, 12. Broncos, 13. Warriors, 14. Titans, 15. Eels, 16. Rabbitohs, 17. Tigers
With the Top 4 standings in play, the Storm faced off against the Panthers in Parramatta. The Panthers dominated early possession and territory, leading to a try within the first 10 minutes. Following this, after significant defensive efforts, Tyran Wishart kicked to Xavier Coates, who appeared to knock the ball into Dylan Edwards but the bunker allowed the try. Jonah Pezet launched a 40-20 kick, but the Panthers' defense held firm. The Panthers eventually scored with a running play before halftime, going up 12-4. Coates later showcased his skills with an intercept leading to a corner try and then assisted Joe Chan in scoring by tapping the ball back. After a back-and-forth battle, with the Panthers briefly leading again, Marion Seve scored to tie the game at 18-18. Harry Grant emerged as the decisive player, initially having a field goal ruled out before ultimately scoring the game-winner in golden point extra time.
In a finals preview, the Storm visited Penrith on a rainy field. The Panthers started strong, and Isaiah Papali'i broke through the Storm's defense early on. However, the Storm fought back, and with under eight minutes left in the half, the Panthers launched a play on the last tackle. Dylan Edwards gathered the kick ahead and passed to Nathan Cleary, who scored under three defenders. The Storm took the lead after scoring two tries; however, Scott Sorenson answered for the Panthers, crashing through from 10 meters out. With 14 minutes left, another Storm try leveled the game. A crucial field goal attempt by Cleary was disallowed due to a blocker penalty, leading to golden point extra time. A dropped ball from Edwards in the extra period opened the door for Harry Grant, who capitalized from dummy-half to secure the match.