LeagueNews.co | Jess Malloy
The dust has barely settled on the 2024 NRL season, but already the focus is shifting to 2025, with the Penrith Panthers gearing up for a shot at a fifth consecutive premiership.
Their fourth title in a row has only fueled their hunger for more success, but they will have to navigate another roster shakeup with key players like Jarome Luai and Sunia Turuva moving on to the Wests Tigers and James Fisher-Harris heading to the New Zealand Warriors.
Meanwhile, the Melbourne Storm, who pushed the Panthers to their limits in the grand final, are not to be counted out, as they welcome Stefano Utoikamanu to their ranks.
Unsurprisingly, both the Storm and the Panthers are early favorites for 2025, with odds released by PointsBet putting them neck and neck at $4.50.
The gap between the top two and the rest of the pack is significant, with the Sharks and Broncos tied at $9 in the next tier of contenders.
The Sydney Roosters, Canterbury Bulldogs, South Sydney Rabbitohs, who are expected to make big strides alongside the Broncos, and the Manly Sea Eagles round out the top eight teams in terms of odds.
It's shaping up to be another thrilling season of NRL action, with the Panthers and Storm once again leading the pack in the race for rugby league glory.
Fans can expect plenty of twists and turns as the competition heats up and the battle for supremacy unfolds on the field.