LeagueNews.co | Jess Malloy
The 2025 NRL season introduces a unique format called "Snakes and Ladders" where teams are moved up or down the ladder each week based on performance, diverging from the official competition standings.
The initial order from last season's final table is:
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
In a recent match, the Raiders faced the struggling Tigers, building on their winning streak.
Despite an early scare, they scored three tries, including one from debutant Jed Stuart, but faced a brief lapse where the Tigers reduced the deficit to 16-12.
The Raiders managed to hang on for a win without scoring in the second half.
The Storm competed against the Rabbitohs, taking an early lead with a try from Harry Grant and another from Jahrome Hughes.
Though the Storm seemed poised for an easy win, the Rabbitohs, led by Alex Johnston, responded fiercely, with Johnston scoring four tries.
With the match tied at 24-24, it went into golden point extra time, where Ryan Papenhuyzen secured victory with a field goal.
In a noteworthy game in Auckland, the Warriors, expected to win against the depleted Panthers, faced an unexpectedly tough challenge.
The Panthers, missing five key players due to State of Origin commitments, matched the Warriors' intensity.
They exchanged tries until the Panthers broke away with three consecutive scores, capitalizing on Warriors' missed tackles and poor offload defense.
Despite a solid effort from the Warriors, the Panthers secured a comfortable victory, which could prove pivotal for their season.
Ultimately, the Panthers demonstrated resilience, overcoming their absences with enthusiasm, while the Warriors failed to perform at a level expected of a top contender.
The game highlighted the unpredictability of the season and the emerging potential of the "cubs" from Penrith.