LeagueNews.co | Cooper McEnroe
The quest for understanding what it takes to win the NRL premiership has long been a topic of debate among fans and experts alike. Is the key to success a star halfback, a powerful fullback, or perhaps a brilliant coach? After 40 years of experience watching rugby league, one evident truth emerges: successful premiership teams are composed of players who are all performing at their career-best concurrently.
As we look towards the 2025 finals, it becomes apparent that many of the top contenders have adopted this winning formula. The pressing question is: which team has the resilience to maintain this peak performance long enough to secure the title?
The path to the grand final
The draw for the finals is finalized. The matchup between Bulldogs and Penrith will determine who advances to play Brisbane in the preliminary final, while the Broncos enjoy a week off to recharge. On the opposing side, the Sharks go head-to-head with Canberra, with the victor set to face Melbourne.
Each of these six teams boasts a strong core and numerous players enjoying the best form of their careers. According to the common denominator theory, it is the team that can synchronize these peak performances at the crucial moment that will emerge victorious.
Penrith and Melbourne: Proven blueprints
Penrith has established itself as the standard in the league. From 2021 through 2024, they claimed four consecutive premierships by ensuring their elite players-Nathan Cleary, Isaah Yeo, Dylan Edwards, Brian To'o, Moses Leota, and Liam Martin-maintained consistency, while also integrating breakout performances from other players like Matt Burton, Sunia Turuva, Paul Alamoti, and Spencer Leniu. Coach Ivan Cleary has displayed remarkable skill in refreshing the squad while upholding high standards.
Melbourne offers a similar success story. Over the last twenty years, they have continuously built their squad around elite figures such as Cameron Smith, Billy Slater, and Cooper Cronk, transitioning to current stars like Cameron Munster, Harry Grant, and Jahrome Hughes. By also nurturing role players who rise to prominence at critical moments, Melbourne under coach Craig Bellamy has become one of the hardest teams to defeat in September.