NRL Round 1 fixture: Rookie duo handed baptism of fire, Bennett’s return
The NRL has unveiled the first round of fixtures ahead of the 2025 season, one new coach being handed a baptism by fire.
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The NRL has unveiled the first round of fixtures ahead of the 2025 season, with Wayne Bennett coming face-to-face with his understudy and Jason Ryles being handed a baptism by fire.
While the Panthers, Warriors, Raiders and Sharks will all take the field at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas on Sunday March 2.
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Meanwhile, the remainder of the competition kicks off with a Thursday night blockbuster on March 6, with the Roosters and Broncos playing the first game in Australia.
That clash marks Michael Maguire’s first game in charge of the Brisbane outfit, being handed the reigns after Kevin Walters’ sacking following the end of the 2024 season.
The Tigers and Knights then face off in the early Friday clash, which will see Jarome Luai, alongside Jack Bird and Royce Hunt, make their debuts under Benji Marshall.
Then in a Friday night blockbuster, Bennett and Kristian Woolf face off, with the new Dolphins coach having spent two seasons as the master coach’s assistant.
Bennett signed a three-year deal to return to the Rabbitohs, having completed his two seasons with the NRL newcomers before Woolf slotted into his place ahead of the 2025 season.
South Sydney endured a turbulent season in 2024, finishing in 16th with superstar Latrell Mitchell battling suspensions and off-field incidents.
Elsewhere, Ryles has been handed the toughest draw in rugby league to begin his time as the Eels’ head coach, facing off against his former club the Storm.
Craig Bellamy hasn’t lost a Round 1 fixture since taking charge of the Melbourne club in 2003, while Ryles was also a former assistant of the legendary coach.
Elsewhere, the Dragons and Bulldogs face off in a clash that’s sure to be sold out — it will see Kyle Flanagan and Stephen Crichton play each other after last season’s biting saga.
The Manly Sea Eagles and North Queensland Cowboys will also do battle.
FULL ROUND 1 DRAW
SUNDAY MARCH 2
Raiders vs Warriors — Allegiant Stadium, Las Vegas @ 11am EST
Panthers vs Sharks — Allegiant Stadium, Las Vegas @ 3:30pm EST
THURSDAY MARCH 6
Roosters vs Broncos — TBC @ 8pm EST
FRIDAY MARCH 7
Tigers vs Knights — TBC @ 6:00pm EST
Dolphins vs Rabbitohs — TBC @ 8:05pm EST
SATURDAY MARCH 8
Dragons vs Bulldogs — TBC, 5:30pm AEST
Sea Eagles vs Cowboys — TBC, 7:35pm EST
SUNDAY MARCH 9
Storm vs Eels — TBC, 4:05pm EST
Originally published as NRL Round 1 fixture: Rookie duo handed baptism of fire, Bennett’s return
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