NRL 2025 draw: Broncos set to launch Magic Round against Panthers; possible Rabbitohs-Dolphins clash for Rd 1

Magic Round is set for some schedule changes in 2025, setting up a blockbuster clash for the Broncos, while Wayne Bennett could be headed back to Redcliffe in Round 1.

The Broncos are set to launch next year’s NRL Magic Round in Brisbane with a blockbuster clash against four-time premiers Penrith.

The NRL is in the final stages of preparing its 2025 Premiership draw, which is expected to be released in mid-November.

The Sharks, Raiders, Warriors and Panthers will kick-off the season in Las Vegas on the first weekend in March.

Magic Round will once again be held in Brisbane, most likely in early May again, after the Queensland Government secured the premiership’s flagship event until 2027.

Magic Round will once again be held in Brisbane, but the Broncos won’t be playing the Manly Sea Eagles in 2025. Picture: Getty Images

But there will be some changes to the Magic Round schedule next year.

The Broncos have traditionally faced Manly in the Friday night prime time clash.

But the Sea Eagles won’t be selling a home game next year, opening the door for the Broncos to face a new opponent.

That is looking like it will be Penrith given the Panthers are without a home ground in 2025 and will be a “home” team at Magic Round.

WAYNE BENNETT BOWL

– Dean Ritchie

In what would be a massive Round 1 grudge match next season, the NRL is considering sending new South Sydney coach Wayne Bennett back to Queensland to confront his former club, the Dolphins.

While unconfirmed, multiple sources have told this masthead that an opening round option for the 2025 draw would immediately pitting Bennett against the club he coached for the past two seasons.

Bennett’s mooted return to Brisbane in his first game back as Rabbitohs’ coach would attract a crowd of around 35,000.

A motorsport event – called the Race of Champions – will be held at Accor Stadium on Friday, March 7, precluding Souths from using their home venue in Round 1.

Wayne Bennett could come up against the Dolphins in Round 1 2025.

The NRL is currently working on the ’25 draw which should be released in mid-November.

All clubs are asked to submit special requests to be included in the draw with Bennett’s Bunnies playing the Dolphins having widespread appeal in Sydney and Brisbane.

The match, should it materialise, would also allow new Dolphins coach, Kristian Woolf, to try and grab an early victory over his former mentor.

One official described Bennett v Dolphins in Round 1 as a “drawcard.”

“It would make sense,” he said.

“It would be a mouth-watering prospect.”

The NRL often attempts to arrange a rival round to kickstart their season.

Clubs are patiently waiting for the draw to be announced before starting to target potential season ticket holders.

Although unlikely, Latrell Mitchell could potentially return in Round 1 if the Indigenous All-Stars match goes ahead and he is allowed to use that towards his suspension. Picture: NRL Photos

The NRL has a challenging task nailing down the draw amid multiple requests and demands from all clubs.

Bennett’s possible return to Suncorp Stadium would ensure mass pre-game exposure in Brisbane.

The match could also allow fans to watch Latrell Mitchell, provided the mooted pre-season All Stars game cancels out his one-game suspension.

A seven-time premiership-winning coach, Bennett has rejoined Souths after previously coaching the club between 2019 and 2021.

He has been dubbed a Souths’ saviour after the club run second-last this year, recording just seven wins from 24 games.

The NRL’s Las Vegas extravaganza – involving Canberra, Warriors, Penrith and Cronulla – will be played at Allegiant Stadium on March 1 in America, a week before the remainder of round one is completed in Australia.

Bennett is adored in Brisbane but left the Broncos – after his second stint at the club in 2018 – amid controversy and bitterness.

The big grudge matches next season will include Penrith v Parramatta (both sides play out of CommBank Stadium), Melbourne v Penrith, Souths v Roosters, Broncos v Dolphins and Manly v Parramatta.

Originally published as NRL 2025 draw: Broncos set to launch Magic Round against Panthers; possible Rabbitohs-Dolphins clash for Rd 1