There is simply nothing better than Sunday afternoon footy and the expanded NRLW competition is here to deliver the goods when it comes to quality viewing.
With Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs entering the fold and the Warriors returning, it’s the biggest season of NRLW ever; it’s one that shouldn't be missed and one guaranteed to excite.
Super Sundays
Round 1 - Sunday, July 6 – Roosters v Warriors at Allianz Stadium, 11.50am (AEST)
The final game of the first round has it all with a nod to history when the defending premiers Sydney Roosters featuring Karyn Murphy Medallist Tarryn Aiken and Dally M medal winner Olivia Kernick go up against the Warriors playing their first NRLW game since 2020. The two foundation teams met in their first encounter in the inaugural NRLW season in 2018; and now it will be a tough welcome back into the competition for the Warriors when they travel to Sydney in the opening round of the 2025. The Roosters boast a star-studded team, but the Warriors have recruited well and will be counting on the likes of Kiwi stars Apii Nicholls and former Rooster Mya Hill-Moana to lead them to an against-the-odds win.
Round 2 – Titans v Broncos at Cbus Super Stadium on Sunday, July 13 - 4pm (AEST)
Queensland derbies always bring excitement and plenty of passion, so with the double header between the Titans and Broncos at the Gold Coast, emotions will be running high. The last time they two sides met was in Round 3 of 2024 when powerhouse Broncos centre Mele Hufanga ran in for four tries in the 44-4 win. Prior to that in 2023, the Titans were one-point winners in a golden point thriller at The Gabba, where field goal specialist Lauren Brown slotted the winner. The NRLW game will be followed by NRL Titans v Broncos Round 19 match at 6.15pm.
Hufanga in a league of her own
Round 5 - Eels v Dragons at McDonald Jones Stadium on Sunday, August 3 at 3.45pm (AEST)
Since entering the NRLW in 2021, the Eels have not beaten the Dragons, losing all four games (2021 – 10-0 win to Dragons, 2022 – 16-10 win to Dragons, 2023 – 38-12 win to Dragons, 2024 – 42-14 win to Dragons). Nathan Cross has taken the reins at St George Illawarra this year and co-captains Raecene McGregor and Zali Hopkins will be pushing their team to keep their streak going, but the likes of Eels powerhouses Kennedy and Rueben Cherrington, as well as PNG international Elsie Albert, will be gunning to break the hoodoo.
Every Rory Owen Try from 2024
Round 8 - Knights v Broncos at McDonald Jones Stadium on Sunday, August 24 at 11.50am (AEST)
Returning Bronco Tamika Upton will go up against another team she holds close to her heart in the Knights in Round 8. Upton won the Dally M Player of The Year in 2023 and two Karen Murphy Medals for grand final player of the match after back-to-back premierships with the Knights. A back-to-back NRLW player of the year winner for the Knights, she was granted a release from the club at the end of 2024 due to family and personal circumstances and is determined to win another premiership with the club she did it with in 2019 and 2020 in the Broncos. Fans can expect a masterclass from the classy Australian and Queensland fullback; however the Yasmin Clydsdale-led Knights outfit that includes the talented Jesse Southwell will be doing their best to stop her new side from winning.
NRLW Creators: Tamika Upton
Round 8 - Tigers v Cowboys at Leichhardt Oval on Sunday, August 24 at 1.45pm (AEST)
Both now in their third season in the competition, the Cowboys and Tigers will be looking to push for finals berths - something that has so far eluded them. When the sides have clashed in the previous two seasons, it has been tantalisingly close. In 2024, the Cowboys finished 24-22 victors despite the Tigers scoring five tries to their four, with Kirra Dibb’s superb kicking proving the difference. In 2023, it was close with a 16-12 win for the Cowboys. The Cowboys - including Maroons Emma Manzelmann, Lily Peacock and Jasmine Peters – will be looking to continue their winning streak against a Brett Kimmorley-led Tigers outfit that includes former Broncos and Titans back Emily Bass.
*The 2025 Telstra Women’s Premiership kicks off on Thursday, July 3. Every match of the 2025 season will be broadcast LIVE on the Nine Network, Foxtel and Kayo Sports.
