<p>Footy fans rejoice! Rugby League is back! Ok, pre-season is not the real deal, but footy is footy and in this desolate period post Australian Open and pre the major codes kicking off Down Under, this is no time to be fussy.</p> <p>The NRL Pre-season Challenge kicks off this week and will give fans the first glimpse of their sides in 2025.</p> <p>Now in its third year, the 2025 edition of the NRL Pre-season challenge will take place across three weeks, with teams set to travel all over Australia and New Zealand.</p> <p>As with years gone by, all 17 teams will play two games each and the side with the best record will be crowned winners of the challenge.</p> <p>The Brisbane Broncos are the defending champs after winning last year’s Pre-season Challenge on points difference.</p> <p>With sides sure to wheel out almost unrecognisable lineups as they trial different combinations and blood first-grade hopefuls ahead of the new season, there will naturally be plenty to unpack. So, let’s dive in!</p> <p>For the latest news, odds and analysis ahead of the first taste of footy in 2025, check out our NRL Pre-season Challenge Week 1 tips and predictions below.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>NRL Pre-Season Challenge Tips and Predictions – Week 1</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>There are just two games on the cards for Week 1 of the 2025 NRL Pre-season Challenge.</p> <p>Both games are set to take place at Cronulla’s Shark Park. Unsurprisingly the Sharks will feature in the first of these two games, when they take on the Warriors on Friday Night.</p> <p>The following night, supporters in the Shire will be able to spectate some more first class footy, when reigning champions Penrith play the Raiders.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Cronulla Sharks vs New Zealand Warriors Prediction</h2> <p><em><strong>Friday, February 7, 7:30pm AEDT – Shark Park</strong></em></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>The Cronulla Sharks and the New Zealand Warriors will get the 2025 NRL Pre-season Challenge underway when they tangle in Cronulla’s backyard on Friday night.</p> <p>This game will be all about the halves with the Warriors searching for Shaun Johnson’s full-time successor and the Sharks seeking Nicho’s no.6 for season 2025.</p> <p>With a number of would-be halfbacks on their books, there is sure to be some serious rotation in both the<a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/huddle/nrl/news/rugby-league-positions-explained"> first receiver and standoff positions</a> for the Warriors.</p> <p>Chanel Harris-Tavita, Luke Metcalf, Tanah Boyd and Te Marie Martin are all recognised halves in the Warriors top 30, not to mention Dylan Walker and Roger Tuivasa-Sheck who can both play either side of the scrum at a pinch.</p> <p>On the other side of the field, both Daniel Atkinson and Braydon Trindall will audition for the full-time role of Nicho Hynes’ halves partner, although surely, it’s Trindall who currently leads the race, as young Atkinson is off to the Dragons in 2026.</p> <p>Ironically the Sharks seemed to play their best footy last year, when Hynes was sidelined, and it was both Tindall and Atkinson lining up at six and seven respectively.</p> <p>If they both start side by side here, they should be able to lead their team home against what will surely be a very experimental New Zealand side.</p> <p><strong>Head-to-head prediction:</strong> Cronulla Sharks.</p> <p><strong>Betting tip: </strong>Daniel Atkinson anytime try scorer.</p>

<h2>Penrith Panthers vs Canberra Raiders Prediction</h2> <p><em><strong>Saturday, February 8, 7:30pm AEDT – Shark Park</strong></em></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Life after Luai starts here for Penrith, as they begin the auditioning process for Nathan Cleary’s new halves partner.</p> <p>The man who played six for all four of Penrith’s premiership triumphs now calls Concord home after signing with the Tigers at the tail end of last season.</p> <p>Three names have been tossed up so far with Jack Cole, Brad Schneider and new recruit Blaize Talagi all in the running for the vacant No.6 jersey.</p> <p>It’s rumoured Talagi will get first crack and stylistically he is the closest to Luai and showed at Parra last year he knows his way through and to the line.&nbsp;</p> <p>As for Ricky’s Raiders, they are predicted to be in for a long year, one that could start as early as pre-season, with little to love about Canberra’s current squad.</p> <p>This could also be the first time we see former Parra and Tigers wrecking ball Isaiah Papali’i run out for the back-to-back-to-back-to-back premiers.</p> <p>While obviously this Penrith side will be far from full-strength, their production line is so lethal that we’re convinced they could wheel out their under 12s and give most NRL teams a run for their money.</p> <p><strong>Head-to-head prediction: </strong>Penrith Panthers.</p> <p><strong>Betting tip: </strong>Isaiah Papali’I or Blaize Talagi anytime try scorer.</p>