The Mole: 'All eyes' on Benji's Tigers after 'favourable' draw to start make-or-break 2025 season
The under-pressure Cowboys have one of the toughest early runs for 2025 in the new draw that was announced on Thursday morning.
The Cowboys start the season with a hard road trip to Manly and also meet four-time premiers Penrith twice in the first 10 rounds.
They also take on the Broncos and Rabbitohs - two teams expected to improve in 2025 - in the early rounds - as well as the highly-ranked Sharks.
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The Bulldogs, by contrast, have an easier draw, taking on struggling Dragons, Titans and Eels in the first three rounds.
Stephen Crichton and Matt Burton of the Bulldogs have more to celebrate after a strong 2024. Getty
They also play the Knights, Rabbitohs and Titans again in the opening 10 rounds.
Cameron Ciraldo's Dogs only meet two of last year's top eight in the opening 10 rounds, giving them every chance to get off to a flying start.
The draw has done the Broncos no favours for the start of the Michael Maguire era.
In the first four rounds, they meet the strong Roosters (away), Raiders (away), followed by arch rivals the Cowboys and Dolphins.
Premiers Penrith have a demanding start, taking on the Sharks (Las Vegas), Roosters and Storm in a grand final re-match in the opening three rounds.
All eyes will be on the Tigers and they have a favourable draw to start what will be a make-or-break season.
They meet only three finals teams from last year in the opening 10 rounds and play the Eels - one of the wooden spoon favourites, twice early on.
Jason Ryles has a tough start at the Eels, taking on three strong sides in Storm, Bulldogs and Sea Eagles in the first month.
