QRL article by Michael Hillier
Norths Devils will begin their quest for a fourth premiership in five years when the Hostplus Cup heavyweights meet the Redcliffe Dolphins in Round 1 of the 2025 season.
The clash between the Devils and Dolphins headlines seven Hostplus Cup Round 1 games across the weekend of March 8-9.
Ipswich Jets kick off their campaign at home in their annual Defence Force Appreciation Day match against the Townsville Blackhawks, while last season’s minor premiers the Northern Pride meet the Brisbane Tigers.
After storming into last year’s preliminary finals, the PNG Hunters will look to carry that momentum into their opening round clash against the Mackay Cutters.
Burleigh Bears, who last month unveiled former Penrith Panthers premiership-winning utility Tyrone Peachey as a key signing for 2025, will play the Central Queensland Capras in Round 1.
The Capras are coming off a strong 2024 season, having featured in week two of the finals.
Tweed Seagulls and Souths Logan Magpies are both eager to make a return to finals football after missing last year’s playoffs.
Tweed meets Wynnum Manly in Round 1, while the Magpies have drawn the Western Clydesdales.
Each club will play 20 games across 23 rounds.
Country Week – presented by Ford and supported by the Queensland Government – is locked in for the weekend of July 26-27.
The sparks will also fly early in the season, with clubs ready to battle out XXXX Rivalry Round in the third week of competition.
Round 21 puts the spotlight on the immense contribution of licenced clubs and their endless support of grassroots rugby league thanks to the backing of Leagues Clubs Australia (LCA).
Week 1 of the 2025 finals series will be played across the weekend of September 6-7, with all roads leading to the grand final on the final Saturday of that month.
“We have so much to be excited about in 2025,” QRL competitions manager Dave Maiden said today.
“There are rivalry derbies and blockbuster match ups everywhere you look, particularly in the opening rounds.
“Every week we witness how much this competition means to our clubs and the many communities across Queensland, just by the pure effort alone that our players, coaches and support staff put in on the training paddock and on game day.
“We look forward to supporting the journey of those with NRL aspirations, while also watching the most consistent teams lock horns in the 2025 finals series.”
The QRL’s premier livestreaming platform Qplus.tv is back bigger and better in 2025, with every game live and on demand via Qplus.tv.
Sign up to QPlus.tv today with subscriptions as low as $4.99 per week. Existing annual and monthly subscriptions will be automatically renewed ahead of the 2025 season.
Fox Sports Australia will again broadcast the Hostplus Cup grand final in 2025 with the decider set to be played on Saturday, September 27 at Kayo Stadium.
Hostplus Cup Round 1
Saturday, March 8:
Ipswich Jets v Townsville Blackhawks @ North Ipswich Reserve, 4pm
Mackay Cutters v PNG Hunters @ BB Print Stadium, 5pm
Burleigh Bears v Central Queensland Capras @ UAA Park, 5pm
Tweed Seagulls v Wynnum Manly Seagulls @ Piggabeen Sports Complex, 5pm
Northern Pride v Brisbane Tigers @ Barlow Park, 5.30pm
Souths Logan Magpies v Western Clydesdales @ Marsden State High School, 6pm
Sunday, March 9:
Norths Devils v Redcliffe Dolphins @ Bishop Park, 2.10pm*
*Broadcast from 2pm
For the full draw, click here. Final times and dates TBC.