NRL Outright Odds: Bulldogs setting the pace

Following the first seven rounds of fixtures, the 2025 NRL ladder is beginning to take shape, with the Canterbury Bulldogs the surprising early frontrunners.

While not yet the favourites to go all the way and win the grand final this season, the Bulldogs’ strong start has certainly put them in the mix when it comes to the title odds.

There has been plenty of movement in the outright odds market, so let’s take a look at the very latest odds for the 2025 NRL campaign.

Melbourne Storm

Winning four of their opening six games of the 2025 NRL campaign, Melbourne Storm have made a solid start to the season and currently occupy second place.

The Storm were on an impressive run after a 48-24 win at the Manly Sea Eagles was followed by a 42-14 demolition job on the New Zealand Warriors at AAMI Park.

However, a shock 42-22 defeat at the Dolphins has just tempered expectations slightly at Melbourne.

This is still a quality outfit under experienced head coach Craig Bellamy and the Storm are still the favourites at 3.00 in the outright odds.

Canterbury Bulldogs

Having finished in sixth place on the ladder at the end of the 2024 regular season, the Canterbury Bulldogs have hit the ground running in 2025.

Winning all of their first six games of the season, Canterbury have enjoyed a dream start and find themselves four points clear at the top of the ladder.

What has been truly remarkable has been the Bulldogs defence, as they have only conceded 58 points in their opening six games.

Defences can win championships and Canterbury are now 4.50 to win the grand final this season.

Brisbane Broncos

Available at odds of 6.00 to go all the way and win the title this season, Brisbane Broncos have endured a tough spell in recent weeks.

Having been on a three-game winning streak with victories over the North Queensland Cowboys, the Dolphins and Wests Tigers, the Broncos have hit a wall.

Defeats to the Sydney Roosters and the Warriors have seen the Broncos drop off the pace and now they sit down in fifth place on the ladder.

Determined to make sure their recent results are just a blip and nothing more serious, Michael Maguire will be seeking a response from his side when they host frontrunners Canterbury next time out.

Penrith Panthers

Could this be the season when the Penrith Panthers’ NRL domination comes to an end?

Winning the title for the last four seasons on the spin, Penrith have made a stuttering start to this year, with just two wins in their opening seven games.

With big names moving on to pastures new over the off-season, this did feel like a campaign in which the reigning champions could struggle.

Perhaps not to this extent though and now head coach Ivan Cleary will have to draw on all his experience to get the Panthers climbing up the ladder.

Dropping out to 11.00 in the outright market, the Panthers would cause a major upset if they were to win the grand final from their current position.

Any odds displayed were correct at the time of writing and are subject to fluctuation.