The NRL has announced the Sharks will kick off the 2025 NRL Magic Round in a blockbuster clash with the Eels at Suncorp Stadium.
Magic Round will take place in Round 9, with the Cronulla-Parramatta fixture set down for 6pm on Friday, May 2. The encounter will be the first of eight NRL games at the iconic venue across the weekend as the league again descends on Brisbane.
With the Sharks flying high after a preliminary final appearance and the Eels set to be rejuvenated under new coach Jason Ryles, a heavyweight battle looms. Adding to the intrigue, Parramatta recruit Jack Williams is poised to face his former team.
Cronulla contested arguably the match of Magic Round in 2024, outgunning the Roosters 38-30 in a seesawing tussle before a pulsating 48,934-strong crowd.
The scintillating performance improved Cronulla's Magic Round record to two wins and three losses since the footy festival's inception down under in 2019.
As with this year, the opening women's State of Origin match will be played at Suncorp Stadium on the Thursday night preceding the NRL Magic Round action.
The full 2025 NRL and NRLW draws will be released at 11am on Thursday.
See the NRL Magic Round schedule below.
NRL Magic Round 2025
Friday, May 2
Sharks vs. Eels (Fox) – 6:00pm
Roosters vs. Dolphins (Nine/Fox) – 8:00pm
Saturday, May 3
Rabbitohs vs. Knights (Fox) – 3:00pm
Warriors vs. Cowboys (Fox) – 5:30pm
Tigers vs. Dragons (Nine/Fox) – 7:45pm
Sunday, May 4
Titans vs. Bulldogs (Fox) – 1:50pm
Panthers vs. Broncos (Nine/Fox) – 4:05pm
Storm vs. Raiders (Fox) – 6:25pm
Bye: Sea Eagles
- All local time
