NRL Draw Grand final rematch headlines grudge matches, with returning stars out for revenge against their former clubs

Stefano Utoikamanu will lead the Storm pack against his former side.

The Storm won’t have to wait long for grand final revenge, with Melbourne to open round 3 against Penrith at AAMI Park.

The Panthers lost both of their regular season matches against the Storm this year but got the job done when it mattered most, with the premiers also belting Brisbane – the team they beat in the 2023 decider – back in round 3.

The teams will square off again in round 24, just as they did this year when Nathan Cleary got hurt and the Storm snuck home by two points.

Jarome Luai will carry the weight of an entire fan base on his shoulders next year, with Tigers supporters hoping the four-time premiership winner can save them after three-straight wooden spoons.

Luai has to wait until round 14 to face his former side, with Penrith taking on the Tigers at CommBank Stadium in what should be a Sunday classic that will be full of emotion as he takes on his great mates.

Wayne Bennett’s departure from the Dolphins couldn’t have been more amicable, but there’ll be no time for pleasantries when the master coach returns to Queensland with South Sydney.

All eyes will be on the Rabbitohs after their horror 2024 campaign, with hopes that Bennett’s return can inspire South Sydney to glory.

Clint Gutherson no longer sits on the CommBank throne, but you can imagine he’ll receive a warm welcome when he takes on his former team in round 5.

The former Eels skipper will look very different in the Red V jersey and will be out to prove Jason Ryles wrong, with the rookie coach in for a fun afternoon against the team he turned down.

Damien Cook was the head chef around the ruck for the Rabbitohs for a number of years, but he’ll return to Accor Stadium in round 25 in a Dragons jersey and out for revenge.

The veteran hooker was devastated to leave the Bunnies and will have a point to prove in a game that could have finals implications.

Josh Addo-Carr could be back for Parramatta’s game against Canterbury in round 3 if he’s allowed to serve part of his ban in the All Stars game, 파워볼 with the winger also set to face his former side in the King’s Birthday clash in round 14 when there’ll be fireworks at Olympic Park.

Bulldogs fans are still upset over what he did on the eve of the finals, with Addo-Carr set to bring the speed the Eels have desperately missed out wide.

Terrell May has yet to officially sign with the Wests Tigers but we know he’ll be there next year after agreeing to terms following the shock call by the Roosters to let him go.

The Samoan star played every game for the Roosters in 2024 and would love nothing more than to go after Spencer Leniu and Lindsay Collins when the sides meet in round 18.

Stefano Utoikamanu and his contract dominated headlines for months before he eventually decided to link up with the Storm, and you can bet Tigers fans are still filthy that he left just when it looks like they’re ready to turn things around.

The Storm needed some more grunt up front, with the hulking prop ready to realise his potential down south with a grudge match in round 10.

More than 50,000 flocked to Accor Stadium to see the Bulldogs end their eight-year finals drought against Manly, and another bumper crowd will be somewhere in Australia watching this in round 21, with the venue yet to be confirmed.

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