The 2024 NRL season brought its share of predictable storylines. The Penrith Panthers maintained their stranglehold on the competition, adding yet another chapter to their dynasty. The Wests Tigers found themselves in the all-too-familiar position of claiming the wooden spoon for a third consecutive year, while yet another New South Wales Blues coach departed after another State of Origin series disappointment. However, beneath the familiar constants, 2024 offered several plot twists that kept fans guessing and injected fresh excitement into the league.
Heading into the season, the Dolphins were still seen as a developing team despite their respectable debut year in 2023. Wayne Bennett’s influence, however, took full effect in 2024. The Dolphins stunned fans by breaking into the top four, powered by the stellar performances of Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow and the leadership of experienced forwards like Jesse Bromwich and Felise Kaufusi. Their ability to upset powerhouse teams proved that the Dolphins had moved beyond expansion club status to become genuine contenders.
After a slow start to the season, the New Zealand Warriors flipped the script in the second half of the year. Led by Shaun Johnson’s vintage performances and Addin Fonua-Blake’s dominance in the forwards, the Warriors went on a winning streak that catapulted them into the finals. Their ability to overcome adversity injuries, tough travel schedules, and mounting pressure made their journey one of the standout storylines of 2024. Fans rallied behind the club, giving the Warriors one of the most emotional runs of the season.
For years, the Melbourne Storm had been a model of consistency, but 2024 saw cracks appear in their armor. Key injuries to star players, combined with a few high-profile departures, disrupted the Storm’s structure. While they remained competitive, finishing outside the top four felt like an unthinkable result for a club so accustomed to dominance. Questions were raised about their ability to maintain the elite standards set by coach Craig Bellamy for nearly two decades.
Manly Sea Eagles were another team that surprised critics with their revival. Under a new coach and with Daly Cherry-Evans still leading the side, Manly adopted a faster, more aggressive style of play that brought out the best in players like Tom Trbojevic and Haumole Olakau’atu. Their turnaround in form secured a return to finals football and reignited hope for a brighter future at Brookvale.
State of Origin once again ended in heartbreak for the Blues, marking their third series loss in a row. This failure triggered the exit of another coach, sparking conversations about the team’s leadership and player selections. The series, however, also highlighted the rise of fresh Queensland stars, proving that the Maroons’ dynasty is far from over.
While the 2024 NRL season featured familiar headlines Penrith’s continued dominance and the Wests Tigers’ woes it was the unexpected storylines that kept fans captivated. From the Dolphins’ rise to the Storm’s struggles, these plot twists reminded everyone why rugby league remains one of the most unpredictable and thrilling competitions in the sporting world. As the season wrapped up, fans were left eager to see which teams would capitalize on their momentum and who might deliver the next big surprise.