The 2025 NRL season has delivered plenty of twists and turns, and Round 24 is shaping up to be another exciting chapter—especially with the Wests Tigers set to take on the Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles at Allianz Stadium in Sydney. This clash comes during the Indigenous Round, one of the most culturally significant and celebrated weeks on the NRL calendar. Both teams will be eager not just to showcase their skills, but also to turn their inconsistent campaigns into something more promising as the season winds down.

Fans across Australia and abroad are already buzzing about this match-up. And if you’re wondering where to catch all the action, whether via free live stream or on free-to-air television, we’ve got you covered. But first, let’s break down how both teams have been performing and why this game carries extra weight for them.

Wests Tigers: Searching for Consistency

The Wests Tigers’ 2025 season has been a rollercoaster ride. They opened their campaign with promise, securing five wins from their first 10 games. Supporters were cautiously optimistic, sensing that the team might finally be finding its rhythm after years of ups and downs.

But then, the dreaded mid-season slump hit hard. Five straight losses threatened to undo all of the early momentum, leaving fans frustrated and critics questioning whether the squad had the resilience to recover. To their credit, the Tigers managed to snap that losing streak with a hard-fought victory over the Sydney Roosters—a result that breathed life back into their campaign.

Heading into Round 24, the Tigers sit 12th on the NRL ladder. Their recent form reflects the very definition of inconsistency: two wins and two losses in their last four outings. For coach Benji Marshall, the challenge remains clear—unlocking a level of stability that allows his side to string together results. A strong showing against the Sea Eagles would not only boost their ladder position, but also send a message that they’re not out of the fight just yet.

Manly Sea Eagles: Slipping After a Strong Start

The Sea Eagles have been riding a similarly erratic wave this season. Much like the Tigers, they began the year with a balanced record—five wins and five losses from their first 10 matches. Their attacking flair showed glimpses of brilliance, but defensive lapses often cost them crucial points.

As the rounds wore on, the inconsistency only deepened. Across the last seven games, Manly managed four victories but also slumped to five defeats. What stings most for their fans, however, is their current skid: three straight losses that have dropped them to 10th place on the NRL ladder.

Coach Anthony Seibold will be desperate to see his side halt that downward slide. A fourth consecutive loss could all but rule them out of finals contention, while a win might just reignite their hopes with only a few rounds left to play.

Why This Match Matters

Both teams are on the edge of the finals picture, and that desperation should make for an intense contest. The Tigers want to prove their resilience after months of up-and-down form, while the Sea Eagles are fighting to avoid free fall. Add the pride and energy of Indigenous Round, and this fixture is loaded with meaning beyond just the ladder points.

Where to Watch

• Free-to-Air TV: The match will be broadcast live on the Nine Network, making it accessible to millions of Australians without a subscription.
• Live Stream (Free & Paid): Viewers can stream the game for free through 9Now, while Kayo Sports and Foxtel will also carry the coverage for those who prefer additional features and extended NRL programming.
• Kick-Off Time: The game kicks off at 4:00 pm WAT (local time) at Allianz Stadium, Sydney.

Final Word

For both Wests Tigers and Manly Sea Eagles fans, this Round 24 showdown is more than just another game on the schedule. It’s a battle of pride, survival, and momentum. With finals spots on the line and two evenly matched teams eager to prove their worth, this promises to be one of the standout clashes of the Indigenous Round.

Whether you’re cheering from the stands at Allianz Stadium or tuning in from home, make sure you don’t miss it—because matches like these often end up defining a team’s season.