Finally, rugby league is back on our screens. The wait hasn’t been as long as it usually is, with fans treated to the World Cup at the end of last year. The Panthers were victorious in 2022, going back-to-back with authority. They are well positioned to make it a three-peat but there will be no shortage of challengers to their crown. This season preview will take you through the chances of each team, while also looking at some prop bets to build on the successful punting season that was 2022.
Check out all our NRL futures bets below and good luck to those following us this season!
2023 NRL Season Preview & Betting Tips
Contenders
Penrith Panthers
There is no secret to the Panthers’ success; they’re a big, strong team that plays well in the middle, has a great spine and beat their opponents into submission. The kicking game of Cleary at the end of sets often gets them out of trouble if things don’t go according to plan. While they have lost several big-name players, their depth is to be admired. Origin may impact the fatigue levels of this squad but, if they can stay free of serious injury, they should be able to finish in the Top 4 and push for their 3rd consecutive premiership.
Sydney Roosters
The Roosters have a superstar roster wherever you look. Despite having a similar team last year and not making it past Week 1 of the Finals, their talent will ensure they will again be competitive. They needed to strengthen their forward pack to match it with the teams around them on the ladder and did so in the off-season. Now, it is about maintaining a healthy squad; in the past few years, this has been their downfall. Moreso than other teams, as their depth remains questionable and may just limit their title aspirations.
Melbourne Storm
With arguably the best spine in the competition, the Storm will plan a disciplined, no-nonsense brand of rugby league that leads to positive results. They rarely lose at home and have a habit of starting the season strongly. They too have lost some strike players but have depth to cover them, with a host of exciting young players coming through their system. The Storm rarely lose players they want to keep. They will win enough games to grab a Finals position and from there, it is about having their stars healthy and firing. Already though, the doubt cast on Papenhuyzen shows their vulnerability. If they were to lose another star, their season could quickly unravel.
South Sydney Rabbitohs
Much like the Storm, they have a superstar spine that is one of the best in the competition. Assuming they can also keep these players on the field, there is no limit to the Rabbitohs success. Having made the Preliminary Final in the past 4 seasons, the Premiership window is drawing towards a close for this squad. They are positioned well to win the competition but, like last season, appear exposed in defence on their edges. Still, they have enough firepower in attack to match it with any team in the competition. Look for their big-name players to lead the way each match and a supporting cast to fill in the missing pieces. They are overs in Premiership markets.
North Queensland Cowboys
The Cowboys jumped up the ladder last season in exciting style. While they fell short of their goal, there was plenty to suggest that this team is only going to get better. They’re a young and fit squad of players that will rarely give up their home ground advantage. This ensures they win almost half of their games and given their strength; they are almost a lock for the Top 8. The odds ($12) offered for them to win the competition are very tempting. They proved last year that they are not a team that should be overlooked.
Parramatta Eels
Many are suggesting the Eels Premiership window has closed following their Grand Final loss to the Panthers last year. Several changes in their playing group supports this theory but they still have a strong enough team to be competitive. They are a good enough team to defeat most other sides in the competition and finish in the Top 8. Whether or not they can take the next step remains to be seen. The loss of Mahoney at hooker is huge; Hodgeson is a good replacement but his fitness is a concern.
Cronulla Sharks
2022 was a positive one for the Sharks and despite being eliminated from the Finals in disappointing fashion, they appear well placed to build on that season. They have a simple, yet effective gameplan which doesn’t rely on individuals producing impressive efforts. Rather, a collective effort from the forwards to create extra room for their halves and, in turn, their outside backs. Much like many of the other ‘contenders’ in the competition, the Sharks can defeat most other sides to ensure a spot in the Finals.
Pushing for the Top 8
Brisbane Broncos
The Broncos are a young team that is building experience. Their forward pack is strong; this should be a focus in their play this season, as it will also set a suitable platform for Adam Reynolds to work off (if they can keep him on the field). Their issues may stem from the coaching staff, with uncertainty and inexperience possibly leading to tension and poor performances. Should this be avoided, there is no reason why the Broncos cannot make the Finals.
Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles
Anthony Seibold takes control of this club, and it makes for interesting viewing for any rugby league fan. Most (who hate Manly) will be death-riding this club, but they are a capable team. Providing they can keep Tommy Turbo playing, they can easily match it with other sides. Seibold also has a point to prove after his disastrous time at Brisbane. With so much uncertainty, best to wait to see what they produce early in the season. Rocks or diamonds is a phrase which quickly comes to mind when thinking about the chances of this team.
Gold Coast Titans
The Titans are one of the most frustrating teams to watch in the competition. They promise a lot with a talented playing group but continually disappoint. Their coach is an outside chance to be one of the first sacked if they start the season poorly. Then again, there is no reason why they cannot perform well and feature in the Top 8. While pressure is on the coach, this playing group must take some accountability for their performances to start the season. No confidence in them whatsoever.
Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs
Recruiting a strong squad of players has been a top priority for the Bulldogs and now, with a relatively talented group, Cameron Ciraldo makes his coaching debut. Things are looking positive for this club but the road to success will still have its challenges. Consistency and depth will be a large factor but there is no reason why this team cannot be pushing for a spot in the Top 8 late into the season.
Canberra Raiders
The Raiders are an inconsistent team. If the talented one shows up, they will be competing for a spot in the Top 8. If not, they will quickly find themselves in the bottom half of the ladder. There is no doubt that they are a capable team, but depth could also be an issue. Avoid of investing on them in any future markets and see how they perform to begin the season.
Forget about them
Wests Tigers
The Tigers are rebuilding their club. They have recruited well but appear to still have limitations on what they can achieve. After finishing with the wooden spoon in 2022, consistency will be key to their success. Their talent needs to produce performances which pressure their opponents over 80 minutes. Until that happens, they will only be making up the numbers.
New Zealand Warriors
The Warriors move back home could coincide with a higher finish on the ladder. They have a new coach and will be out to reclaim some pride. On their day, they can play some impressive rugby league. Their best performances last season concurred with disciplined play. If they can replicate that, they may push for a spot in the Top 8 but there are too many variables to invest on them with confidence.
The Dolphins
The 17th NRL team in their first season; most would hope for a fairy tale start but in reality, their depth will be their undoing. With Bennett at the helm, this team will be well prepared but that will only take them so far. They’ll be competitive at times, but they will not be winning the competition. Find out more about The Dolphins and what to expect in NRL season 2023 here.
St George-Illawarra Dragons
The Dragons are on the second line of betting for the most losses this year and aside from a few talented individuals, they appear to have little to be excited about. It will be yet another long year from Dragons fans as they will not last longer than the regular season. As for finishing last, it would be a surprise and there are teams that are better value.
Newcastle Knights
The Knights are an intriguing team heading into this season. Their coach is one of the most under pressure, big name players need to lead with their actions on the field and noise about an unhappy playing group will not go away. This recipe doesn’t lead to success. It will only take a few losses for the negative noises to grow louder and if they cannot produce positive performance to rectify the issue, it could end with major issues at this club.
Suggested Bets
Premiers
Panthers @ $4 – 2 units
Roosters @ $6.50 – 1 Unit
Rabbitohs @ $12 – 0.5 units
Cowboys @ $12 – 0.5 units
Top 4
Rabbitohs @ $2.50 – 2 units
Most Losses
Knights @ $6 – 1 unit
Grand Finalist
Panthers & Roosters @ $10 – 1 unit
Panthers & Rabbitohs @ $15 – 1 unit
