Welcome back for another blockbuster season of NRL action. It has been 3 seasons since someone other than the Panthers have lifted the trophy, so teams will be out to end their reign. It was a ‘close run’ thing in 2023, with some individual brilliance getting them over the line.
This time of the year holds the hopes of all teams higher than they should be. The preseason filled with hard work off the field is aiming to provide rewards on it. Unfortunately, there can only be 8 teams who make the finals and 1 who is named as Premiers.
Before You Bet will be here to guide you through every single match each week, so stay tuned for insights and other articles on our NRL Tips page as we look to add a return to enhance your viewing enjoyment.
Let’s look at the chances of each team in NRL season 2024!
NRL 2024 Season Preview & Betting Tips
Contenders
Penrith Panthers
The 3-time Premiers enter 2024 with the aim of winning 3 consecutive titles. Despite their squad losing players over the years, it has done little to slow the momentum of this side. They are a strong unit which has a system of success in place. Having quality players in key positions on the field goes a long way to building their success. They are the favourites in betting markets for a reason and, providing they can keep their team fit, should be featuring strongly at the business end of the season. Given the difficulty which lies ahead, their price is somewhat under what it should be.
Brisbane Broncos
They came within a whisker of winning the competition in 2023 and will be hoping to go one better this year. They are second favourites in betting markets, with many believing that their young squad will have learned a lot from their loss to the Panthers. They rode a high of momentum and individual brilliance last season, with a favourable draw also aiding their cause. It can be a steep cliff to fall from though; a few injuries could spell trouble for this team. Their price is too short to entice punters to support their case this early in the season.
Sydney Roosters
Closed out season 2023 with a good run of form which saw them make the Finals. It was an indifferent season overall though, whereby they struggled for momentum and underperformed. Hope are high that they can execute with a greater level of consistency this year, although questions remain about the defensive strength of their halves and the power of their forwards. If they are to contend for the title, greater input will be needed from their pack in the middle and off the bench.
South Sydney Rabbitohs
Missed the Finals after leading the competition after 11 rounds in an embarrassing end to the year. Plenty has been written about the harmonious nature (or lack thereof) which underpins this squad. They are a talented team and the fact that key players are missing early in the season may work in their favour towards the business end. This is on the proviso that they can win enough games in the early stages of the season to make a run towards the Finals. Like the Roosters, they look capable of matching it with the top teams in the competition on a consistent basis.
Cronulla Sharks
Could’ve easily fallen in the category below but are too well coached to end up down there. They will go quietly about their play and capture victories by dragging teams down to their level and defeating them there. Their success does rest heavily on the shoulders of their playmakers, but their spine produced impressive passages of play last year to suggest they are a dangerous team on their day.
Melbourne Storm
It was an un-Storm-like season last year and they will be looking to return some pride to their club. Nevertheless, they still made the Finals and were impacted by injuries and lack of form throughout. The fact that little noise has been made about this team suggests that they are well placed to return to success. Coach Bellamy is one of the best in the game and will know how to motivate his squad when it matters most. Be wary of the sleeping giant.
New Zealand Warriors
It would be offensive to overlook the Warriors based off their 2023 campaign. Returning home saw the game thrive and so too did the form of this team. The individuals started combining strongly as a team and they played a discipline brand of rugby league which capitalised on the errors of their opponents. They should have the confidence to build on this season and look to deliver their club a maiden premiership.
Keep an eye on them…
North Queensland Cowboys
Many had the Cowboys as a genuine premiership threat heading into 2023 but their season quickly unravelled. The talent they possess should’ve meant they finished higher on the ladder. They also can make their home ground a fortress; it is a difficult venue to play at during any stage of the season. These factors could easily catapult them towards a high standing on the ladder.
Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles
Uncertain is a word easily used with the Sea Eagles now. After a poor finish to 2023, they are hoping to improve. If they are at full-strength, there is no doubting the capabilities of this team. There are numerous factors which will impact their success including the fitness of key players and their overall ability of their coach. With confidence low, it is best to watch how they start the season and make a clearer judgement midway through the year.
Newcastle Knights
The Knights are an interesting watch. They powered home in the second half of 2023 to reach the Finals. They were playing a great style which was built off the impact of Kaylan Ponga; he is the piece of the puzzle that will impact their chances. If he is fit (which preseason pictures and trials have indicated), look out! However, if he spends a significant amount of time on the sidelines, the Knights will struggle. Don’t forget, their coach was weeks away from facing the sack in 2023 and in the world of rugby league, it can all unravel very quickly.
The Dolphins
The ‘Wayne Bennett’ factor will again be tested, yet, give them the best chance to climb up the ladder. It was a respectable start to their club’s history and with positive recruitment, they should be a strong side this season. That is assuming that their depth isn’t tested; this is still a vulnerable area for the Dolphins and may just be what holds them back from higher levels of success in 2024. Still, it will be an interesting watch to see what the master coach can deliver.
Gold Coast Titans
The Titans also have a coach who will have a major impact on their season, following the recruitment of Des Hasler to the club. Years of underachievement ensure that he is the right man to motivate this squad of talented players to reach their potential. If he can unlock the code to this, they are a team which should be feared weekly. There are minimal reasons why they cannot feature in the Finals.
Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs
They have recruited a host of players to their club with the aim of turning around their fortunes. The quality they possess suggests this is a high possibility, but this squad will still need to ‘click’ together to make success a reality. You will know very early on in the season what this squad is capable of and providing they can keep everyone fit and on the field, they will have high hopes of at least featuring in the Finals.
Parramatta Eels
Many will suggest the ‘Premiership window’ has firmly shut on the Eels. Missing the Finals in 2023 supports this but they still possess a host of talented players in key positions that can have a positive impact on their campaign. A tough draw made it difficult for them last season, as did the loss of key players, a full-fit team will be a challenge for most opponents on their day.
No Chance
Canberra Raiders
It is a harsh call to make on the Raiders with many talented players at their disposal. However, they are missing a high-quality playmaker to lead them around the field. The Ricky Stuart factor can go either way too; the fact that each destination sits at opposite ends of the spectrum makes it difficult to invest on them with any confidence.
Wests Tigers
This is a rebuilding season for the Tigers. With Marshall having full control over the team, there are signs to suggest that they are heading in the right direction. The sacking of Nofoluma suggests as much. Improving on recent seasons is one thing, competing for the premiership is another. Hopefully, they are better than they have been in the past.
St George-Illawarra Dragons
Much like the Tigers, they too are in a rebuilding phase. One thing is for sure under Flanagan, they will be a tough, gritty team who will rarely give their opponents multiple opportunities. The coach will not stand for that. This will make them competitive, but it will not lead them towards the title in season 2024.
Suggested Bets
Sydney Roosters to be Premiers – $9 at Ladbrokes (1 Unit)
This is the best ‘value’ around Premiership markets. Unless you are investing on your team to win the competition that you so badly desire them to, I would avoid this altogether. The recruitment drive has seen them strengthen up their middle and with a host of talented outside backs, it could only be a matter of the Roosters defence improving and allowing their attack to score enough points to win matches.
Melbourne Storm to Make the Top 4 – $2.65 at Neds (1 Unit)
As mentioned above, the Storm should be an improved team this season. They will defeat most others in the competition on talent alone; it is a matter of overcoming difficult opponents in grinding contests which stands in the way of achieving this. Again, the silence out of this team is deafening.
Brisbane Broncos to Miss the Top 4 – $2.15 at Ladbrokes (1 Unit)
Their season can quickly fall apart should things not go their way early on. There is no doubting their talent or potential, but they also benefitted heavily last year by several factors. It is unknown how they will respond with several challenges.
