The NRLW is into its 6th season and an expanded competition extends the duration and adds the excitement ahead of this year’s instalment. The Canberra Raiders, North Queensland Cowboys, Cronulla Sharks, and Wests Tigers are the new teams in 2023, with 9 regular season rounds prior to a 4-team Finals series, culminating with the Grand Final on 1st October. At the beginning of each season, hopes are high for teams hoping to capture the Premiership. Let’s look at the chances of each team in 2023 and those who are well placed to capture the trophy for their club.
2023 NRLW Season Preview & Betting Tips
*The premiership outright odds provided are the best available for each team as of 19/07/23*
Sydney Roosters ($3.25 at Betr)
The favourites to win this year’s competition after being bundled out last year by the Eels in an upset loss in the Semi Final. Some positive recruitment has really strengthened their squad too, namely, the acquisition of Millie Boyle and Keeley Davis to go with the return of Corbin Baxter. They will be a very difficult team to beat; that is on paper, and plenty more can go wrong. It is vital to their success that they ‘click’ together in the opening rounds to set themselves up moving forward.
Brisbane Broncos ($5 at Neds)
The Broncos had a poor season in 2022, with just one win to their name and missing the Finals altogether. Since losing superstar Tamika Upton, they have recruited Gayle Broughton from the Eels to add some spark to their attack. Ali Brigginshaw is key to the success of this team also; she will play in the halves and will dictate just about every aspect of their attack. Their gameplan will be formed around taking their chances and building pressure on their opponents.
Newcastle Knights ($6.50 at TopSport)
The reigning Premiers have strengthened their squad heading into this season with Tamika Upton and the Southwell sisters extending their time in Newcastle and charged with leading this team on the field. They also have international recruits to bolster their attacking options. This is a strong squad of players, but they will need their forwards to again establish a solid platform in matches for them to be successful.
Cronulla Sharks ($8 at TopSport)
The Sharks are a new team in this year’s competition. They have recruited a strong squad of players for their inaugural season, appearing to find a nice balance between youth, experience, poise, and flair. Whether that is true remains unknown. One thing is for sure, they have the quality of player within their squad to overcome most other sides in the competition. Expect this to count for a lot throughout the season.
Gold Coast Titans ($11 at Ladbrokes)
The Titans appear well placed to perform strongly in 2023. They are least impacted by player transfers heading into this season and have kept a core group of players together which will be vital this year in building combination. They have also made some key signings to bolster their team. Expect this team to improve upon their last-placed standing in the 2022 competition and be a strong chance to make the Finals.
Parramatta Eels ($15 at Betr)
The Eels are an unknown quantity; 12 players are yet to make their NRLW debut, but many have shown promise. They scraped into the Finals in 2022 and caused a huge upset against the Roosters to progress towards the Grand Final. They’ve lost several key players ahead of their campaign too. It will be a tough year for them. If they can be competitive in matches, they could cause an upset or two.
North Queensland Cowboys ($17 at Bet365)
The Cowboys field an inexperienced team, with 13 uncapped players. Kirra Dib moves from the Knights to the Cowboys and will lead the team as co-captain, along with Tallisha Harden, who shifts from the Broncos. A lot of responsibility will fall on their shoulders. They will be a capable team but with so much inexperience, they may fail to play out the entire match.
St George-Illawarra Dragons ($17 at TAB)
The Dragons are a relatively new-look team in 2023, with several key players departing their squad. Well coached in the past by Jamie Soward, he has his work cut out this season in attempting to make this team competitive. Questions remain though at the depth of this squad and the quality they have in key positions. Ultimately, this will be their short-coming but look for them to be an improved team beyond this season.
Canberra Raiders ($21 at Neds)
A young side of players is assembled for the Raiders first season in the competition. A few international players to boost the strength of their team but a lot more must go right for them to compete with the top teams in the competition. Interestingly, they have chosen to not play a trial match ahead of the start of the season, so perhaps it will take a few weeks for this team to gel together.
Wests Tigers ($21 at Ladbrokes)
The Tigers squad resembles a similar one to the team which women the women’s Harvey Norman Premiership. As good and cohesive as that squad was, they lack the quality of other teams in the competition. They are a capable team at that level, but this will be another step-up altogether. They will push teams in matches but overall, in their first season, they will find themselves short against better quality opponents who play at a high intensity for longer.
Outright Betting Tips
The Roosters are the favourites to win this competition for a reason. They have attacking weapons across the field which will be difficult for anyone to stop. The picture of which team is capable will become clearer a few rounds into the season. Leading the pack of teams to challenge the favourites is the Sharks. They appear to have an ‘x-factor’ which few other teams possess. Experience and previous history lift the Broncos and Knights into contention, but the Sharks have the making of an exciting team. They are the value selection and will likely shorten as the season progresses. Other than the Titans, the remaining teams are making up the numbers this season, with most benefitting from the opportunity to play this season in coming years.
Value: Sharks Premiership Outright - $8 at TopSport (0.5 Units)
Roosters Premiership Outright
$3.25 (1.5 Units)
