A new team, two more rounds of footy, and a plethora of talking points and burning questions – the 2023 NRL season is just around the corner and shaping up tantalisingly.
The embattled Knights and Dragons are tipped to battle it out for the wooden spoon with the fledgling Dolphins, while the Bulldogs, Tigers, and Warriors have designs on digging themselves out of the premiership basement with new coaches on board and major roster changes. The Broncos, Sea Eagles, and Titans made pre-season statements that suggest they’re capable of returning to the finals.
Consistency is the key to another Top 8 finish for the Raiders, the Storm are navigating a player exodus compounded by a heavy injury toll, and the Eels and Rabbitohs are aiming to prove their status wasn’t simply inflated by a brief September form streak. The stable Sharks and Cowboys are primed to push for another Top 4 finish, while the stacked Roosters are well-positioned to return to the NRL’s biggest stage.
But can anyone stop the Panthers train steaming in from out west and claiming a historic three-peat?
Our thoughts on all the key talking points, the betting, and every team in our 2023 NRL Preview below!
BRISBANE BRONCOS
In: Jesse Arthars (return from loan to Warriors), Jock Madden (Wests Tigers), Reece Walsh (Warriors), Martin Taupau (Manly)
Out: David Mead (retired), Ryan James (retired), Te Maire Martin (Warriors), Brenko Lee (Dolphins), Tesi Niu (Dolphins), Tyson Gamble (Newcastle), Zac Hosking (Penrith), Jake Turpin (Sydney Roosters), Albert Kelly, Rhys Kennedy, Tyrone Roberts (all released)
- 2022 Finish: 9th
- 2023 Predicted Finish: 7th
2022 Betting Statistics
- Head To Head
- Overall: 13-11
- Home: 7-5
- Away: 6-6
- Against The Line
- Overall: 13-11
- Home: 7-5
- Away: 6-6
- Premiership Odds: $17
A 2022 campaign of significant progress was blighted by a terrible late-season slump that saw the Broncos surrender what seemed an assured place in the finals. The summer has been laced with bizarre off-field controversies. But coach Kevin Walters’ impending contract extension provides some much-needed stability at Red Hill, while a side with Adam Reynolds pulling the strings, a pack led by Payne Haas and Patrick Carrigan (and bolstered by Martin Taupau), and attacking strike across the board should be knocking on the door of the Top 4. The Broncos’ ability to break clear of the midtable logjam this season could hinge on precocious youngsters Reece Walsh and Ezra Mam cementing their places in the spine, and someone permanently stepping into the troublesome No.9 spot.
Tip: Back Brisbane to Make the Top 8 @ $1.75
CANBERRA RAIDERS
In: Pasami Saulo (Newcastle), Danny Levi (Huddersfield)
Out: Josh Hodgson (Parramatta), Adam Elliott (Newcastle), Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad (Warriors), Harry Rushton (Huddersfield), Ryan Sutton (Canterbury)
- 2022 Finish: 8th (semi-finalists)
- 2023 Predicted Finish: 9th
2022 Betting Statistics
- Head To Head
- Overall: 15-11
- Home: 8-4
- Away: 7-7
- Against The Line
- Overall: 12-14
- Home: 5-7
- Away: 6-8
- Premiership Odds: $26
Which version of Ricky’s Raiders are we likely to see more of in 2023: the side that slumped to a 2-6 start last season, or the team that scraped into the finals with seven wins from their last eight then rolled the Storm in Melbourne? Little has been added to the Green Machine compared to what they’ve lost, but Adam Elliott is their only regular 2022 starter to depart and he’ll be comfortably covered. Jamal Fogarty starting the season injury-free has been tempered by fullback sensation Xavier Savage’s current layoff, but Jack Wighton, Joe Tapine, Josh Papalii, Hudson Young and Elliott Whitehead are among the top bracket of the NRL’s players in their respective positions, and there’s no shortage of strike out wide. A change in Stuart’s coaching staff – Michael Maguire in for Andrew McFadden – could be significant, but if the Raiders miss the Top 8 it won’t be by much.
Tip: Back the Raiders Over 12.5 Season Wins @ $1.88
CANTERBURY BULLDOGS
In: Reed Mahoney (Parramatta) Hayze Perham (Parramatta), Viliame Kikau (Penrith), Ryan Sutton (Canberra), Andrew Davey (Manly), Franklin Pele (Cronulla), Jacob Preston (Sydney/North Sydney), Josh Reynolds (Hull FC), Karl Oloapu (Brisbane)
Out: Jeremy Marshall-King (Dolphins), Jack Hetherington (Newcastle), Paul Vaughan (Warrington), Joe Stimson (Gold Coast), Aaron Schoupp (Gold Coast), Matt Doorey (Parramatta), Corey Allan (Sydney), Brandon Wakeham (Wests Tigers), Ava Seumanufagai, Josh Cook, Reece Hoffman, Tuipulotu Katoa (all released), Josh Jackson (retired)
- 2022 Finish: 12th
- 2023 Predicted Finish: 10th
2022 Betting Statistics
- Head To Head
- Overall: 7-17
- Home: 5-7
- Away: 2-10
- Against The Line
- Overall: 9-15
- Home: 5-7
- Away: 4-8
- Premiership Odds: $21
Few teams will be watched with more interest in 2023 than Canterbury. Phil Gould’s teardown rebuild is taking impressive shape, nabbing the hottest head-coach-in-waiting, Cameron Ciraldo, and luring blue-chip players Reed Mahoney and Viliame Kikau to the club. The Bulldogs’ new era begins from an unexpectedly optimistic base, the struggling side winning five of its last 11 games in 2022 after breaking free of Trent Barrett’s shackles, with Matt Burton and Josh Addo-Carr undeniably living up to their marquee billing. The halfback and fullback spots remain big headaches, however, and they are very light in the middle forward department still. The rookie-coach factor is an appealing element in the Bulldogs’ favour and they are capable of making the finals for the first time since 2016 if a settled spine develops.
Tip: Back Canterbury Over 11.5 Season Wins @ $1.88
CRONULLA SHARKS
In: Oregon Kaufusi (Parramatta)
Out: Luke Metcalf (Warriors), Franklin Pele (Canterbury), Lachlan Miller (Newcastle), Andrew Fifita (retired), Aiden Tolman (retired)
- 2022 Finish: 2nd (semi-finalists)
- 2023 Predicted Finish: 4th (preliminary finalists)
2022 Betting Statistics
- Head To Head
- Overall: 18-8
- Home: 10-4
- Away: 8-4
- Against The Line
- Overall: 15-11
- Home: 6-8
- Away: 9-3
- Premiership Odds: $10
Cronulla made monumental progress in 2022 with the team immediately buying into rookie coach Craig Fitzgibbon’s blueprint for success and Dally M winner Nicho Hynes becoming one of the NRL’s elite. A straight-sets playoffs exit – including a remarkable choke at home against the Cowboys – will have given the Sharks plenty to ponder over the summer, but the positives far outshined the September slip-ups. The Sharks have the most stable roster in the competition, with the retirement of Andrew Fifita and Aiden Tolman mitigated by the acquisition of ex-Eels tyro Oregon Kaufusi. With a tough, balanced pack, an explosive and speedy backline, and an established spine (though Hynes could do with a bit of help in the genuine match-winner department), there’s no reason the Sharks shouldn’t expect another top-four finish. Taking the next step in the finals isn’t quite so assured, however.
Tip: Back Cronulla to Make the Top 4 @ $2.50
DOLPHINS
In: Felise Kaufusi (Melbourne), Jesse Bromwich (Melbourne), Kenny Bromwich (Melbourne), Ray Stone (Parramatta), Brenko Lee (Brisbane), Tesi Niu (Brisbane), Edrick Lee (Newcastle), Anthony Milford (Newcastle), Jamayne Isaako (Gold Coast), Jarrod Wallace (Gold Coast), Herman Ese’ese (Gold Coast), Euan Aitken (Warriors), Jeremy Marshall King (Canterbury), Isaiya Katoa (Penrith), Robert Jennings (Penrith), Sean O’Sullivan (Penrith), Mark Nicholls (South Sydney, Kodi Nikorima (South Sydney), Tom Gilbert (North Queensland), Connelly Lemuelu (North Queensland), Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow (North Queensland), Oliver Gildart (Wests Tigers), Valynce Te Whare, Harrison Graham, Michael Roberts, JJ Collins, Ryan Jackson, Jeremiah Simbiken
- 2022 Finish: N/A
- 2023 Predicted Finish: 15th
2022 Betting Statistics
- Premiership Odds: $67
The Dolphins’ inability to land a bit fish from the recruitment pool was a consistent storyline as the fledgling club built towards its 2023 NRL debut. Roster-wise, the Dolphins’ strength is in the pack: Felise Kaufusi and the Bromwich brothers played nearly 700 games combined for the Storm and know what success looks like, while Origin forward Tom Gilbert is a great pick-up. Tesi Niu and Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow have outstanding potential, but the new outfit’s backline stocks overall are arguably the weakest in the comp and no club has a less obvious general in the key playmaking positions – a Milford-O’Sullivan combination is unlikely to get anywhere near the finals regardless of who’s around them. The Dolphins’ trump card is Wayne Bennett. Last season was the septuagenarian’s first not coaching in the premiership since 1986 and his presence absorbs plenty of pressure, as well as ensuring the Dolphins – the red-hot wooden spoon favourite – get more out of this journeyman-stacked line-up than most expect.
Tip: Back the Dolphins Over 5.5 Season Wins @ $2.00
GOLD COAST TITANS
In: Kieran Foran (Manly), Sam Verrills (Sydney Roosters), Chris Randall (Newcastle), Joe Stimson (Canterbury), Aaron Schoupp (Canterbury)
Out: Jamayne Isaako (Dolphins), Jarrod Wallace (Dolphins), Herman Ese’ese (Dolphins), Greg Marzhew (Newcastle), Esan Marsters (Huddersfield), Sam Lisone (Leeds), Corey Thompson (retired)
- 2022 Finish: 13th
- 2023 Predicted Finish: 12th
2022 Betting Statistics
- Head To Head
- Overall: 6-18
- Home: 5-7
- Away: 1-11
- Against The Line
- Overall: 9-15
- Home: 6-6
- Away: 3-9
- Premiership Odds: $41
After a ninth-place finish in his rookie season as an NRL head coach followed by a drought-breaking finals appearance in 2021, Justin Holbrook’s stocks took a major hit last year with the Titans winning just one game in an agonising 17-game stretch. But premiership winners Kieran Foran and Sam Verrills give an inexperienced spine a very different look for 2023 and will be a boon for tyros Jayden Campbell and AJ Brimson. Meanwhile, Aaron Schoupp should be a great addition to fairly potent backline and some deadwood has been cleared out. A return to form for wrecking ball David Fifita could be season-defining for Gold Coast, but tightening a defence that leaked over 27 points a game last year must be Holbrook’s number one priority. Expect significant improvement if Foran stays healthy but the finals are likely to be beyond the Titans.
Tip: Back Over 8.5 Season Wins @ $1.85
MANLY SEA EAGLES
In: Kelma Tuilagi (Wests Tigers), Ben Condon (North Queensland)
Out: Dylan Walker (Warriors), Kieran Foran (Gold Coast), Andrew Davey (Canterbury), Martin Taupau (Brisbane), Kurt De Luis (released)
- 2022 Finish: 11th
- 2023 Predicted Finish: 13th
2022 Betting Statistics
- Head To Head
- Overall: 9-15
- Home: 7-5
- Away: 2-10
- Against The Line
- Overall: 11-13
- Home: 7-5
- Away: 4-8
- Premiership Odds: $21
After the bottom fell out of Manly’s 2022 season in dumpster-fire fashion and Des Hasler was sent packing, the majority of the NRL fanbase sniggered as the club brought in Anthony Seibold to fill the head coach breach. Though he made an inglorious exit from Brisbane in 2020, it’s worth remembering the maligned Seibold had outstanding first-season success at Souths and led the Broncos to the finals in his initial year in charge. The early signs are positive with the Sea Eagles taking out the NRL Pre-season Challenge, while Tom Trbojevic is expected to line up in Round 1 after nine months on the sidelines in a major boost. But the Sea Eagles have signed no one of note and will miss Kieran Foran, Martin Taupau and Dylan Walker more than they’re letting on. A return to the finals could materialise before the ‘new coach’ sheen wears off if some of their impressive young triallists translate that form to NRL level on a regular basis. But with so much depending on ‘Turbo’, ‘Jurbo’ and DCE, another bottom-half finish looks likely.
Tip: Back Manly Under 11.5 Season Wins @ $1.94
MELBOURNE STORM
In: Tariq Sims (St George Illawarra), Joe Chan (Catalans), Eliesa Katoa (Warriors), Aaron Pene (Warriors)
Out: David Nofoaluma (returning from loan to Wests Tigers), Felise Kaufusi (Dolphins), Jesse Bromwich (Dolphins), Kenny Bromwich (Dolphins), Brandon Smith (Sydney), Cooper Johns (released)
- 2022 Finish: 5th (elimination finalists)
- 2023 Predicted Finish: 6th (semi-finalists)
2022 Betting Statistics
- Head To Head
- Overall: 15-10
- Home: 8-5
- Away: 7-5
- Against The Line
- Overall: 11-14
- Home: 6-7
- Away: 5-7
- Premiership Odds: $7
Pundits aplenty have come unstuck predicting the end of Melbourne’s reign as an NRL benchmark as all-time greats have gradually left the club – but this season will test the incomparable Craig Bellamy’s faculties. Four international forwards have joined rivals clubs, the Storm doing reasonably well to replace them with Tariq Sims, Eliesa Katoa and the returning Aaron Pene. But their depth will be stretched thin early on with Tui Kamikamica and Justin Olam out till Round 6, Ryan Papenhuyzen until Round 8 (but probably later) and Dean Ieremia gone for the year with an ACL. The Storm lost seven of their last 11 games in 2022 as they exited in week one of the finals for the first time since 2014. The Munster-Hughes-Grant triumvirate and the unrivalled framework the club has in place virtually ensures the Storm make the Top 8, but it’s hard to see them keeping pace with the competition’s front-runners all year.
Tip: Back Melbourne to Miss the Top 4 @ $2.00
NEWCASTLE KNIGHTS
In: Lachlan Miller (Cronulla), Jack Hetherington (Canterbury), Adam Elliott (Canberra), Tyson Gamble (Brisbane), Jackson Hastings (Wests Tigers), Greg Marzhew (Gold Coast)
Out: Mitchell Barnett (Warriors), Edrick Lee (Dolphins), Anthony Milford (Dolphins), Jirah Momoisea (Parramatta), Tex Hoy (Hull FC), Sauaso Sue (Hull KR), Pasami Saulo (Canberra), David Klemmer (Wests Tigers), Chris Randall (Gold Coast), Brayden Musgrove (released)
- 2022 Finish: 14th
- 2023 Predicted Finish: 16th
2022 Betting Statistics
- Head To Head
- Overall: 6-18
- Home: 2-10
- Away: 4-8
- Against The Line
- Overall: 9-15
- Home: 3-9
- Away: 6-6
- Premiership Odds: $67
No coach is on the ropes heading into Round 1 to a greater degree than Newcastle’s Adam O’Brien, who blatantly appeared to be feeling the strain last year as his side won only four of their last 22 games. Too much is riding on Kalyn Ponga’s switch to five-eighth – the success of which just about depends on recruit Jackson Hastings being the NRL’s buy of the year. There’s a huge hole at fullback, the likely loss of wantaway Dom Young on the eve of the season would be a terrible blow, and the pack looks decidedly toothless minus David Klemmer and Mitch Barnett with the arrival of Adam Elliott and Jack Hetherington a fraction of what the Knights need. Another season in the bottom four beckons and O’Brien will doing well to still have the reins by the halfway mark.
Tip: Back Newcastle Under 7.5 Season Wins @ $1.80
NEW ZEALAND WARRIORS
In: Marata Niukore (Parramatta), Luke Metcalf (Cronulla), Dylan Walker (Manly), Mitchell Barnett (Newcastle), Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad (Canberra), Te Maire Martin (Brisbane), Jackson Ford (St George Illawarra), Brayden Wiliame (Perpignan)
Out: Jesse Arthars (returning from loan to Brisbane), Euan Aitken (Dolphins), Reece Walsh (Brisbane), Eliesa Katoa (Melbourne), Aaron Pene (Melbourne), Jack Murchie (Parramatta), Ben Murdoch-Masila (St George Illawarra), Daejarn Asi, Chanel Harris-Tavita, Dunamis Lui, Iliesa Ratuva, Pride Petterson-Robati (released)
- 2022 Finish: 15th
- 2023 Predicted Finish: 11th
2022 Betting Statistics
- Head To Head
- Overall: 6-18
- Home: 5-7
- Away: 1-11
- Against The Line
- Overall: 11-13
- Home: 6-6
- Away: 5-7
- Premiership Odds: $51
The Warriors ended their taxing three-year Australian odyssey in inglorious fashion, equalling the club’s lowest-ever ladder finish and win tally while conceding the most points per game in their history as Nathan Brown jumped before he was pushed. But the Warriors have an outstanding record with rookie coaches from Australia and new gaffer Andrew Webster – who has spent time at the club before several years as Ivan Cleary’s right-hand man – has said all right things since returning to Auckland, creating a compelling air of positivity around the joint. The club is very much short on top-tier talent, but Marata Niukore, Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad, Dylan Walker, Mitch Barnett and Te Maire Martin will add starch and class. Shaun Johnson remains their sink-or-swim player and had an ordinary trial, but he has much better support around him this year than last. Another quality prop and centre would be a huge help. Courtesy of Webster and being based at home for the first time since 2019, the NRL’s nomadic enigmas have the greatest scope for improvement of any of last season’s bottom-four battlers.
Tip: Back the Warriors Over 9.5 Wins @ $1.94
NORTH QUEENSLAND COWBOYS
In: James Tamou (Wests Tigers), Jack Gosiewski (St George Illawarra)
Out: Tom Gilbert (Dolphins), Connelly Lemuelu (Dolphins), Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow (Dolphins), Ben Condon (Manly), Kane Bradley, Brendan Frei, Emry Pere (all released)
- 2022 Finish: 3rd (preliminary finalists)
- 2023 Predicted Finish: 2nd (preliminary finalists)
2022 Betting Statistics
- Head To Head
- Overall: 18-8
- Home: 9-4
- Away: 9-4
- Against The Line
- Overall: 17-9
- Home: 8-5
- Away: 9-4
- Premiership Odds: $11
The big movers of 2022 and a surge few saw coming as North Queensland made the top four for just the third time in its history. The early pain of Todd Payten’s reign reaped massive dividends, with several experienced campaigners enjoying upswings and career-best years, while four players debuted for Queensland and three represented Australia. Finding the secret to winning on the road was
indicative of the Cowboys’ remarkable revival and Queensland Country Bank Stadium became a fortress – their excruciating prelim fadeout against the Eels notwithstanding. The Cowboys’ off-season losses are negligible given their depth and the return of premiership prop James Tamou should have a positive impact on a very stable, balanced and firepower-laden roster. Great value for another top-four finish and a smoky to win it all.
Tip: Back North Queensland to Make the Top 4 @ $2.50
PARRAMATTA EELS
In: Josh Hodgson (Canberra), J’maine Hopgood (Penrith), Jirah Momoisea (Newcastle), Jack Murchie (Warriors), Matt Doorey (Canterbury)
Out: Marata Niukore (Warriors), Isaiah Papali’i (Wests Tigers), Ray Stone (Dolphins), Oregon Kaufusi (Cronulla), Reed Mahoney (Canterbury), Hayze Perham (Canterbury), Tom Opacic (Hull KR), David Hollis, Solomone Naiduki (both released)
- 2022 Finish: 4th (grand finalists)
- 2023 Predicted Finish: 5th (semi-finalists)
2022 Betting Statistics
- Head To Head
- Overall: 18-10
- Home: 9-4
- Away: 9-5
- Against The Line
- Overall: 13-15
- Home: 6-9
- Away: 7-7
- Premiership Odds: $13
A heavy loss in a long-awaited grand final appearance and the departure of three key figures in Reed Mahoney, Isaiah Papali’i and Marata Niukore…2023 has the potential for a swift and painful comedown for hapless Parramatta. But a blue-chip spine quartet (assuming recruit Josh Hodgson produces something near his best at dummy-half) and an elite front-row pairing give the Eels a head-start on most clubs, while on the whole their finals campaign was a big step forward after several meek September failures. The blue-and-golds do look a tad skinny now in the back-row (particularly with Shaun Lane now out indefinitely with a broken jaw) and the three-quarter line; there’s a sense the Eels could only be an injury or two away from disaster. Brad Arthur’s 10th season in charge is certainly a make-or-break one out west as Parramatta strives to prove its premiership window is still ajar.
Tip: Back Parramatta Over 13.5 Season Wins @ $1.88
PENRITH PANTHERS
In: Luke Garner (Wests Tigers), Tyrone Peachey (Wests Tigers), Zac Hosking (Brisbane), Jack Cogger (Huddersfield)
Out: Api Koroisau (Wests Tigers), Charlie Staines (Wests Tigers), Isaiya Katoa (Dolphins), Robert Jennings (Dolphins), Sean O’Sullivan (Dolphins), J’maine Hopgood (Parramatta), Viliame Kikau (Canterbury), Christian Crichton, Kurt Falls (both released)
- 2022 Finish: 1st (premiers)
- 2023 Predicted Finish: 1st (premiers)
2022 Betting Statistics
- Head To Head
- Overall: 23-4
- Home: 12-2
- Away: 10-2
- Against The Line
- Overall: 18-9
- Home: 10-4
- Away: 7-5
- Premiership Odds: $4
Penrith has the opportunity to achieve the first premiership threepeat since the 1981-83 Parramatta juggernaut – and Ivan Cleary’s dominant unit is the warm futures market favourite to hoist the trophy again on October 1. The Panthers obliterated their competitors in 2022 to go back-to-back, cruising to the minor premiership on the back of a 17-1 start and won all three of their finals matches by 16-plus margins. Motivation won’t be an issue as they chase history – especially after losing the World Club Challenge loss on their home patch – but the Panthers will feel the departure of Api Koroisau and Viliame Kikau keenly, while Taylan May’s season-ending injury leaves a hole. Expect Luke Garner to flourish alongside the likes of Nathan Cleary, Jarome Luai, Isaah Yeo, Dylan Edwards and co, though, while the club’s Jersey Flegg and NSW titles last year suggest there’s no shortage of budding stars ready to come off the production line. Penrith’s defensive ruthlessness is set to underpin another triumph at the foot of the mountains.
Tip: Back Penrith to Win the Grand Final @ $4.00
ST GEORGE ILLAWARRA DRAGONS
In: Jacob Liddle (Wests Tigers), Zane Musgrove (Wests Tigers), Ben Murdoch-Masila (Warriors), Nick Lui-Toso (Northern Pride)
Out: Tariq Sims (Melbourne), Josh McGuire (Warrington), Jackson Ford (Warriors), Jack Gosiewski (North Queensland), Poasa Faamausili (Dolphins), George Burgess (retired), Andrew McCullough (retired)
- 2022 Finish: 10th
- 2023 Predicted Finish: 17th (last)
2022 Betting Statistics
- Head To Head
- Overall: 12-12
- Home: 9-3
- Away: 3-9
- Against The Line
- Overall: 14-10
- Home: 10-2
- Away: 4-8
- Premiership Odds: $41
There’s no team I’m lower on for 2023 than St George Illawarra. Despite being a decent betting proposition last season – particularly at home – only a near career-best year from Ben Hunt staved off a bottom-four fate in a bottom-heavy competition…and he’s probably the only factor keeping them off the top line in the spoon market. Coach Anthony Griffin has to be considered fortunate to still have a job after making a mess of the Dragons’ roster and rocking the confidence of their few promising stars. Cody Ramsey’s illness absence exacerbates the team’s spine woes and the club has failed to adequately shore up an exodus of experienced forwards. The Saints were abhorrent in the Charity Shield and the drunken hotel biffo afterwards – while arguably minor in comparison to how it has been portrayed in the press – is indicative of an unhappy camp with a rotten culture.
Tip: Back St George Illawarra for Most Losses @ $7.00
SOUTH SYDNEY RABBITOHS
In: None
Out: Mark Nicholls, Kodi Nikorima (Dolphins), Jaxson Paulo (Sydney Roosters), Josh Mansour (released), Richie Kennar (released)
- 2022 Finish: 7th (preliminary finalists)
- 2023 Predicted Finish: 8th (elimination finalists)
2022 Betting Statistics
- Head To Head
- Overall: 16-11
- Home: 9-3
- Away: 8-7
- Against The Line
- Overall: 16-11
- Home: 9-3
- Away: 4-8
- Premiership Odds: $11
Few teams are more overrated in the 2023 premiership market than Souths for mine. Granted, last year was a transitional phase with Bennett, Reynolds and co. departing, but the Rabbitohs only won more than two games in a row once to land seventh last season before going on a spirited finals charge. Cody Walker is a magician and they boast a strong, Cameron Murray-led pack, but Souths are heavily reliant on Latrell Mitchell (11-6 with him in 2022, 5-5 without him and only winning against non-finalists). The club’s also lost key depth out wide and up front, and they lack an elite organiser. A monster year from Latrell could still see the Bunnies in title contention, however.
Tip: Back South Sydney Under 16.5 Season Wins @ $1.88
SYDNEY ROOSTERS
In: Brandon Smith (Melbourne), Jaxson Paulo (South Sydney), Jake Turpin (Brisbane), Corey Allan (Canterbury)
Out: Siosiua Taukeiaho (Catalans), Adam Keighran (Catalans), Kevin Naiqama (Huddersfield), Sam Verrills (Gold Coast)
- 2022 Finish: 6th (elimination finalists)
- 2023 Predicted Finish: 3rd (grand finalists)
2022 Betting Statistics
- Head To Head
- Overall: 15-10
- Home: 9-4
- Away: 6-6
- Against The Line
- Overall: 13-12
- Home: 8-5
- Away: 5-7
- Premiership Odds: $6.50
Probably the strongest roster in the NRL with world-class talent and match-winners overflowing out of virtually every orifice of the team sheet. Brandon Smith is a mouth-watering addition whose game-breaking qualities will take some heat off James Tedesco, Luke Keary and Sam Walker. The Roosters were in the premiership race up to their eyeballs in 2022 before Joey Manu’s late-season injury and sin-bin madness in their elimination final intervened. Joseph Suaalii is ready to take the step to superstardom. Sio Siua Taukeiaho is an underrated loss and Angus Crichton’s indefinite absence is potentially a huge blow that will have the club sweating on Sitili Tupouniua’s return from injury, but the Tricolours are deep in the engine-room department. Trent Robinson still has eight members of his 2018-19 grand final-winning sides on deck and a less-populated casualty ward than recent seasons will go a long way to seeing the red, white and blue in another decider.
Tip: Back Sydney Roosters to Make the Grand Final @ $3.50
WESTS TIGERS
In: Isaiah Papali’i (Parramatta), Api Koroisau (Penrith), Charlie Staines (Penrith), John Bateman (Wigan), Triston Reilly (rugby union), Will Smith (Hull FC), David Klemmer (Newcastle), Brandon Wakeham (Canterbury), David Nofoaluma (Melbourne, returning from loan)
Out: Luke Garner (Penrith), Tyrone Peachey (Penrith), Kelma Tuilagi (Manly), Jacob Liddle (St George Illawarra), Zane Musgrove (St George Illawarra), Jock Madden (Brisbane), James Tamou (North Queensland), Oliver Gildart (Dolphins), Jackson Hastings (Newcastle), William Kei (released)
- 2022 Finish: 16th (last)
- 2023 Predicted Finish: 14th
2022 Betting Statistics
- Head To Head
- Overall: 8-16
- Home: 3-9
- Away: 5-7
- Against The Line
- Overall: 11-13
- Home: 6-6
- Away: 5-7
- Premiership Odds: $26
The Tigers are coming off their first wooden spoon but there’s an air of optimism around the joint venture following some big signings and the return of 2005 premiership heroes Tim Sheens, Benji Marshall and Robbie Farah as the new coaching brains trust. The arrival of Api Koroisau, Isaiah Papali’i, John Bateman and David Klemmer provides the Tigers with a pack that hasn’t been this strong on paper in more than a decade, but will that be enough to provide a platform for maligned half Luke Brooks to thrive, for Adam Doueihi and Daine Laurie to continue to develop, and to compensate for a very modest backline contingent? The Tigers should improve on last year’s ladder position, but there has to be a question mark over whether 72-year-old Sheens – who hasn’t coached in the NRL since 2012 and only made the playoffs in three of his last 15 seasons – with a very inexperienced support staff is the right coach to guide them out of the cellar.
Tip: Back Wests Tigers Under 9.5 Season Wins @ $1.90