Steve Starr
- Penrith (+325) is favored to win the National Rugby League premiership for the third year in a row
- Brisbane (+750) has opened the 2023 season with five-consecutive victories
- ACCOR Stadium in Sydney, Australia is expected to host the NRL Grand Final on Sunday, October 1, 2023
Can the Penrith Panthers become the first National Rugby League team to three-peat since the early 1980s or will their run of dominance come to an end? Just over a month into the 2023 NRL season, we’ll look at who’s favored to win the premiership this October.
Before we examine the odds and make our picks, check out the top Rugby Betting Sites in 2023. You can also stay up to date with the latest betting picks on 2023 Rugby Union World Cup.
2023 NRL Grand Final Winner
| Team |  |  |
| Penrith Panthers | +325 | +3000 |
| Sydney Roosters | +450 | +500 |
| South Sydney Rabbitohs | +600 | +750 |
| Brisbane Broncos | +650 | +750 |
| Melbourne Storm | +900 | +1000 |
| Cronulla Sharks | +1200 | +1200 |
| Manly Sea Eagles | +1200 | +1400 |
| North Queensland Cowboys | +1400 | +1400 |
| Parramatta Eels | +1600 | +2800 |
| Canterbury Bulldogs | +3000 | +2200 |
| New Zealand Warriors | +3300 | +2800 |
| The Dolphins | +3300 | +2800 |
| Canberra Raiders | +4000 | +4000 |
| Gold Coast Titans | +8000 | +4000 |
| Newcastle Knights | +10000 | +8000 |
| St George/Illawarra Dragons | +10000 | +8000 |
| Wests Tigers | +15000 | +12500 |
Panthers to 3-Peat?
Penrith (+325) is favored to win their third-straight NRL Grand Final despite losing a few key players from last year. Api Koroisau and Viliame Kikau are now with the Wests Tigers and Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs due to salary-cap reasons, and winger Taylan May is out with an ACL injury. The Panthers were defeated in two of their first three games, but Ivan Cleary’s squad should improve as the season moves along.
Sydney (+500) captured back-to-back titles in 2018 and 2019 – their four premiership championships ties them with Melbourne for the most all-time. Joseph Suaalii has come under fire for deciding to leave rugby league for rugby union. But, the 19-year-old will be with the Roosters for the foreseeable future. The team also has newly-acquired hooker Brandon Smith, along with one of the most powerful backlines in the game.
In Ivan we trust 👑#pantherpride 🐾 pic.twitter.com/pdmHwYeWZj
— Penrith Panthers 🏆🏆 (@PenrithPanthers) March 23, 2023
Brisbane is riding high
Looking to win their first premiership since 2006, Brisbane (+750) is undefeated through five games. Oddsmakers likely haven’t reacted to their hot start because of the Broncos’ disaster finish to last season. After being in the Top 8 for most of 2022, Kevin Walters’ team dropped five of their final six contests to fall out of finals contention.
The South Sydney Rabbitohs (+750) haven’t won the Grand Final since their first and only championship in 2014, suffering a string of painful losses in big games. However, Russell Crowe’s favorite team is one of the NRL’s most consistent clubs. They’re almost always in the mix at the end of the year.
Other Premiership contenders
Melbourne (+1000) lost the aforementioned Brandon Smith in the offseason, but should still be plenty competitive once Ryan Papenhuyzen returns from injury. The Storm are seeking their third premiership in the past seven seasons as Craig Bellamy, one of the greatest coaches in NRL history, looks to go out on top.
Manly (+1400) canned coach Des Hasler in favor of Anthony Seibold last year and early returns looked good. The Sea Eagles defeated the Rabbitohs and Roosters in the preseason before getting off to a 2-0 start. With no major offseason additions though, it’s fair to wonder how far a coaching change can take a mediocre roster?
Brad Fittler is open to picking Joseph Suaalii for the Blues despite his switch to a rival code 🧐🔁🎯❓
STORY 👉 https://t.co/XxKWkWcmCo pic.twitter.com/e70p9Wup3r
— Fox League (@FOXNRL) March 28, 2023
Best Longshot Bet
Don’t sleep on Cronulla-Sutherland (+1200). The Sharks showed they could sustain success by finishing the 2022 regular season in second place. If their young forwards get better as the season progresses, Craig Fitzgibbon’s team could be a genuine threat in the Grand Final.
See below the top sportsbooks where you can wager online and choose the best one for you:
