Penrith Panthers Favored To Win Australia’s National Rugby League

  • 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

TeamBetOnline ReviewBovada
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.

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.

Penrith Panthersto win NRL Grand Final
★★★★★
+325
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Sydney Roostersto win NRL Grand Final
★★★★★
+500
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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?

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.

Cronulla Sharksto win NRL Grand Final
★★★★★
+1200
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Steve Starr

Steve is one of the many Americans who spends Sunday watching football on the couch and gorging on heart-clogging eats. He describes himself as a good father, great dog owner, and mediocre gambler and husband.

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