NRL 2024 Premiership Winner Prediction
Get ready for the NRL 2024 season, where the race for the Premiership heats up. Can the Penrith Panthers secure an unprecedented fourth consecutive title or will other powerhouse teams rise to the challenge? Join me as I talk about the contenders in their quest for Premiership glory!
Penrith Panthers ($4) - The Panthers have really earned their stripes as the top dogs after winning the NRL Premiership for three years straight, an impressive achievement not seen since '83. You'd reckon a team like that would be chock-a-block with oldies or chopping and changing players left, right and centre, but Penrith's a different breed. They've got young guns like Nathan Cleary, who's only 25 but has already got himself the Clive Churchill Medal. The squad's bursting with young talent all over the park. With all that youth on their side, it's no wonder the Panthers are set to keep dominating for a good while yet. Even though the Grand Final was a close call, the odds are still stacked in their favour, especially since they topped the rankings for both scoring and defending last season. They're gunning for that fourth Grand Final win in a row and it's going to take a big effort to stop them.
Brisbane Broncos ($4.50) - The Broncos didn't quite get there in last year's decider, but they gave it a fair crack. They ranked second in both points per game and defence in 2023, and they were this close to snatching the Grand Final, had a lead but fell short at the last minute. Just like the Panthers, this Brisbane side has got a bunch of players hitting their peak, including the young superstar Reece Walsh, who's got heaps more in the tank. With a solid lineup and the home ground advantage at Suncorp Stadium, you can bet your bottom dollar the Broncos are gonna be up there fighting for the top spot once again next season.
Sydney Roosters ($8) - The Roosters wrapped up the season with a decent effort, locking in a spot in the 2023 finals. But, I've gotta say, they were a bit hit and miss, especially in the try-scoring department. But I reckon adding Dom Young out on the wing might just give 'em the boost they need in that area. Now, you know the Roosters, they're always rock-solid in defence and they've got some big names on board. That's why I think they've got a fair chance at cracking into the top four come 2024. But, they tend to rely a fair bit on James Tedesco and their away record needs to improve after going 5-7 in 2023. So, they might have a few hurdles to jump if they're aiming to go all the way.
South Sydney Rabbitohs ($9) - Even though the Rabbitohs missed out on the finals last season, they've still got a ripper team that's got the bookies' attention as potential flag contenders. Latrell Mitchell and Alex Johnson are back to lead the attack for the Bunnies, but I reckon they need a few more top-notch players to really step up and bring that consistent performance. That's where the offseason addition of Jack Wighton should step in. Along with the consistent Cam Murray in the forward pack, I think the Bunnies could give the Panthers a run for the premiership when it comes down to it.
Melbourne Storm ($10) - When you think of consistency in footy, the Storm are the ones that come to mind. I mean, they've been smashing it, reaching the Grand Final or claiming the minor premiership in four out of the last six years. That's no fluke and you gotta hand it to Craig Bellamy, he's a real legend of a coach. With him at the helm, the Storm always field a top-notch team that's well-structured and ready to take on anyone. But here's the thing, the real game-changer for them will be Ryan Papenhuyzen's fitness. The poor guy has been battling injuries lately but if he can stay fit and firing, the Storm have got enough star power to go all the way this year. Especially with a solid spine in Munster, Hughes and Grant.
New Zealand Warriors ($17) - With a top four finish last year, the Warriors have firmly established themselves as a force to be reckoned with in the league, in my view. The standout performance of Shaun Johnson in 2023 just adds to the team's formidable lineup coming into the new season. Now, they've also got Roger Tuivasa-Sheck back from a stint in Rugby Union and Kurt Capewell adds premiership experience in the forward pack. With a strong home advantage in New Zealand, the team boasts a supportive fanbase that seems to amplify their performance on the field. I think they've also found a solid coach, which is something they've lacked in the past.
North Queensland Cowboys ($17) - After a disappointing 2023 campaign that saw the team finish 11th following their impressive 3rd place finish in 2022, there is a sense of unfulfilled potential up in North QLD. Despite showcasing flashes of brilliance, inconsistency plagued their performances throughout the season in 2023. However, there are bright spots within the team, notably the talent of Drinkwater at fullback and the experience brought by Holmes in the centres. Additionally, the steady improvement of Deardon adds depth to their lineup, while the formidable presence of Taumalolo in the forward pack adds to their strengths.
Best Bet
NRL 2024 Top 4
New Zealand Warriors - The Warriors, top-four finishers last year, I think they are primed to continue their strong form in 2024. They've got Shaun Johnson and Roger Tuivasa-Sheck's return from Rugby Union to boost their lineup. Kurt Capewell's premiership experience adds depth to the forward pack too. With strong home support and a solid coach, their chances of a top-four finish in 2024 are promising.
Best Bet
NRL 2024 Top 8
Newcastle Knights - With Ponga back to his best after overcoming concussion issues, he clinched the Dally M award in the end. Although the team started slowly last year with Ponga struggling with HIA's, they managed to finish 5th overall and secured a victory against the Raiders in a final. This success is expected to provide them with valuable momentum as they head into the 2024 season. So I don't see them missing the eight and this should be a pretty safe bet.
Best Bet
NRL 2024 Season Wins
Dolphins
With a solid debut season securing 9 wins under their belt, injuries and Origin commitments took a toll on their performance in the latter stages of 2023. However, with another preseason under the guidance of the supercoach Wayne Bennett, the Fins are poised to bounce back stronger and more resilient in the upcoming season, in my opinion. I also like the additions of Farnworth and Flegler from the Broncos, just to give them more experience and depth.
Best Bet
Wests Tigers
With only four wins last year and a finish at the bottom of the ladder, it's difficult to envision the Tigers surpassing eight wins in the upcoming season. The departure of players like Luke Brooks, David Nofoaluma, Tommy Talau and Daine Laurie further compounds their challenges, as they leave behind a significant void in experience and talent. The lack of substantial replacements for these departing players raises concerns about the team's ability to fill the gaps and maintain competitiveness on the field.
Best Bet
Cronulla Sharks
Cronulla's 2023 season began with promising momentum as they surged into the top 4 on several occasions, only to face a mid-season slump that halted their progress. Despite this setback, they managed to secure a sixth-place finish by the end of the year. Their performance in the elimination final against the Sydney Roosters at Shark Park was commendable, with the team narrowly losing by a slim margin of 13-12. Nicho Hynes' consistent improvement at halfback has been a driving force for the team, supported by a formidable backline featuring Ramien, Mulitalo, and Katoa. Additionally, Cronulla boasts a robust pack, with leaders Finucane and McInnes anchoring their forward line. I think 12+ wins is a good safe play for the Sharkies.
Best Bet
