We’re set for one of the biggest NRL Grand Finals in recent memory when the Penrith Panther take on the Brisbane Broncos at Accor Stadium on Sunday, October 1st.
After 27 regular season rounds and three weeks of finals, the two best clubs of 2023 are ready for a final battle.
With some of the league’s best players and most prolific try scorers on show, this really does profile as a modern-day classic.
The Panthers step out in their fourth-consecutive Grand Final, chasing a hat-trick – the first in the NRL era, while the Broncos, who missed the finals in 2022, bring youth, lightning speed and incredible skill. I really cannot think of a reason why this game won’t be anything but extraordinary.
I’ve provided my preview of both teams and NRL Grand Final Tips below!
Penrith Panthers
This is the best-ever Rugby League club side, in my opinion.
There have been many good sides, granted, but the Panthers’ incredible talent is so perfectly complimented by their depth and desire to turn up for each other.
If there has been a side in the NRL era worthy of a Premiership hat-trick, it’s this one.
The Panthers ended the regular season with a deserved minor Premiership, having won eighteen of twenty-four matches and truly stamped their class.
They were too good for the Warriors in Week 1 of the Finals, had a break, and systematically pulled apart the Melbourne Storm last week.
Coach Ivan Cleary has named an outstanding side, rich with representative talent, and they are hungry for a place in the history books.
2023 NRL Grand Final Penrith Panthers:
- Dylan Edwards
- Sunia Turuva
- Izack Tago
- Stephen Crichton
- Brian To’o
- Jarome Luai
- Nathan Cleary
- Moses Leota
- Mitch Kenny
- James Fisher-Harris
- Scott Sorensen
- Liam Martin
- Isaah Yeo
- Jack Cogger
- Lindsay Smith
- Spencer Leniu
- Luke Garner
Reserves: Tyrone Peachey, Matt Eisenhuth, Zac Hosking, Luke Sommerton, Tom Jenkins.
Brisbane Broncos
If there is a side that can cause the Panthers problems and legitimately challenge for a victory, it’s the Brisbane Broncos.
They too have been right up the top of the ladder for almost the entire 2023 season, finishing second overall with the same 18-6 record as their Grand Finals opponents, separated only by an inferior for-and-against.
The injection of Reece Walsh in 2023 has certainly played a key role in the Broncos’ emergence as a Premiership threat, but they boast class across the paddock, including some of the game’s best forwards like Payne Haas and Patrick Carrigan.
The improvement mustered by players like Ezra Mam, Selwyn Cobbo and Billy Walters this season also cannot be ignored, and the Broncos as a whole are good for plenty of points, and a rock-solid defence.
2023 NRL Grand Final Brisbane Broncos:
- Reece Walsh
- Jesse Arthars
- Kotoni Staggs
- Herbie Farnworth
- Selwin Cobbo
- Ezra Mam
- Adam Reynolds
- Tom Flegler
- Billy Walters
- Payne Haas
- Kurt Capewell
- Jordan Riki
- Patrick Carrigan
- Tyson Smoothy
- Brendan Piakura
- Kobe Hetherington
- Keen Palasia
Reserves: Corey Oates, Martin Taupau, Corey Jensen, Jock Madden, Tristan Sailor.
2023 NRL Grand Final Betting
NRL Grand Final betting always offers plenty of options and potentially lucrative opportunities.
At the time of publish, match betting has the Panthers as $1.62 favourites to beat the Broncos ($2.30), while the line has been set at just 3.5 points.
First Try Scorer betting remains a favourite amongst NRL punters and there is absolutely no exception to that rule in 2023; we’ve already had huge interest for plenty of players here at Neds.
Perhaps unsurprisingly, Brian To’o has opened the $8.75 favourite to score the first try, while Selwyn Cobbo is the $11 top elect for the Broncos, tied on the second line of betting with Sunia Turuva.
I agree with the bookies in first try scorer betting. Brian To’o has proven to be one of the most reliable big game wingers in the game, and after crossing first against the Storm last week, I’m confident he’ll be right in the thick of things early in the Grand Final.
Awarded to the best on ground in the NRL Grand Final, the Clive Churchill Medal betting market has also proven to be a popular target for bettors this week, particularly Panthers halfback Nathan Cleary, who is a firm $3.75 favourite.
Plenty of Broncos fans are confident that Reece Walsh will cap a memorable year with this solo honour, and he is the $6 top elect for Brisbane.
2023 NRL Grand Final Tips
Don’t worry if you’re supporting either the Panthers or the Broncos to win the 2023 NRL Grand Final: we’ve provided a set of tips for both clubs!
Penrith Panthers Tips:
- Back the Panthers to Cover the Line (-3.5) @ $1.90
- Back Brian To’o to be the 1st Try Scorer @ $8.25
- Back Dylan Edwards to Score a Try at Any Time @ $3.15
- Back Dylan Edwards to be named Clive Churchill Medalist @ $11
Brisbane Broncos Tips:
- Back the Broncos to Win @ $2.30
- Back Selwyn Cobbo to Score the 1st Try @ $10.50
- Back Reece Walsh to Score a Try at Any Time @ $2.90
- Back Patrick Carrigan to be named Clive Churchill Medalist @ $15