The 2023 NRL Grand Final is gearing up to be a showdown to remember. The Penrith Panthers and Brisbane Broncos are both hungry for the title. Both teams have shown remarkable skill and determination all season, earning their place in this highly-anticipated showdown. Rugby league fans from Australia and around the globe are in for a fantastic display.
Rugby fans everywhere are buzzing with excitement for the 2023 NRL season culmination – the Grand Final. It’s not just an Australian phenomenon; this game attracts viewers from around the world. The stakes? The current champions, Penrith Panthers, are taking on the formidable six-time winners, Brisbane Broncos.
Riding high from consecutive wins in 2021 and 2022, the Panthers are keen to continue their winning streak. On the other hand, the Broncos, who last made it to the grand final in 2015, aim to settle old scores, remembering their loss to North Queensland.
| ℹ️ Tournament: | 2023 National Rugby League (NRL) Grand Final |
| 🏟️ Venue: | Accor Stadium, Sydney, Australia |
| 🗓️ Date: | 1 October 2023 |
| ⏰ Time: | 7:30 PM (AEST) on Sunday |
Rugby league bookies favor the defending champions, giving them odds of 1.67 (4/6). These bookmakers have pegged the chances of a draw at 20 (19/1). The Broncos trail slightly, with the odds to win at 2.40 (13/10).
The Panthers shone brightly during the current NRL season. Thanks to their stellar performances, the Panthers have joined an elite group in the NRL, becoming only the fourth team to compete in four consecutive grand finals over seven decades. Under Ivan Cleary’s leadership, they dominated the NRL premiership standings, recording eighteen wins and only six losses.
Before their matchup with Melbourne Storm, the Panthers defeated the New Zealand Warriors 32-6 in the quarterfinal. They trounced the Melbourne Storm in the preliminary final with a staggering 38-4 scoreline. This result broke the record for the biggest win in a preliminary final. With this win, the Panthers secured their spot in the grand final for the fourth consecutive season.
This season, the Brisbane Broncos emerged as the primary contenders against the Panthers by securing the second spot on the NRL table. Matching the Panthers, they also clinched eighteen victories while enduring six losses. One of their most notable performances saw them win 13-12 against the Panthers.
The Broncos made light work of Melbourne Storm in their quarter-final match, winning without chances for the opponents with the score of 26-0. Next, they dominated the New Zealand Warriors in the preliminary final, taking a decisive 42-12 victory at the Suncorp Stadium. This triumph sets the stage for a gripping clash at the Accor Stadium, where the Broncos aim to capture a title that has eluded them for 17 years.
The NRL Grand Final determines the annual premiership winner of the National Rugby League in Australia. Since its inception in 1908, South Sydney Rabbitohs have stood out as the most triumphant team, securing 21 titles. Close behind, the Sydney Roosters and St George Dragons have both clinched 15 titles each.
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Brisbane has showcased several remarkable performances this season. Yet, they’re up against the formidable defending champions. The Panthers boast the best defense in this NRL Premiership season. They have restricted their rivals to under 14.5 points in their last three matches.
Also, in their last five head-to-head games with The Panthers, they have scored below 14.5 points. We expect a solid defensive display, with both teams looking to head home with the trophy. Therefore, the chances of the Broncos scoring more than 14 points seem slim.
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The Panthers will look to round up their excellent season by winning a record third successive title this weekend. Panthers won four of their previous five meetings with the Broncos, with seven or more points in three of those victories. The team consistently displayed their offensive and defensive prowess throughout the season.
Their thrilling display also extended to their recent emphatic 38-4 win against Melbourne Storm, the widest winning margin in NRL history. So our expert pick is a resounding win from the Panthers with a seven or more point margin.
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Bookmakers expect the Panthers to dominate both halves of the game during this feisty encounter. The Broncos, eager for their first title in 17 years, will likely face intense pressure. Meanwhile, the Panthers have had recent victories at the Accor Stadium, clinching wins in 2021 and 2022. As a result, we expect the Broncos to adopt a cautious approach to the game.
The Panthers boast a strong record at the Accor Stadium, winning 9 of their last 11 games on the grounds. In contrast, the Broncos have struggled on this ground in the past. Given this track record, the Panthers look set for a confident win in both halves of the match. The best bookmakers in Australia offer all betting options listed in this guide.
The Panthers are gearing up to field the same 17 players from the preliminary final. No major injury worries exist, with all players fit for the clash. Nathan Cleary’s facial cut from the Melbourne game won’t sideline him for Sunday’s matchup.
Similarly, Brisbane is poised to roll out their 17-man lineup from their previous preliminary final victories. Veteran winger Corey Oates will likely not feature in the squad for the NRL Grand Final.
Based on our rugby league grand final 2023 expert tips, here is our prediction for this contest:
The Panthers are on a roll heading into the grand final after dominating NRL odds throughout the whole season in 2023. Their outstanding mix of attack and defense, featuring stars like Nathan Cleary, Jarome Luai, Stephen Crichton, and James Fisher-Harris, puts them in a strong position. With such top talent in peak form, they’re well-equipped to defend their championship title.
