The NRL 2023 season is set to be one of the most exciting yet. With the addition of the Queensland Dolphins and a new pre-season competition kicking off on February 9, there is plenty to look forward to.
While the Storm were one of the biggest disappointments in 2022, they should return to premiership contention this year. With a spine at full strength, the addition of Eliesa Katoa and the resurgence of Craig Bellamy should mean they’ll be challenging for the title again in 2023.
Predictions
With the NRL season just three months away, there’s plenty to consider for the 2023 campaign. There are several high-profile recruits that will be under the spotlight, and many off-contract players that could be tempted by a change of scenery.
With a number of teams making significant changes, the NRL competition is set for some exciting action in 2023. While it will be hard to predict what the final outcome will be, there are a few predictions that we can make about each NRL team.
The Roosters were one of the biggest underperformers in 2022 but this time around they look to be heading for a premiership. They have the talent to compete with Penrith and South Sydney, and Trent Robinson and Luke Keary will be back after a long break from the game.
The Knights will continue to struggle but it may be possible for them to get away with a wooden spoon again this year. Despite a couple of key signings, such as Kalyn Ponga and Luke Brooks, there is still some work to be done.
Top eight
The NRL 2023 season will see seventeen teams take to the field with the Redcliffe Dolphins joining the competition for the first time. There will also be a new state in the competition with Victoria making their debut.
The top eight of the NRL is a very tight one and it’s hard to call just which teams will win. But here are the ones that look the most likely to make it back to finals footy in 2023.
Despite missing out on the finals in 2022, North Queensland should be a formidable challenger for the top eight this year. A settled playing roster and the addition of Reece Walsh at fullback should help this talented side to make some noise.
The Melbourne Storm are another club that missed out on the finals in 2022, but have a lot of hope for a much improved year. But their list of fixtures in 2023 isn’t as enticing as they could have been and they will have to start the season by winning on the road against the Knights and Warriors.
Bottom eight
The NRL 2023 season is in full swing and the bottom eight teams that missed the finals in 2022 have plenty of work to do in clambering back up the ladder.
There are some clubs on a brighter trajectory as they continue to recruit top-end talent, and others in the middle of the pack that need a good start. BRENDAN BRADFORD analyzes the changes that have taken place in the off-season and each club’s case for cautious optimism.
The Wests Tigers have been the standout recruitment drive this off-season and will be relying on Apisai Koroisau, Isaiah Papalii and David Klemmer to get the job done in 2023. If the revamped coaching duo of Tim Sheens and Benji Marshall can build a strong team, 2023 could see a lot of positive things happen for the Red Hill franchise.
Player recruitment
Redcliffe have drawn up their plan for how to assemble their NRL 2023 squad. Taking a page out of Melbourne’s playbook, it’s understood they intend on assembling their roster around the big three or four positions – fullback, five-eighth, backrower and hooker.
The key to their success will be finding players who can fit into the squad with the experience and talent to make an impact in the NRL without breaking the bank. That’s why it’s important to keep an eye on the transfer market and who is available to sign.
The Roosters have made an impressive start to the year by adding the likes of Tom Opacic, Rhys Kennedy and Sauaso Sue to their already strong NRL team. The addition of these players freshens up the pack and adds more quality to the right edge. Added to that, James Batchelor and Sam Luckley have Super League groundings and a good NRL pedigree. And they have done it all at a competitive price.