Series
Team by team preview of the NRL 2023 season
Who’s come, who’s gone, and what does your club need to do to improve this year? The Herald’s team of experts run the rule over the 17 sides battling it out for the league’s ultimate prize.
- Opinion
- For subscribers
The NRL team that will be the most exciting to watch in 2023
The two big recruitment clubs will be big improvers this year, but there will be no three-peat this year for the Panthers, while a familiar face will win the Dally M Medal.
- Andrew Johns
Panthers preview: Big holes on the road to historic hat-trick
How will the all-conquering Penrith team of the past two seasons fare after the loss of star duo Api Koroisau and Viliame Kikau?
- Michael Chammas
Sharks preview: Finals form the next step in evolution
So many Cronulla players enjoyed career-best seasons in Craig Fitzgibbon’s first year as a head coach. Now they need to improve again.
- Dan Walsh
Cowboys preview: Will sequel to Cinderella story have fairytale end?
After being written off before a ball had been kicked last season, North Queensland went within a whisker of reaching the grand final. Did they overachieve, or will they back it up?
- Christian Nicolussi
Eels preview: Can grand finalists go one better?
The Eels fell at the final hurdle last season. After losing a couple of key players, can they challenge for the title again?
- Adrian Proszenko
Storm preview: Unique challenge for Bellamy as clock ticks on career
Is this Craig Bellamy’s final bow at Melbourne? Trying to predict the coach’s next move has proven a fruitless exercise in recent seasons, and so has writing off the Storm.
- Adrian Proszenko
Roosters preview: Time for star-studded contenders to deliver
Brandon Smith joins a team already brimming with talent. Can they put an end to Penrith’s dominance?
- Adam Pengilly
Souths preview: Mitchell key to keeping title shot on target after near-misses
South Sydney have made the past five preliminary finals but will need their star man to turn on the style if they want to go all the way.
- Christian Nicolussi
Raiders preview: Storming finish a warning sign for rivals
If they can start the regular season the way they finished it last year, the Raiders should hit the ground running.
- Dan Walsh
Broncos preview: Pressure on to keep crown as kings of Queensland
For a side filled with so much talent, there can be no excuses for Brisbane if they miss out on the finals again.
- Adrian Proszenko
Dragons preview: Hunt and the hunted in defining year for Griffin
Coach Anthony Griffin has it all on the line in the first two months of the season, with a draw that looks favourable and a team that just has to improve.
- Adam Pengilly
Sea Eagles preview: Success or failure hinges on Trbojevic fitness
All eyes will be on Tom Trbojevic on the field, but there will be plenty of interest in Anthony Seibold’s return as a head coach, too.
- Dan Walsh
Bulldogs preview: Solid foundations for the house that Gus built
In 18 months, Belmore has been shaken up like rarely before, with Cameron Ciraldo handed the task of leading the club back to glory.
- Michael Chammas
Titans preview: Foran and Fifita hold the key
A New Zealand playmaker joins a Titans side that needs a bigger impact from their hulking marquee man this season.
- Adam Pengilly
Knights preview: Time running out to make most of Ponga’s potential
With so much talent on their roster, it’s amazing Newcastle haven’t reached the finals more often. Their chances this season could hinge on the success of Kalyn Ponga’s position switch.
- Christian Nicolussi
Warriors preview: Fresh start for NRL’s sleeping giants
With a new coach in charge and the return of home crowds at last, there are reasons to be optimistic for the Warriors in 2023.
- Adrian Proszenko
Tigers preview: Sheens and Marshall look to bring back the magic
The pressure will be on for the new coaching team to show signs of improvement from the Tigers from the first whistle.
- Michael Chammas
Dolphins preview: Bennett in at the deep end with new franchise
Neutral fans, NRL officials and TV broadcasters will be sweating on the Dolphins being competitive in their first year in the competition.
- Christian Nicolussi
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