Panthers v Broncos NRL Grand Final betting picks & predictions

NRL Grand Final 2023 match preview

The 2023 NRL season culminates in a showdown of titans as the Penrith Panthers and the Brisbane Broncos collide in the NRL Grand Final at Sydney’s Accor Stadium.

The Panthers are on the cusp of history, aiming to become only the second team ever to secure three consecutive premierships. Their commanding 38-4 victory over the Melbourne Storm last week showcased their dominance, leaving little doubt as to why they enter this final as favorites.

Boasting an impressive 87% completion rate and a mere 29 missed tackles compared to Melbourne’s 50 in the prelim, the Panthers have honed a polished style of play, leaving minimal openings for their opponents. Throughout the regular season, Penrith conceded the fewest points, and in this finals series, they’ve only allowed two tries, putting immense pressure on the Broncos to breach their solid defense.

Offensively, the Panthers have been equally formidable, amassing 70 points across their two finals matches. While questions may arise about their scoring diversity, the stellar performances of players like Brian To’o, Nathan Cleary, and Sunia Turuva bode well for their chances.

In contrast, the Broncos are stepping onto the grand final stage for the first time since their heart-wrenching loss to the North Queensland Cowboys in 2015. Armed with the second-best offense and defense in the NRL for 2023, they possess the versatility needed to challenge the Panthers on multiple fronts.

Much like Penrith, the Broncos showcased their prowess in the preliminary finals, clinching a decisive 42-12 victory against the New Zealand Warriors. Despite the Warriors’ attempt to engage in a shootout, Brisbane’s class shone through with three unanswered tries in the second half.

Known for their dynamic attacking style, the Broncos recorded an impressive 23 offloads and 11 line breaks against the Warriors. However, concerns linger about their ball security. Yet, with a robust forward pack featuring representative stalwarts like Payne Haas, Pat Carrigan, Kurt Capewell, and Thomas Flegler, the Broncos possess the capacity to grind down the Panthers through the middle.

Panthers vs Broncos betting predictions – 2023 NRL Grand Final

Anticipate a showcase of top-tier rugby league between the two standout teams of 2023. With an abundance of finals experience, it’s challenging to bet against the Panthers as they strive for a historic hat-trick. They offer compelling value in the head-to-head market at -161.29 with Bovada. For the more confident bettor, consider backing the Panthers at the -3.5 line.

In his final appearance for the Panthers before his move to the Canterbury Bulldogs in 2024, Stephen Crichton is poised to deliver one last monumental performance. Having notched 15 tries in 2023, Crichton has been a standout in this finals series, contributing two try assists. With a track record of scoring in all three of the Panthers’ previous grand finals, expect Crichton to hit the scoreboard once more at +140 with leading NRL betting sites.

Despite both teams demonstrating strong defensive displays in recent weeks, they’ve also exhibited an ability to put points on the board, surpassing the total points line in four of their last five matches. The creative flair of each backline suggests ample scoring opportunities, with both teams excelling in offloads and line breaks. As a result, we’re backing this match to exceed 39.5 total match points.

With an impressive track record of scoring the first try in his last two matches, and six tries in his last three, Brian To’o is primed to extend his stellar form into the grand final. Having scored twice in last year’s decider, we’re backing him to make an early impact once again as the first tryscorer at +700.

Penrith vs Brisbane NRL Grand Final best bets

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