NRL Tipping: Expert tips for Grand Final day
The biggest games of the season are here, as we prepare for the grand finals of both the 2023 NRL and NRLW competitions on Sunday.
Our expert tipsters give their thoughts on how both games will go and who they are picking to be recognised as best on ground come full-time.
Panthers v Broncos
Alicia Newton: It's shaping to be one of the great grand finals and as much as the Broncos will provide the fight, Penrith are on the verge of something special and I can't see it being anything but a three-peat. Jarome Luai to win the Clive Churchill Medal. Panthers by 8.
Brad Walter: The Panthers had to lose a grand final to learn how to win one and that big game experience will prove the difference against a Broncos side with just two players who have previously played in a decider. The forward battle should ensure a real arm wrestle until the likes of Cleary, Luai and Crichton take charge for the Panthers, with Cleary the Clive Churchill Medalist. Panthers by 8
Corey Rosser: This Broncos side reminds me of the Panthers back in the 2020 decider, insomuch that I think they are about to start a long run of being premiership contenders, but with 2023 being a year too early for a title. Penrith will be too strong on the back of Nathan Cleary's playmaking, but with Isaah Yeo to claim the Clive Churchill Medal. Panthers by 10.
Kelsey Hogan: I think this grand final will be one for fans, with not much separating the two sides for majority of the match. The Broncos will ask plenty of questions of the Panthers defence but the defending premiers' patience will prevail in the end. I'm tipping back-to-back Clive Churchill honours for Dylan Edwards. Panthers by 4.
Martin Lenehan: The two best sides of 2023 square off in a mouth-watering contest that could go right to the wire. The Panthers are on the doorstep of history and with Nathan Cleary and Isaah Yeo leading the way they will pack too many punches for Kevin Walters' men. Cleary will control the tempo and guide his team to a three-peat and grab his own piece of history as a two-time winner of the Clive Churchill Medal. Brad Clyde (1989 and 1991) and Billy Slater (2009 and 2017) are the only men to have won the prestigious award twice. Panthers by 7.
Match: Panthers v Broncos
Grand Final -
home Team
Panthers
1st Position
away Team
Broncos
2nd Position
Venue: Accor Stadium, Sydney
Knights v Titans
Alicia Newton: The battle of the forward packs will be the highlight of the afternoon and with scorching temperatures predicted this will be closer than ever. Yasmin Clydsdale to claim the Karyn Murphy medal. Knights by 4.
Brad Walter: The Titans have shown an ability to win tight matches this season and they will head into the GF full of confidence in their defence after shutting out Sydney Roosters 12-0 last weekend. With five teenagers and a 41-year-old in their line-up, the Titans won’t fear failure, but they will need to be at their best to stop the Knights winning two in a row. Lauren Brown to win the Karyn Murphy Medal. Titans by 1.
Corey Rosser: The Gold Coast have been a fantastic story this year, going from last in 2022 to the decider this time around. But they may have played their grand final last week in an emotional win over the Roosters, with the more experienced Knights my pick to get it done. Tamika Upton will follow on from winning the NRLW Dally M Medal on Wednesday and be player of the match. Knights by 8.
Kelsey Hogan: They’ve been too consistent all year for me not to back them here. With x-factor all across the park and Tamika Upton bursting with confidence, Newcastle will stick to their game plan and a cool, calm Jesse Southwell will lead them to back-to-back premierships, although I'm picking her sister Hannah will claim the Karyn Murphy Medal. Knights by 10.
Martin Lenehan: With Dally M Medal winner Tamika Upton chiming in from the back and Caitlan Johnston leading the way up front, the Knights are poised to go back-to-back. The Titans have done a remarkable job to come from last in 2022 into a decider but the premiers look to have every base covered. The platform for Newcastle's victory will be laid up front and Johnston is the leader of a powerhouse pack, which will see her judged best on ground. Knights by 10.
Match: Knights v Titans
Grand Final -
home Team
Knights
1st Position
away Team
Titans
3rd Position
Venue: Accor Stadium, Sydney
