Ahead of the 2024 Telstra Premiership season kicking off in Las Vegas, the NRL.com writers have come up with their predictions for the year ahead.
From surprise risers and fallers on the ladder to the team most likely to end Penrith's three-year reign at the top, this is how our experts see things playing out over the next seven months.
Who will make the top eight?
Brad Walter: 1. Warriors, 2. Roosters, 3. Panthers, 4. Broncos, 5. Sharks, 6. Rabbitohs, 7. Knights, 8. Storm. The Roosters have depth across the field, giving coach Trent Robinson a welcome headache and putting them firmly back in contention for the premiership. The Panthers remain one of the teams to beat but the annual erosion of their squad after each of their four grand appearances has to eventually have an impact.
Colleen Edwards: 1. Rabbitohs, 2. Panthers, 3. Warriors, 4. Storm, 5. Broncos, 6. Roosters, 7. Titans, 8. Dolphins. The wheels fell off in a big way for the Rabbitohs last year, but with that disappointment fueling their fire and the Bunnies possessing all the tools, they'll climb back to the top this season. Despite the devasting loss Tom Gilbert for the year, the Dolphins will make the finals for the first time, while Des Hasler could be exactly what the Titans need.
Wallace backs squad to do Gilbert proud
Corey Rosser: 1. Panthers, 2. Roosters, 3. Warriors, 4. Rabbitohs, 5. Broncos, 6. Storm, 7. Sharks, 8. Eels. It’s difficult to see the Knights replicating the remarkable run to the finals they made in 2023, while Canberra have simply lost too much experience to be a contender this time around. The Rabbitohs and Eels were last season's big disappointments, but I expect them to be a force again in 2024.
Kelsey Hogan: 1. Roosters, 2. Panthers, 3. Storm, 4. Broncos, 5. Cowboys, 6. Rabbitohs, 7. Sea Eagles, 8. Warriors. The Roosters and Panthers will be battling it out for the minor premiership, while the Storm and Broncos will hold their position in the top four. With Luke Brooks onboard and a (hopefully) healthy Tom Trbojevic, the Sea Eagles are my big movers, while the Warriors will drop a bit but still play finals.
Martin Lenehan: 1. Panthers, 2. Roosters, 3. Warriors, 4. Storm, 5. Rabbitohs, 6. Broncos, 7. Knights, 8. Eels. The Panthers have lost a couple of big guns but still have enough firepower to claim another minor premiership. The Roosters will be the big movers on the back of some quality recruiting and the Rabbitohs and Eels will return to finals footy after fading away late in 2023.
Who will win the premiership?
Brad Walter: After learning how to win again and embracing the pressure of playing at home, the Warriors are ready to finally achieve the premiership that has so far eluded them. The return of Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, signing of Kurt Capewell and injury comeback of Luke Metcalf mean Andrew Webster’s side is even stronger than last season.
In case you were wondering if RTS might be rusty
Colleen Edwards: While Craig Bellamy is still the coach, Melbourne have proven they deserve to be in this conversation every year and they are my pick in 2024. Ryan Papenhuyzen has a full pre-season under his belt, Jahrome Hughes and Cameron Munster will be eager to make amends for an underwhelming past season and their young players have a much better idea of how to get it done.
Corey Rosser: The Tricolours boast the best top 30 group in the NRL this year and I can't see anyone stopping them when it all clicks. Spencer Leniu adds another layer of punch to the pack, which will help Sam Walker and Luke Keary, while I expect James Tedesco to be back to his best as the Roosters claim their first title since 2019.
Game Plan Vegas edition: Leniu's aggression
Kelsey Hogan: Plenty tipped them last year and were left scratching their head for most of the season, but the Roosters are primed to win it all this time. With Jared Waerea-Hargreaves already confirmed to be leaving at the end of the year and Daniel Tupou a good chance of following, alongside players like Lindsay Collins being in the prime of their career, this is the year for the Roosters.
Martin Lenehan: With Roger Tuivasa-Sheck and Shaun Johnson leading the way, the Warriors will carry the momentum of last season into the new year and power to the club’s maiden title. Superbly led up front by Addin Fonua-Blake, the Warriors will be next to unbeatable at home and win enough games away from Auckland to again finish in the top four. From there the experience gained in last year’s finals series will prove invaluable as they take their legion of fans on an emotional ride to the big dance.
