NRL, GRAND FINAL, 2023, BIG DANCE ! WHO WILL WIN ?
BRISBANE BRONCO’S v PENRITH PANTHERS . WHO WILL WIN ?
ACCOR STADIUM, SYDNEY
In the heart of ACCOR Stadium, Sydney, the stage is set for the NRL Grand Final 2023, where the Brisbane Broncos are poised to challenge the reigning champions, the Penrith Panthers. This epic showdown promises to be a memorable clash of rugby titans, as the Broncos’ remarkable resurgence meets the Panthers’ quest for a historic three-peat.
The Dominance of Penrith Panthers
Throughout the NRL season, the Penrith Panthers have been the team to beat, clinching the top spot on the table with an impressive 18 wins. They claimed their second consecutive minor premiership, effortlessly securing their fourth straight Grand Final appearance. Last week, they displayed ruthless prowess by scoring 38 points against the Melbourne Storm, a team they held to a mere 4 points. Brian To’o, the gun winger, recorded a hat-trick, while Nathan Cleary masterfully controlled the game. Despite some imperfections, their exceptional ability to defend their errors makes them a formidable opponent.
The Remarkable Brisbane Broncos
On the other hand, the Brisbane Broncos have experienced an incredible season turnaround. From a late-season collapse that left them in 9th place in 2022, they have powered their way to their first Grand Final in eight years. Despite a slow start against the Warriors, where they conceded two tries in 11 minutes, the Broncos bounced back and secured a comfortable 42-12 win. Coach Kevin Walters will be pleased with their resilience.
An Intriguing Matchup
This NRL Grand Final matchup is nothing short of intriguing. The Panthers, arguably the most successful team in the NRL era, will clash with the young and dynamic Brisbane side, eager to end a 17-year premiership drought. Both teams will field their full-strength squads, with notable injury returns. Jarome Luai, Izack Tago, and Herbie Farnworth are set to make their mark.
Player Statistics to Watch
The players are primed for action, with remarkable recent records. Brian To’o has scored 16 tries in his last 11 games, while Selwyn Cobbo has notched 10 tries in his last nine matches. Reece Walsh has scored in four of his last five games, and Ezra Mam has found the try line in five of his last six appearances. Stephen Crichton brings his try-scoring prowess, with three straight Grand Finals and eight tries in his last 11 games. Even Nathan Cleary has joined the try-scoring party, with a try in his last four games, and Herbie Farnworth has seven tries in his last nine outings.
A Grand Final Prediction
As the excitement builds, this NRL Grand Final promises an electrifying clash. Nathan Cleary and Adam Reynolds will engage in a halfback battle of epic proportions, while Reece Walsh and Jarome Luai’s potential showdown adds an extra layer of drama. The forward battle will be intense, with star players leading the charge for their respective teams.
In terms of the head-to-head matchup, the Broncos have the potential to cause an upset. With no team winning three premierships in a row in four decades, the odds are against the Panthers. Brisbane’s youth, freshness, and enthusiasm in their first Grand Final appearance could tip the scales.
For some, the Penrith players may come across as arrogant, which adds to the intrigue of the contest. With all this in mind, and the youthful energy of the Broncos, some may find it tempting to back Brisbane. In fact, some betting sites even give the Broncos a 5.5 points start at $1.75, making it an enticing option for those looking to place a wager. Whatever the outcome, NRL fans are in for a thrilling Grand Final that will keep them on the edge of their seats. Enjoy the game!
Panthers: 1. Dylan Edwards 2. Sunia Turuva 3. Izack Tago 4. Stephen Crichton 5. Brian To’o 6. Jarome Luai 7. Nathan Cleary 8. Moses Leota 9. Mitch Kenny 10. James Fisher-Harris 11. Scott Sorensen 12. Liam Martin 13. Isaah Yeo 14. Jack Cogger 15. Lindsay Smith 16. Spencer Leniu 17. Luke Garner 18. Tyrone Peachey 19. Matt Eisenhuth 20. Zac Hosking 21. Luke Sommerton 22. Thomas Jenkins
Bronco’s: 1. Reece Walsh 2. Jesse Arthars 3. Kotoni Staggs 4. Herbie Farnworth 5. Selwyn Cobbo 6. Ezra Mam 7. Adam Reynolds 8. Thomas Flegler 9. Billy Walters 10. Payne Haas 11. Kurt Capewell 12. Jordan Riki 13. Patrick Carrigan 14. Tyson Smoothy 15. Brendan Piakura 16. Kobe Hetherington 17. Keenan Palasia 18. Corey Oates 19. Martin Taupau 20. Corey Jensen 21. Jock Madden 22. Tristan Sailor
Referees: Adam Gee; Side line Officials: Chris Sutton, David Munro; Video Referees: Ashley Klein;
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