The 2023 NRL season wrapped up October 1, and ended as impressively as the past seasons. But as exciting as it was, the fun seemed to be cut short. Fortunately, the National Rugby League has already announced the 2024 NRL schedule, which reignited the excitement for all fans.
If you’re among the many people looking forward to next year, here are the season schedule and early favorites you can check out.
2024 National Rugby League
The National Rugby League (NRL) surprised everyone after dropping the 2024 NRL Telstra Premiership schedule. This 27th season of the professional rugby league by the NRL in Australia will present 204 regular season matches with over 27 rounds that will be played across 28 venues.
Also, there’s much to look forward to this season because this will be the first-ever schedule featuring premiership matches across Australia, the United States, and New Zealand. Thus, purchasing your rugby league merchandise now would be the best time to prepare you for this significant event.
Schedule
The 2024 NRL season will kick start on March 2 with a doubleheader, Sydney Roosters vs. Brisbane Broncos and the Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles vs. South Sydney Rabbitohs. These highly anticipated games will occur at the Las Vegas Allegiant Stadium. After this opening, the NRL fans will then be able to witness the rest of the first round and other more thrilling and fun games. The first three rounds of the 2024 NRL are on this list.
Round 1
- March 3, Sunday: Sea Eagles vs. Rabbitohs, Roosters vs. Broncos
- March 7, Thursday: Knights vs. Riders
- March 8, Friday: Warriors vs. Sharks, Storms vs. Panthers
- March 9, Saturday: Eels vs. Bulldogs, Titans vs. Dragons
- March 10, Sunday: Dolphins vs. Cowboys
Round 2
- March 14, Thursday: Broncos vs. Rabbitohs
- March 15, Friday: Sharks vs. Bulldogs, Panthers vs. Eels
- March 16, Saturday: Raiders vs. Tigers, Cowboys vs. Knights, Storm vs. Warriors
- March 17, Sunday: Sea Eagles vs. Roosters, Dolphins vs. Dragons
Round 3
- March 21, Thursday: Panthers vs. Broncos
- March 22, Friday: Warriors vs. Raiders, Roosters vs. Rabbitohs
- March 23, Saturday: Bulldogs vs. Titans, Dragons vs. Cowboys, Tigers vs. Sharks
- March 24, Sunday: Eels vs. Sea Eagles, Knights vs. Storm
2024 NRL Premiership Odds
After such an eventful season, the 2023 NRL has announced the undefeated champions, Penrith Panthers. This football club has been undefeated since they first claimed the title in the 2021 NRL. If you’re wondering what the odds are looking at the moment, here are the top clubs favored to win the next season.
Penrith Panthers
As mentioned, Penrith Panthers has been undefeated for three years, which makes their overall title acquired five in total. It’s been 40 years since a team has pulled off a three-peat, which makes their current success the talk of the town.
As such, it’s no surprise that the Panthers are yet again the top favorite for next season’s premiership winners. Moreover, you’ll be surprised that the player leading this glory is only a 25-year-old halfback, Clive Churchill Medalist Nathan Cleary.
With such a promising young lead in the frontlines, Penrith Panthers’s future is brighter than it seems. On top of this, this club was also number one in defense and offense last season. If this youngster stays healthy, the Panthers can still dominate the field for the next few years.
Brisbane Broncos
The Brisbane Broncos had a close game against the Penrith Panthers. Thus, their position is high on the list. Aside from narrowly missing the title, regrets were plastered among fans, especially after getting out to a commanding lead. Still, the Broncos have proven their strength as number two in defense and offense this season. So, the hopes aren’t entirely lost.
If the club can figure out how to boost their offense and defense, they might meet the Panthers in the final game and finally win over them. Until then, they probably still have a long way to go to beat the current undefeated.
One of the few things fans might want to note is that the Broncos lost three of their grand final 17: Herbie Farnworth, Tom Flegler, and Keenan Palasia. Despite this, they are still considered one of the strongest teams next season.
Melbourne Storm
Melbourne Storm probably gained losses but hasn’t lost any significant star players. Five players they said goodbye with are Jordan Grant, Tariq Sims, Tom Eisenhuth, George Jennings, and Jayden Nikorima. Despite the huge number of players, the Storm still haven’t signed anyone.
It’s not a complete disadvantage either since the club signed one talented rookie, Sualauvi Faalogo, who has been an outstanding player during his NRL debut in the final round last season. However, the rookie might bide his time the next season because a few veteran fullbacks and outside backs will play, such as Ryan Papenhuyzen, Xavier Coates, Will Warbrick, and Nick Meaney.
Honorable Mention: South Sydney Rabbitohs
South Sydney Rabbitohs have presented solid qualities, thus making them one of the top three favorites this season. They might not have made it to the finals, but many fans believe they can fight their way to the top. However, some believe there were issues regarding their depth and defensive structure, which can make betting on this team a two-way sword.
Final Thoughts
The 2023 NRL season has made many people grip the edge of their seats, making everyone ask for more. So, the anticipation is very high for the next season. Many promising teams are showing the willpower to claim the title from the Panthers, but this three-peat undefeated champion isn’t going anywhere. To keep your excitement going, take note of the schedule mentioned above and meet everyone on the kickoff date!