BY CURTIS WOODWARD

@woodward_curtis

It is that time of the year which means every man and their dog are putting together their best guesses – we mean ‘predictions’ – for season 2023.

Curtis Woodward is no different so check out his preview for the new season and it continues with the top four clubs to finish the year at the pointy end of the table.

4TH
PANTHERS

Losing Api Koroisau and Viliame Kikau will hurt the Panthers halves as defensive patterns now realise that they can target in on Cleary and Luai without having to worry about shutting down Koroisau on the inside and Kikau out the back.

It will be another great season for the mighty Panthers but they have definitely fallen back into the pack.

Big Story #1
The back-to-back premiers miss their first grand final since 2019.

Big Story #2
NSW lose another Origin series with Cleary and Luai at the helm.

Player to Watch #1
Dylan Edwards

Player to Watch #2
Brian To’o

3RD
SHARKS

Craig Fitzgibbon is one of the most impressive coaches in the competition but he has his work cut out for him getting this side to the next level – especially after being bundled out of the playoffs in 2022.

It’s all in the head for the Sharks and we could see a repeat in 2023 if Nicho Hynes doesn’t get a bit more support.

Big Story #1
Cronulla miss the grand final again.

Big Story #2
Club legend Wade Graham announces it’s his final season in the NRL and heads to England.

Player to Watch #1
Nicho Hynes

Player to Watch #2
William Kennedy

2ND
ROOSTERS

Calling a Rabbitohs minor premiership, a local derby grand final and the Chooks to win their 16th premiership.

There’s no better run roster with the ability to replenish their squad like the Bondi club. Yeah they cop plenty of abuse for their “salary cap sombrero” but they are constantly working on it. It’s a 365-day job.

They have bolstered their outside back depth but the big signing is Brandon Smith.

Apart from that, young half Sam Walker is set for a hell of a season.

Big Story #1
Easts to rule Anzac Parade.

Big Story #2
Suaalii breaks out on the Origin stage.

Player to Watch #1
Sam Walker

Player to Watch #2
Joseph Suaalii

1ST
RABBITOHS

Just this week, Latrell Mitchell spoke to the media about wanting to win the Dally M Medal. If the big fella is playing consistently good footy and dominating week-to-week, the Rabbitohs finish the season on top.

Finals footy is another beast and there will be plenty of challengers along the way.

Big Story #1
Latrell wins Dally M but can’t help Bunnies across the line in October.

Big Story #2
Rabbitohs legend Alex Johnston within touching distance of Ken Irivine’s legendary try-scoring record of 212 tries.

Player to Watch #1
Lachlan Ilias

Player to Watch #2
Keaon Koloamatangi

@woodward_curtis