NRL grand final 2023: Broncos or Panthers? Who to support if you can’t find a team
NRL fans are torn over who to cheer for — the cross-town enemy or interstate rival. We break down who you should support, based on decades of overwhelming, and often petty, evidence.
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This year’s NRL grand final is a promoter’s dream between the two best teams in the country. However, it’s causing a moral dilemma for fans of the 15 other teams who will be watching on with envy this weekend.
Do they put aside decades of bitter rivalries — whether it’s cross-town or across state lines, forgive spiteful sledges and devastating player poachings?
Penrith are chasing a three-peat of premierships not achieved since Parramatta in 1983, while Brisbane are aiming to end a 17-year title drought.
Here is your club guide as to who you should support come kick off on Sunday.
EELS: Broncos
It will be a cold day in hell when Penrith’s “sons” start supporting their closest and most bitter rivals. The Panthers can also become the first team since the 1981-83 Eels to win three straight premierships. Given Parra haven’t won a grand final since 1986, they need that to fall back on.
ROOSTERS: Broncos
The idea of Roosters fans revelling in seeing Adam Reynolds lift the premiership trophy would have been impossible to comprehend just two years ago. But Reynolds winning a grand final with the Broncos would be the ultimate dagger to the heart for Souths and exacerbate their retention shocker.
RABBITOHS: Broncos
It’s not Adam Reynolds’ fault he is no longer a Rabbitoh. Souths fans know the blame lies with Rabbitohs management, and they still have a soft spot for their former favourite son. It would be easier to stomach than the Panthers winning a third straight title.
RAIDERS: Broncos
Canberra fans have never forgiven Penrith for 1991, with the image of Royce Simmons crashing over in the corner to secure their first premiership etched into their minds. Panthers fans sarcastically mimicking the Viking clap and Stephen Crichton pulling Canberra prop Joseph Tapine into their try celebrations during a game don’t help. Plus, Canberra can claim Kevin Walters for the three years at the Raiders from 1987-89.
STORM: Broncos
The Storm and Broncos share a heated rivalry, however Victorians still have an affinity with the Sunshine State and a general sporting hatred for most things NSW. Plus, Queensland is a breeding ground for Storm talent.
WARRIORS: Broncos
Their coach, Andrew Webster, who is responsible for their remarkable turnaround, is a former Panthers assistant. However, the consolation of knowing the team that beat you in the preliminary final went to win the premiership is too strong to ignore.
TIGERS: Broncos
Despite Garry Jack and Benny Elias putting state pride above the Tigers-Panthers rivalry, fans aren’t as eager to forgive Ivan Cleary for hopping off the bus and leaving for greener pastures at Penrith. Cleary famously blew a kiss at a fan who had unleashed a verbal tirade at him in the coaches box in 2020. Watching him win three straight premierships while collecting consecutive wooden spoons doesn’t help.
COWBOYS: Broncos
State allegiance wins over on this one. Although they’ve had some tremendous rivalries over the years, there’s plenty of Broncos fans who were living in North Queensland before the Cowboys came into existence. Plus, it’s their turn after the horror of 2015.
BULLDOGS: Panthers
Sarcastically referred to as “Little Penrith” because of their Panthers-heavy recruitment; Matt Burton and Viliame Kikau, with Stephen Crichton and Jaeman Salmon to come. If Penrith keep winning comps, they’ll have to continue shedding players and the Bulldogs could eventually end up with Nathan Cleary.
KNIGHTS: Panthers
Newcastle fans can relate to the non-metropolitan, country roots of this Panthers side. They haven’t splashed the cash for players, have developed from within and even gone bush to bring in the likes of Liam Martin and Isaah Yeo. There’s also the 1997 premiers debate where Newcastle won the ARL competition and Brisbane lifted the Super League trophy that divides Knights and Broncos fans.
SEA EAGLES: Panthers
Ivan Cleary played at Manly, and his family was based on the northern beaches before taking up his role with Penrith. Sea Eagles supporters have not forgotten when Brisbane joined the NSWRL in 1988 and thrashed the defending premiers 44-10.
SHARKS: Panthers
Cronulla owe Penrith a debt of gratitude for former Panthers Luke Lewis and Wade Graham, who helped deliver their first premiership in 2016. The Sharks, like Penrith, have a massive junior nursery and emulating their success.
DOLPHINS: Panthers
State pride doesn’t count when you’re in as close quarters as the Broncos and Dolphins. Brisbane beat Wayne Bennett’s team in both regular-season encounters as the expansion side missed the finals in their first season. Watching Brisbane break a 17-year premiership drought would just be salt in the wound.
TITANS: Panthers
People on the Gold Coast don’t like the big brother-little brother narrative that is pushed down the M1. This would be the first Broncos premiership since the Titans joined the competition in 2007, and that wouldn’t sit well with their fans.
FINAL VERDICT
Broncos 8
Panthers 7
Originally published as NRL grand final 2023: Broncos or Panthers? Who to support if you can’t find a team
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