Every year loyal fans peruse the new NRL draw at their earliest opportunity, salivating at certain match-ups that offer either a long-standing rivalry or a more recent but equally compelling narrative – and 2023 is no different.
We've browsed the full list and done the hard work for you – these are the 10 games you can't miss in 2023.
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Battles between these two sides are generally captivating anyway, with two of the modern era's most successful teams led by two of the game's most successful coaches – but there's an extra layer to this year's narrative following the decision of Brandon Smith to switch allegiances and travel north to join the tri-colours.
Smith was a loyal servant for the majority of his time in Melbourne but certain elements surrounding his departure, including public comments and some criticism during the year from coach Craig Bellamy have added an extra layer of spice to this one. There's a lot of uncertainty about the exact nature of the relationship between Smith and his former club, but we'll know more after these 80 minutes.
Once the competition's showpiece event, the XXXX derby has waned in recent years as average winning margins have increased and each team has faced their respective struggles. Regardless of where they sit on the ladder, these teams are always up for the clash – but after the Cowboys returned to the top and with the Broncos rapidly building their way back to being a competitive force, this grand derby might be set for a revival.
Two talented young attacking ensembles, two hard-working forward packs and a veteran halfback leading the way? These teams have more in common than they think, and that sets the scene for some intense clashes throughout the year. At least we won't have to wait long!
It's coming a lot later in the season than originally anticipated, but the prodigal son of Cameron Ciraldo will finally return to the foot of the mountains where he carved out the bulk of his reputation. Just where each team sits at this point will be irrelevant, with pride and bragging rights both on the line. Viliame Kikau will also return to Penrith.
It's no secret that the entire Panthers playing group is enamoured with the recently-departed coach, such has been his influence on the side, and he'll have the kind of insider knowledge of the Panthers' structure and systems that most coaches would kill for. If the Dogs are on the up, this game might even be an opportunity for Ciraldo to make his case to any Panthers still thinking of following their former mentor to Belmore.
There was once a time where these teams had a more conventional rivalry, with the Raiders somehow holding a psychological edge over the Red V every time they played for a while. While that's not so much the case anymore, encounters as recent as last year have added some spice to this fixture.
Both of last year's encounters between these teams came down to just two-point margins. Both of these wins were secured in highly-controversial circumstances and were decided on virtually the last play of the game. Both were dissected heavily and drew comments from coaches. It might not be the rivalry at the front of anyone's mind, but this encounter is sure to offer something unexpected.
Magic Round will offer plenty of compelling narratives, but Brisbane locals will be heavily invested in this one after Anthony Seibold was announced as Manly coach for 2023. It doesn't take too sharp a memory to recall the impact of Seibold's tenure at the Red Hill club, and the acrimonious departure that followed.
While both have seemingly recovered from the ordeal to find themselves in a good place now, Broncos fans will be feeling that extra bit of hope that their team can get over the line against the man many still hold a grudge against.
Frame this one however you like – another passionate western derby, a grand final match-up, a duel between the best halves in the game? Possibly even a world cup rematch between Nathan Cleary and Dylan Edwards. But however you frame it, this is going to be a great match.
No contest between the two was lacking in quality and controversy this year, and with the two western Sydney clubs at the top of the competition the interest from even the most neutral fan will be high. Are the Panthers arrogant? Are the Eels pretenders? Shout at your TV for 80 minutes (or more) while you find out.
Two Sunday arvo Leichhardt games in a row will have Tigers fans dreaming of a more positive start to the year, but Knights fans will be feeling a similar way after both teams faltered and stumbled their way to poor finishes in 2022. Both have been the subject of plenty of media scrutiny and both have made significant off-season changes, but this will be our first chance to tell whether either outfit is capable of reversing their fortunes from last year.
Where will Kalyn Ponga play? Will he live up to his potential even if he's moved to the halves? Then there's the question of Luke Brooks, who has been heavily linked with the Hunter club during the off-season despite Tim Sheens' refusal to let him go. If he does stay, is this the year Brooks can finally guide his team to the finals? Both of these teams have a host of questions hanging over them and both will see this game as an opportunity to provide an answer.
It's a top heavy schedule which is the right way to go from the NRL, before form, injuries and other issues start to take hold and we have a clearer picture of how the season will go. Though we're all pretty clear on the fact that both of these teams are likely to be there at the business end of the season.
There hasn't been a match in this long-standing rivalry that hasn't had a layer of controversy running through it, whether it be Latrell vs Joey Manu, Latrell vs Roosters fans or a war of words about the right to play at Allianz Stadium. With both teams expected to do well this year – the Roosters even being lauded as early favourites in some corners – this match will have quality and passion in abundance.
We're all painfully aware of the sacrifices the Warriors have made to keep our great game alive in recent seasons, through the pandemic, taking themselves away from family, friends and livelihoods to get the NRL through the arduous times. They've already received plenty of praise and respect as a result but now they need the support and interest both here and in NZ from the outset.
And what an outset it promises to be with a return to Wellington's iconic ‘cake-tin' to take on the Knights. The atmosphere will likely be electric and celebratory, but the quality of football should be high as well as Warriors players mark their first NRL game under new coach Andrew Webster.
We'll know a lot more about the Dolphins by this point but other than the derby with Brisbane in Round 4, this is another compelling clash as the game's most revered coach Wayne Bennett coming up against his long-time protégé Jason Demetriou for the first time in history. The two have worked together for an incredibly long time before Demetriou finally went it alone following Bennett's depature from Redfern.
Souths didn't take the plunge that many expected, and if the Dolphins can have a similar start to the year and exceed expectation this could prove a quality contest. It will also see Redfern cult-figure Mark Nicholls face his old club for the first time.