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 โ€“ and 2023 is no different.

We've browsed the full list and done the hard work for you โ€“ these are the 10 games you can't miss in 2023.

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5. Round 4: Parramatta Eels v Penrith Panthers, Commbank Stadium, Thursday March 23

Frame this one however you like โ€“ 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.

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - OCTOBER 02: Dylan Edwards of the Panthers makes a break during the 2022 NRL Grand Final match between the Penrith Panthers and the Parramatta Eels at Accor Stadium on October 02, 2022, in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)

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.

1 COMMENT

  1. Some interesting games for sure, but Raiders v Dragons? Really?

    Wests v Newcastle – to determine favouritism for the spoon?

    I’d drop either of these and replace them with Manly v Whoever in the 2023 Pride Round. Who will turn out for the Eagles? Will social media pillory the players even more mercilessly than this year?

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