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.
MORE NRL FIXTURE NEWS
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2. Round 1: New Zealand Warriors v Newcastle Knights, SKY Stadium Wellington, Friday March 3
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 โcake-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.
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?