Our analysis of the players to look out for in the 2024 NRL Telstra Premiership Rugby League season is here and ready for you to debate. Which individuals will shine on the field and lead their team to the Grand Final later this year?
This season started in Las Vegas at the Allegiant Stadium where the Sea Eagles defeated the Rabbitohs 36-24. Last season it was Nathan Cleary inspiring the Panthers once more, to claim an incredible fourth title in a row. But can someone else step up to break their grip? Here's our round up of the players to look out for this season and the teams to look out for in the sports betting.
Nathan Cleary – Penrith Panthers
The truth is, we can't look beyond the Panthers retaining their crown if the inspirational Cleary remains fit and available. Cleary's performance in last year's Grand Final saw him drag his team to victory from a 16-point deficit with just 20 minutes left, it's seen as one of the best Grand Final performances of all time.
At 26, the Panther's captain is already seen as an all-time great after a dominant five years in Panthers colours. That's why they remain this year's favourites amongst those who enjoy betting sports. But if anyone can outperform Cleary this season then we might just have another name of the Premiership trophy come October.
Last Five Premiership Winners
2023 Penrith v Brisbane: 26 – 24
2022 Penrith v Parramatta: 28 – 12
2021 Penrith v South Sydney: 14 – 12
2020 Melbourne Storm v Penrith: 26 – 20
2019 Sydney Roosters v Canberra Raiders: 14 – 8
Roger Tuivasa-Sheck - Warriors
Could this be the best signing of season? The Warriors will certainly hope so, as their former player Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, returns after three years playing rugby union.
In 2019, the former Warriors captain became the only player to win the clubs player of the year award three years in a row. If he does find his previous form, the Warriors may just be a premiership threat, although they will need to defy the odds.
Dally M Medal Winners
2023 Kalyn Ponga Newcastle Knights
2022 Nicho Hynes Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks
2021 Tom Trbojevic Manly Warringah Sea Eagles
2020 Jack Wighton Canberra Raiders
2019 James Tedesco Sydney Roosters
After a nail-biting victory over the Raiders at home, the Knights fell short against the Warriors in the semi-finals. Ponga will be hoping to stay fit and enable his team to recapture the form that inspired that 10-game winning streak so they can make a Grand Final appearance.
Tino Fa'asuamalaeaui – Gold Coast Titans
The Titans superstar forward Fa'asuamalaeaui, committed the rest of his playing career to the team after signing a huge ten year deal. The Australian Test and Queensland State of Origin player has since tipped his team to be challenging for this year's premiership.
A former Grand Final winner in 2020 with Melbourne Storm, the Titans captain knows what it takes to succeed and claims he is determined to lead the club to a maiden NRL title, something which would ensure he goes down as a club legend. With two-time championship winning coach Des Hasler on board, and a pack that boasts Mo Fotuaika, David Fifita and Fa'asuamaleaui, they can't be ruled out according to the latest sports betting.
Reece Walsh – Brisbane Broncos
Last year's grand finalists suffered a huge setback to the season when their star fullback Reece Walsh suffered a facial fracture in a head clash. The match paled into insignificance and ended in defeat to the Panthers.
Having returned to Brisbane last season, Walsh made an instant impact which saw him earn a State of Origin debut for the Maroons. He finished the season with an impressive 25 assists, 127 tackle breaks and 21 line breaks.
Walsh's influence was a major factor in their run to the Grand Final last year, and expectations were understandably high going into this season.