NRL Grand Final, October 1

Round 1: The Panthers lost to the Broncos 12-13 in Penrith

Round 12: The Broncos lost to the Panthers 4-15 in Brisbane

Even the most one-eyed non-Panthers or Broncos supporting fans would agree we’ve got the two best sides in this year’s grand final. I mean, did you see the preliminary final scores?

Accor Stadium is set to light up on Sunday night when Ivan Cleary’s men attempt to make history and become the first team since the ol’ Parramatta champions of the early ‘80s to win three premierships on the bounce. In an era of equalisation and more player options than ever before, it would be one of the greatest-ever NRL feats if they were able to claim victory.

On the other hand, it’s been a long time in between drinks for the Brisbane faithful as their favourite team looks to break a 17-year premiership drought dating back to 2006. And while they, too, went in as underdogs against the rampaging Melbourne Storm, Wayne Bennett and Darren Lockyer were able to lead their side to an unlikely win on that occasion.

Starting with the $1.64 Panthers, they’ve produced some of the best rugby we’ve seen over their two finals, defeating both the Warriors (32-6) and Storm (38-4) with genuine ease. The big guns are all firing, and we’d expect another elite showing from the likes of Nathan Cleary, Brian To’o, Liam Martin and Isaah Yeo. To’o has been particularly dominant in the post-season, scoring nine tries in his last five finals games.

There are numerous stats that will give Kevin Walters and the Broncos sleepless nights this week, with the Panthers having won their past eight finals matches and five of their past six games against the Broncos.

Brisbane is in the decider for a reason, however, and could be seen as value at $2.27 for those who have followed their trajectory in 2023. A team that finished at the bottom of the ladder in 2020, their turnaround has been nothing short of remarkable.

Reece Walsh has quickly evolved into a superstar of the game. At the same time, Payne Haas, Ezra Mam, Adam Reynolds, Patrick Carrigan and Selwyn Cobbo have helped to lead this side back into the premiership calculations. They, too, have been unstoppable in their two finals, with a combined score of 68-12 against the Storm and Warriors.

The bright lights and 80k+ at Accor Stadium could prove the difference in this one, with the Panthers boasting 13 players with grand final experience compared with the Broncos’ two. Brisbane hasn’t won a finals game in Sydney since 2008.

The market support seems appropriate heading into this one, but anything is possible if Brisbane can settle early and remain in the game at half-time.