The 2024 NRLW season begins on 25th July and after expanding to 10 teams in 2023, the same competition structure will remain in place for 2024. This means that each team plays against one another just once, before a 2-week Finals period which the Top 4 teams on the competition ladder at the end of the regular season will progress into. The Knights head into this instalment as the reigning Premiers, playing to a high standard and comprehensively defeating other teams in 2023. They now become the hunted, and 9 other teams will be chasing them down. The new additions to the competition in recent years will benefit from another year of experience and should be better prepared to face the week-to-week rigours of this competition.
Before You Bet will offer weekly previews of each round for punters, providing insight and analysis on the NRLW action, which you can find via heading to our dedicated NRL Tips page. 2023 delivered a success fun for follows of this page and we aim to provide the same level of success in 2024.
Ahead of the start of the NRLW competition, let’s look at each team, their chances and what lies ahead for them this season.
2024 NRLW Season Preview & Betting Tips
Newcastle Knights – $4.50
Surprised everyone last year with the way they held themselves throughout the competition. With strike weapons across the field, their defence was the difference between them and opponents each week. Continually underestimated, this Knights team had something special. They have managed to maintain relatively the same team from last season, albeit with the loss of Strange and Davison. Providing they can maintain a strong record at home, there is no reason why they cannot finish in the Top 4. From that point onwards, they are a good chance at progressing to the Grand Final, where anything is possible.
Sydney Roosters – $3.60
The glamour club of the NRLW with a seemingly endless supply of talent. The Roosters underachieved in 2023 after finishing 2nd in the regular season, they were upset by the Titans in the Semi Final. Having never spent a week outside the Top 4 and recording some of the largest ever victories in NRLW, they were well positioned to achieve another Premiership. They have again recruited strongly but were rocked on the eve of the competition starting with news that Corbin Baxter suffered an ACL injury and will miss the season. They still have a host of capable stars at their disposal and will likely finish inside the Top 4, giving them a chance to make amends for how they ended 2023.
Gold Coast Titans – $7
Overachieved by making the Top 4 and progressing onto the Grand Final courtesy of a gritty 12-nil victory over the Roosters. Few expected them to perform as strongly as they did but it was a testament to their coach, Karyn Murphy, and her ability to build a strong squad of players and generate a smart gameplan. They have maintained relatively the same squad of players and will be out to again disrupt the form of other sides. Teams will be wary of them this season, making the challenge ahead even more difficult.
Brisbane Broncos – $4.20
Always a threat, along with the Roosters, the Broncos were disappointingly eliminated in the Semi Final last season. A powerhouse on both sides of the ball with a superstar roster to match, the Broncos always found themselves with a lot to do in matches. Struggled to find consistency in matches but when they ‘click’, they are an impressive team who is difficult for others to stop. Their class alone should make them a genuine threat but if pressure builds with losses at home, watch for this team’s resilience to be tested.
Canberra Raiders – $18
Surprised everyone with a 5th placed finish in their inaugural season. Their strong performances were built on resolute efforts at home; this team were acutely aware of the importance of a home ground advantage. While one win outside the Top 4, their horror points difference (-33) indicates that defensive consistency is an area they need to improve upon. Have recruited some players to strengthen their depth and should improve if they play to the standard which was established last season.
Cronulla Sharks – $9
Were entitled to perform better given the strength of their team in 2023. They fell short in several matches; there is a sense that another year to develop together will enhance the ability of this team to win close matches. It will also benefit them by building stronger combinations. In their second season, there is no reason why they cannot take the next step as a club and make the Top 4. There is plenty to like about the way they structure their attacking sets.
St George-Illawarra Dragons – $21
Had their moments in 2023 but ultimately, they lacked the consistency required to be a genuine threat. If they could maintain their form throughout the season, there is no limit to what they could’ve achieved. Had a few of their 1-point losses gone their way, it could’ve been a very different season. They have gone on a spree to improve the depth of their squad but the great unknown for them is how well their halves (and spine) can control a match. That appears to have the largest impact on their chances in 2024.
Wests Tigers – $26
Won just two matches in 2023 and struggled after a promising start whereby they won their first two matches. Going winless from Round 3 onwards was highlighted by their inability to build pressure on either side of the ball. While injuries didn’t help their cause, they were a better team at full-strength than their results suggested. A few savvy acquisitions in the off-season and a capable coach in Kimmorley, there is a sense that the Tigers are a sleeping giant which is waiting to be woken up.
North Queensland Cowboys - $18
Finishing 2nd last with just 2 wins to their name for the season highlights how poor the Cowboys were across the year. Despite possessing the advantage of playing in Townsville, they were rarely competitive in this environment. Unfortunately, the lack of recruit for them ahead of the 2024 season means that they could face a similar set of circumstances or worse, finish with the Wooden Spoon.
Parramatta Eels - $34
The Eels struggled in their inaugural season, finishing last with just one win to their name. They were always set to struggle with a weaker squad of players. They have recruited several new names to their team with the most notable name being Rosie Kelly; the Black Ferns player will be key to their success. If they can build a team around her at half, she will have a positive impact over the season. It may not be enough to give them a chance at making the Finals, but it will make them more competitive each week.
Verdict
With only 4 teams to progress through to the Finals, you need to strategise your investment around this structure. There is a clear difference between the contending teams and the rest of the competition. It appears the Titans, Knights, Roosters, Broncos and Sharks are a class above the other sides. The Raiders overachieved last season; along with the Dragons, they could push the others and be the ‘improvers’ this year, forcing their way into the Top 4. The Roosters are the favourites for a reason, and you could have a ‘saver’ on them or back them straight out and be happy with your bet for a long part of the year. They are a classy outfit. Underestimate the Knights at your own peril.
Suggested Bet(s)
3 Bet Strategy:
Roosters ($3.60 at Ladbrokes) – 1 unit
Knights ($4.50 at Ladbrokes) – 1 unit
Sharks ($9 at Neds) – 1 unit
2 Bet Strategy:
Favourite: Roosters ($3.60 at Neds) – 1.5 units
Outsider: Sharks ($9 at Ladbrokes) – 1.5 units
1 Bet Strategy:
Roosters ($3.60 at Neds) – 2 units
