2024 NRL Ladder Predictions

March 07, 2024

We have asked for help from our NRL Guru who is trying to pit themselves against our AFL expert to see who is more accurate for their ladder predictions in their chosen sports for season 2024. How has your team fared in the Guru’s predictions and where do you think they have got it right or wrong?

Brisbane Broncos
Penrith Panthers
South Sydney Rabbitohs
Newcastle Knights
Melbourne Storm
North Queensland Cowboys
Cronulla Sharks
Sydney Roosters
New Zealand Warriors
Parramatta Eels
Gold Coast Titans
Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs
Dolphins
Manly Sea Eagles
Wests Tigers
Canberra Raiders
St George-Illawarra Dragons

Here's a brief insight into why each team might finish where they do in the NRL 2024 ladder prediction:

Brisbane Broncos: With a strong core playing group and coming off a disappointing Grand Final loss, I expect the Broncos to come out with a rocket up them and top the comp.
Penrith Panthers: Despite some player departures, the Panthers' solid core and coaching stability should keep them near the top of the ladder. The players they’ve had sitting in the reserves still walk into most first grade sides.
South Sydney Rabbitohs: Big call but I think Latrell Mitchell is going to have his best season yet, he’s fitter than previous years and with Jack Wighton there with him, I think he’ll be in a solid headspace to lead the Bunnies to a top 3 finish.
Newcastle Knights: An injury free season for Ponga and a resurgence of faith in Newcastle should see the Knights charge home in an improved season.
Melbourne Storm: Some question marks around Melbourne this year, but how many times have Melbourne been eulogised? Until Craig Bellamy gives us a concrete reason to doubt Melbourne, I’ve still got them at 5th.
North Queensland Cowboys: This lineup is just too stacked to not make the eight. A few bumps in the road last year set them back but as far as I’m aware they haven’t done the military boot camps again, leading to a fresher look Cowboys.
Cronulla Sharks: Same old same old from Cronulla, but with the easiest draw in the comp I’ll be shocked if they don’t scrape in.
Sydney Roosters: This is the year Sam Walker really finds his feet, and Cheese gets comfortable in the tri-colours. Teddy’s got one more finals series in him, and the Roosters always just find a way.
New Zealand Warriors: Coming off a remarkable season, the Warriors will struggle to replicate last years heroics and with stark improvements in clubs ahead of them will struggle to make it back to the eight.
Parramatta Eels: Despite talent, the Eels' inconsistent form will keep them in the lower half of the comp- potentially leading to a Brad Arthur sacking?
Gold Coast Titans: The big signing of Des Hasler and some good talent coming through will keep the Titans there abouts, but tough competition will just hold them off.
Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs: Rebuilding efforts and an unreal back line up won’t be enough to make up for the lack of depth in the forwards. Too many utilities.
Dolphins: The Fins will struggle for consistency again, pulling off a few upset wins, but losing the games they should be winning.
Manly Sea Eagles: Turbo plays the whole season, and they probably finish higher. But he’s the most injury prone bloke in the comp, and Manly look lost without him.
Wests Tigers: The Tigers finally make their way off the bottom of the ladder in 2024, with some strong recruiting efforts. The fact they are still early doors in an exciting rebuild stage, will leave them finding some of the competition just too strong.
Canberra Raiders: I’d love to be wrong about this one, but a lack of experience and serious lack of depth in the spine should anything happen to Jamal Fogarty is going to be a big problem for the Raiders.
St George-Illawarra Dragons: Shane Flannagan will have an early impact initially but as the season drags on, the Dragons will find themselves battling the same woes they did last year and ultimately bow out mid season.