Reasons to Support Each NRL Team

Don't know who to go for? Maybe you're an old Bears fan, new to the NRL, or disillusioned with your former club? This might help.

Choosing a team to support isn’t always easy. For some it is, you just jump on board whatever team your Dad goes for. Sometimes, that leads to a lifetime of success and happiness. For others, it means the first 30 years of your life as a sports fan are joyless.

There are those who found their team and were unlucky enough to have them removed from the NRL, like the North Sydney Bears.

Some, like me, had a team when they were young, fell away for whatever reason, and now just don’t really go for anyone. Others have deliberately moved on from their club due to controversies like the Manly Sea Eagle’s pride jersey saga in 2022.

It isn’t easy to latch onto a random team and commit to them. I thought about going for the Gold Coast Titans in 2023 because I have a crush on Tino Fa’asuamaleaui and their jersey’s cool, but I just don’t care enough about them.

I bought a Panthers jersey to try to rekindle my childhood passion, but I know that’s just a fantasy. Maybe when they bring back these boys.

Until then, I’m in a team-less limbo. Alas, if you’re in a similar boat, here are a few reasons to go for each club this season.

Brisbane Broncos

Spend your days pining for times gone past? Can’t stop thinking about the one that go away? Wish you could go back to the days when you were at Uni? The Brisbane Broncos are the kings of reminiscing.

Canberra Raiders

Love milk? In all seriousness, the Canberra Raiders are always dangerous, whether they are truly vying for the premiership or just fighting for a spot in the finals. Led by the always-fun-to-watch Jack Wighton and with plenty to build upon going forward, the Raiders are the perfect team for a new NRL fan.

Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs

After several years of sitting in the dregs of the NRL coffee cup, the Bulldogs are undoubtedly on the rise. Luckily, they haven’t had success yet, so you can’t be labelled a bandwagoner. With cool jerseys, youngsters full of potential and solidified stars, the Doggies have a bright future.

Cronulla Sharks

What better attraction to a team is there than one of the most attractive men in the NRL and an equally talented team? Nicho Hynes and the Cronulla Sharks should compete for Premierships for the foreseeable future. If not, at least they’re good to look at.

Gold Coast Titans

If looking good is important to you, then the Titans have got you covered. It’s about all they’ve got. They might not win, but with Kieran Foran and Tino Fa’asuamaleaui leading the team around, and with one of the competitions best jerseys, they’ll look great while losing.

Manly Sea Eagles

Do just absolutely loathe when the sun comes out after it’s been raining? The Manly Sea Eagles are the team for you. You might also connect with them if you like having one of the best players in the sport on your team. Even if he is a bit fragile.

Melbourne Storm

Always fighting for the Premiership no matter what hardships they go through, the Storm is coming to the end of Craig Bellamy’s reign as head coach. Getting in now, before Melbourne’s next stage as a club, is an exciting prospect.

Newcastle Knights

Unless you’re a fanatical NIB employee, love coaches that have “been involved” in four grand finals or are a devout Novocastrian, keep scrolling.

New Zealand Warriors

If you live in or are from New Zealand, support the Warriors. If you don’t, choosing the Warriors would be a brutal showing of mental self-flagellation.

North Queensland Cowboys

Unless you’re from North Queensland, I’m not sure why the Cowboys would be your choice. I suppose you might like teams with massive potential to improve and the ability to compete right now. If that’s your thing, I won’t judge.

Parramatta Eels

Don’t do it to yourself unless you live in Parramatta. In that case, go for Penrith.

Penrith Panthers

Winning back-to-back premierships and looking more than likely to compete for a third, the Panthers are the best team in the NRL and have been for a few years now. They don’t need more fans.

South Sydney Rabbitohs

Love boring jerseys, ugly socks and regular disappointment? The lads at Redfern have got you sorted. Truly though, Latrell Mitchell and Cameron Murray are two of the best players in the game and don’t look like leaving anytime soon.

St. George Illawarra Dragons

Love breaking laws, sneaking team secrets to the media and never winning? I’d like to say that the Dragons at least have some awesome apparel to bring in the younger crowd. They’re the Dragons! Surely they have a sick jersey of flames and a reptilian beast… they do not.

Sydney Roosters

Success, tradition, beaches, money, history, hot boys, money, beaches and more success. If that’s your vibe, and it probably is, the Roosters are a safe bet. Though, a Rooster isn’t the coolest animal.

The Dolphins

Truly unsure about who you want to support? Don’t live near any other clubs? If you’re unfortunately located, The Dolphins were literally made for you.

Wests Tigers

Heading into any previous seasons, this section would just say ‘no’. Thanks to a few significant signings and the elevation of some youngsters, the Tigers look like they could be competitive in 2023 and beyond. Though, I still wouldn’t recommend it.

Thanks for reading!

I’ll be writing some stuff throughout the NRL season. If you like having something to read during your morning commute or while sitting on the toilet, subscribe to receive each post directly to your email.

If you like to live on the wild side, don’t subscribe. If it’s meant to be, it will be.

Cya next time - MD