Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is a known NRL aficionado.
The rabid South Sydney fan is intrigued by the impending 2023 season and is predicting his Rabbitohs to play off in the Grand Final.
After they were beaten in the Preliminary Final by eventual premier Penrith last season, ‘Albo’ has the Bunnies going at least one better this year.
But who will they play in the 2023 decider?
He is forecasting the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs, who finished 12th in 2022, as the season’s “bolters” while tipping South Sydney’s local rivals the Roosters to have a decent campaign.
“South Sydney to of course win, of course I would predict that,” Albanese said on SEN 1170 Breakfast.
“To beat either the Doggies, as the big bolters this year, or the Chooks in the Grand Final.”
Albanese spoke of the tantalising prospect of a Souths v Roosters Grand Final.
“How good was the Semi (Elimination) Final,” Albo added.
“I watched that here at the lodge in Canberra and it was a brutal game of rugby league. It was outstanding.
“They just have so much passion and that would be really something.”
Albanese was also asked who he believes will finish down the bottom and claim the wooden spoon.
He suggests it will be a long season for the NRL’s newest franchise the Dolphins.
“You’ve got to think that the Dolphins are going to do it pretty tough,” he added.
“I hope they do well, I hope they win some games this year but it’s going to be a development (year).
“I think they’ll be a success in the long-term. Of course they have the super coach Wayne Bennett, (so) you can’t write them off.
“Over the season there’ll be a few teams get a bit complacent with them and Wayne will sort them out.”
The 2023 NRL season kicks off on March 2.
Listen to the full chat with Anthony Albanese below:
