The 2026 NRL season is here and if the off-season noise is anything to go by, we’re in for absolute chaos in the best possible way.
Heavyweights are loading up, young guns are ready to explode, and there’s already steam coming for a couple of smoky premiership plays. The Panthers are chasing history again, the Broncos look primed to go one better, and don’t sleep on a couple of teams who’ve quietly won the summer on the recruitment front.
Below, Will Evans goes through every team in the comp, including the key ins and outs, their form from last year, and of course, a tip for the coming season!
In: Grant Anderson (Melbourne Storm), Tom Duffy (North Queensland Cowboys), Aublix Tawha (Dolphins)
Out: Fletcher Baker (Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs), Coby Black (Canberra Raiders), Selwyn Cobbo (Dolphins), Kobe Hetherington (Manly Sea Eagles), Israel Leota (rugby union), Jock Madden (Wests Tigers), Latrell Siegwalt (South Sydney Rabbitohs), Tyson Smoothy (Wakefield Trinity), Martin Taupau (retired), Bailey Trew (released)
- 2025 Finish: 4th (premiers)
- 2026 Predicted Finish: 4th
2025 Betting Statistics
Head To Head
- Overall: 15-9
- Home: 9-3
- Away: 6-6
Against The Line
- Overall: 10-14
- Home: 5-7
- Away: 5-7
Premiership Odds: $5.00
The Broncos ended a 19-year drought in spectacular fashion in 2025 and head into their title defence as premiership favourites. But are they as well-equipped to replicate that success as recent back-to-back champs Sydney Roosters and Penrith? After a rollercoaster start to life under Michael Maguire, the Broncos’ mere Top 8 prospects were in the balance as late as Round 24. But they rode the talismanic brilliance of Reece Walsh – who spent much of the season being criticised for his inconsistency – on one of the great finals charges, culminating in an unforgettable grand final comeback at Melbourne’s expense. Brisbane has lost grand final squad members Kobe Hetherington and Tyson Smoothy, along with Selwyn Cobbo, but Grant Anderson, Aublix Tawha and Tom Duffy shape as astute pick-ups. Perhaps the biggest wildcard ahead of 2026 is the impending exit of champion prop Payne Haas and whether that has a disruptive impact on the campaign. The fitness of spine veterans Adam Reynolds and Ben Hunt, both 35, will also be crucial. But there’s little question that a Broncos side with Walsh, Haas, Pat Carrigan, Ezra Mam and co. loom as the team to beat when the whips get cracking in September. low
In: Coby Black (Brisbane Broncos), Jayden Brailey (Newcastle Knights), Sione Finau (St George Illawarra Dragons), Daine Laurie (Penrith Panthers)
Out: Adam Cook (Leigh Leopards), Jamal Fogarty (Manly Sea Eagles), Albert Hopoate (Warrington Wolves), Danny Levi (Leeds Rhinos), Jordan Martin (Mackay Cutters), Trey Mooney (Newcastle Knights), Pasami Saulo (Newcastle Knights), Manaia Waitere (Melbourne Storm)
2025 Finish: 1st (semi-finalists)
2026 Predicted Finish: 5th
2025 Betting Statistics
Head To Head
- Overall: 19-5
- Home: 11-1
- Away: 8-4
Against The Line
- Overall: 11-13
- Home: 5-7
- Away: 6-6
Premiership Odds: $15
Canberra followed up one of the most unexpected minor premiership successes of the NRL era with the first straight-sets finals exit by a top-seeded team since 2009 – and the first ever to lose twice at their home ground. The manner of their second-half qualifying final collapse to Brisbane and a meek semi-final exit at the hands of Cronulla consigned what should be regarded as momentous campaign to a summer of soul-searching. Meanwhile, the Raiders are looking to fill the boots of cool-headed veteran No.7 Jamal Fogarty. On the plus side, Ethan Strange and Kaeo Weekes emerged as two of the NRL’s most dynamic young stars in an effervescent backline, while Joe Tapine, Hudson Young and Josh Papalii provide the bedrock of one of the competition’s most formidable packs. The versatile Daine Laurie could have a key role to play, but high-profile hooker Jayden Brailey seems a superfluous buy with Tom Starling and Owen Pattie in the Raiders’ ranks. Ricky Stuart, in his 13th season at the helm in the capital, should be able to limit last September’s psychological damage, but grooming Ethan Sanders or Coby Black as his new halfback linchpin may be the factor a strong follow-up hinges on.
In: Kade Dykes (Cronulla Sharks), Sean O’Sullivan (Dolphins), Leo Thompson (Newcastle Knights)
Out: Tom Amone (Hull KR), Drew Hutchison (Oak Flat Eagles), Reed Mahoney (North Queensland Cowboys), Kurtis Morrin (Gold Coast Titans), Joseph O’Neill (St George Illawarra Dragons), Toby Sexton (Catalans Dragons), Luke Smith (London Broncos), Ryan Sutton (released), Blake Taaffe (Castleford Tigers), Blake Wilson (Manly Sea Eagles)
2025 Finish: 3rd (semi-finalists)
2026 Predicted Finish: 6th
2025 Betting Statistics
Head To Head
- Overall: 16-8
- Home: 9-3
- Away: 7-5
Against The Line
- Overall: 15-10
- Home: 7-6
- Away: 8-4
Premiership Odds: $13
The Bulldogs have made serious progress under Cameron Ciraldo, ending an eight-year finals drought in 2024 and finishing in the top four for the first time since 2012 last year. But after a blazing 9-1 start to the 2025 premiership, they ultimately won only one of their last six games (including finals) and conceded 72 points in playoffs losses to the Storm and Panthers. The jury remains out on the decision to bring Lachie Galvin to the club mid-season – and whether he and Matt Burton can be the halves combination to take the blue-and-whites to the next level (though Mitch Woods could be fast-tracked into the No.7 with Burton a centre option). Toby Sexton and Reed Mahoney have been moved on, while Leo Thompson has arrived to add quality starch to the pack, but he’s already in the casualty ward for the first couple of months of the campaign. With a nucleus of Stephen Crichton, Viliame Kikau, Jacob Preston, Connor Tracey, Jacob Kiraz, Galvin and Burton, the Bulldogs should be on the cusp…but the make-up of their spine remains a huge question mark hanging over their 2026 prospects.
In: None
Out: Daniel Atkinson (St George Illawarra Dragons), Max Bradbury (Tweed Seagulls), Kade Dykes (Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs)
2025 Finish: 5th (preliminary finalists)
2026 Predicted Finish: 9th
2025 Betting Statistics
Head To Head
- Overall: 15-9
- Home: 10-2
- Away: 5-7
Against The Line
- Overall: 16-11
- Home: 8-5
- Away: 8-6
Premiership Odds: $19
Cronulla has made the finals in 10 of the last 11 seasons, won 14-plus games for the past four seasons and have played in back-to-back preliminary finals – yet Craig Fitzgibbon’s side are still finding it hard to get corresponding respect on their name. They impressively dumped the Roosters and Raiders out of the 2025 playoffs, shedding a long-standing flat-track bully reputation, and were competitive in their exit against the Storm. But finding that next level to beat the true heavyweights at the right time of the year is their quest. Marquee man Nicho Hynes has arguably become less important to the Sharks than Braydon Trindall, but Addin Fonua-Blake has added a new dimension to a strong engine-room, Blayke Brailey has developed into an elite hooker and there’s ample strike in the three-quarter line. Can this stable squad genuinely push for a premiership, though? Is another top-four-ish finish their ceiling? Or is this the year they drop off?
In: Selwyn Cobbo (Brisbane Broncos), Morgan Knowles (St Helens Saints), Brian Pouniu (Redcliffe), Brad Schneider (Penrith Panthers), Sebastian Su’a (Newcastle Knights)
Out: Kenny Bromwich (retired), Max Feagai (Gold Coast Titans), Harrison Graham (Newcastle Knights), Peter Hola (Newcastle Knights), Josh Kerr (St George Illawarra Dragons), Mark Nicholls (retired), Sean O’Sullivan (Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs), Aublix Tawha (Brisbane Broncos), Mason Teague, Junior Tupou (Sydney Roosters), James Walsh (North Queensland Cowboys), Michael Waqa (Brisbane Broncos)
2025 Finish: 9th
2026 Predicted Finish: 10th
2025 Betting Statistics
Head To Head
- Overall: 12-12
- Home: 7-5
- Away: 5-7
Against The Line
- Overall: 13-11
- Home: 7-5
- Away: 6-6
Premiership Odds: $21
The Dolphins’ first two seasons followed a similar script: strong start before a dramatic fadeout to finish 13th and 10th, respectively. In 2025 under Kristian Woolf’s coaching for the first time, an awful 0-4 start proved crucial as they landed ninth with a 50 percent win record. Halves Isaiya Katoa and Kodi Nikorima flourished as a combination, while Herbie Farnworth was on fire before an ill-timed season-ending injury. Selwyn Cobbo joins a hot backline contingent that also includes Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow. A full season out of Origin forwards Tom Gilbert, Tom Flegler and Daniel Saifiti would be an enormous boost – particularly for a team with a perceived soft underbelly that has conceded 24-plus points per game in each of their three campaigns. The Dolphins’ first-choice line-up looks finals-quality, but they’ve lost considerable depth and will need a kind run with injury – which they certainly did not get last year. Another mid-table finish looms.
In: Max Feagai (Dolphins), Lachlan Ilias (St George Illawarra Dragons), Kurtis Morrin (Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs), Luke Sommerton (Penrith Panthers)
Out: Jacob Alick-Wiencke (Leigh Leopards), Javon Andrews (Wests Tigers), Reagan Campbell-Gillard (London Broncos), Iszac Fa’asuamaleaui (Catalans Dragons), David Fifita (South Sydney Rabbitohs), Kieran Foran (retired), Carter Gordon (rugby union), Brian Kelly (Parramatta Eels), Alofiana Khan-Pereira (New Zealand Warriors), Ben Liyou (Brisbane Tigers), Ken Maumalo (retired), Sean Mullany (Mackay Cutters), Josiah Pahulu (Melbourne Storm), Sam Stephenson (retired), Thomas Weaver (Castleford Tigers)
2025 Finish:16th
2026 Predicted Finish: 13th
2025 Betting Statistics
Head To Head
- Overall: 6-18
- Home: 3-9
- Away: 3-9
Against The Line
- Overall: 12-12
- Home: 6-6
- Away: 6-6
Premiership Odds: $51
Des Hasler’s disastrous era on the Gold Coast – garnering just 14 wins in 48 games – came to a merciful end at the conclusion of the 2025 season. Josh Hannay, a highly-rated NRL and Origin assistant with two caretaker-coach stints to his name, has already made an impact at the Titans with Tino Fa’asuamaleaui and Cooper Bai recommitting to the club against the odds. How that newfound harmony translates to results remains to be seen. The Titans have lost Kieran Foran, David Fifita, Brian Kelly, Reagan Campbell-Gillard and Alofiana Khan-Pereira, among others, and recruited modestly. A clutch of Origin forwards and an overflow of pace out wide are this squad’s biggest strengths, but finding the best halves/fullback combination from a contingent that now includes perennial punching bag Lachlan Ilias – alongside livewires Jayden Campbell, AJ Brimson, Keano Kini and Jaylan de Groot – is a mind-bending puzzle. The Titans have plenty of points in them but shoring up a defence that has leaked more than 27 points per game in each of the past four seasons is Hannay’s biggest task. Expect overall improvement, if not a huge bump up the ladder.
In: Zach Dockar-Clay (Sydney Roosters), Jamal Fogarty (Canberra Raiders), Kobe Hetherington (Brisbane Broncos), Blake Wilson (Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs)
Out: Josh Aloiai (retired), Jake Arthur (Hull FC), Gordon Chan Kum Tong (Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs), Michael Chee-Kam (retired), Daly Cherry-Evans (Sydney Roosters), Lachlan Croker (retired), Aitasi James (released), Matthew Lodge (North Queensland Cowboys), Dean Matterson (Super XIII), Chris Patolo (Huddersfield Giants), Toafofoa Sipley (Warrington Wolves), Tommy Talau (Sydney Roosters), Jazz Tevaga (Wakefield Trinity), Raymond Tuaimalo Vaega (North Sydney Bears)
2025 Finish: 10th
2026 Predicted Finish: 14th
2025 Betting Statistics
Head To Head
- Overall: 12-12
- Home: 8-4
- Away: 4-8
Against The Line
- Overall: 14-12
- Home: 9-3
- Away: 5-9
Premiership Odds: $34
For the first time in 16 years, Manly heads into a season without Daly Cherry-Evans in the No.7 hotseat. He only missed 24 Sea Eagles games during his record-breaking tenure. Jamal Fogarty is about as solid a replacement as you could hope for amid the current dearth of halves in the NRL, but he arrives to steer around a team coming off a disappointing season. A late run of dead-rubber wins could not deflect from a significant decline for Anthony Siebold’s side in 2025 – and he’s one of the more under-pressure coaches heading into his fourth season. In stark contrast to ironman DCE, new captain and marquee man Tom Trbojevic has averaged 13 games a season since 2019. ‘Turbo’s’ fitness, and whether he will remain at fullback, are big talking points once again on the northern beaches. Manly’s most dynamic forward, Haumole Olakau’atu, is also coming off an injury-ravaged campaign. Stability and consistency from the Trbojevic brothers, Olakau’atu, Fogarty and Luke Brooks is imperative if the Sea Eagles’ talented tyros are to flourish. Kobe Hetherington is a good pick-up. But a tough transition year is on the cards.
In: Jack Hetherington (Newcastle Knights), Davvy Moale (South Sydney Rabbitohs), Trent Toelau (Penrith Panthers), Manaia Waitere (Canberra Raiders)
Out: Grant Anderson (Brisbane Broncos), Bronson Garlick (South Sydney Rabbitohs), Ryan Papenhuyzen (released), Jonah Pezet (Parramatta Eels)
2025 Finish: 2nd (grand finalists)
2026 Predicted Finish: 3rd
2025 Betting Statistics
Head To Head
- Overall: 17-7
- Home: 9-3
- Away: 8-4
Against The Line
- Overall: 13-14
- Home: 8-6
- Away: 5-8
Premiership Odds: $7.00
Melbourne kept on keeping on in 2025, running second in the minor premiership (their 17th top-four finish in 20 years…wow) and reaching another grand final. But the usually ruthless Storm rarely seemed consistently dominant during the season, eking out seven wins by six points or less, then grafting out hard-fought finals wins over the Bulldogs and Sharks. Meanwhile, the nature of their grand final collapse to the Broncos – as favourites – to become the first team in more than 20 years to lose back-to-back deciders may leave some psychological dents. Ryan Papenhuyzen’s shock hiatus and the tragic injury suffered by Eliesa Katoa has unexpectedly robbed the Storm of two of their biggest guns, while Xavier Coates is now set to miss half the season – though that could be alleviated somewhat if they can get their mitts on Zac Lomax. The incomparable Craig Bellamy and blue-chip triumvirate Cam Munster, Jahrome Hughes and Harry Grant won’t allow the team’s standards to slip – another top-four finish seems inevitable. But whether they can find another gear in September is another question altogether.
In: Dylan Brown (Parramatta Eels), Peter Hola (Dolphins), Asu Kepaoa (Penrith Panthers), Trey Mooney (Canberra Raiders), Pasami Saulo (Canberra Raiders), Sandon Smith (Sydney Roosters)
Out: Taj Annan (rugby union), Jake Arthur (Hull FC), Jayden Brailey (Canberra Raiders), Paul Bryan (Manly Sea Eagles), Jack Cogger (Penrith Panthers), Adam Elliott (South Sydney Rabbitohs), Brock Greacen (Castleford Tigers), Jack Hetherington (Melbourne Storm), Riley Jones (Cronulla Sharks), Jye Linnane (New Zealand Warriors), Kai Pearce-Paul (Wests Tigers), Will Pryce (Hull FC), Sebastian Su’a (The Dolphins), Leo Thompson (Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs), Tyrone Thompson (rugby union)
2025 Finish: 17th
2026 Predicted Finish: 15th
2025 Betting Statistics
Head To Head
- Overall: 6-18
- Home: 2-10
- Away: 4-8
Against The Line
- Overall: 17-8
- Home: 9-3
- Away: 8-5
Premiership Odds: $51
Adam O’Brien’s six-season Newcastle tenure ended with a wooden spoon, losing their last nine straight and scoring just 14 points per game. Ex-Gold Coast coach Justin Holbrook is an astute replacement – but he has a daunting task in front of him. Dylan Brown’s record-shattering 10-year contract puts another layer of intense scrutiny on the Knights, with the most immediate talking point being how to manufacture a halves combination out of Brown, exciting utility-back Fletcher Sharpe and Roosters hooker/half recruit Sandon Smith. Kayln Ponga missed 11 games in 2025 and remains one of the NRL’s most influential players – he and Brown could prove an irresistible combination in a backline brimming with strike. But on paper their pack is arguably the weakest in the competition with far too much dependent on 25-gamer Trey Mooney arriving and becoming a leader, while depth across the board is deeply concerning.
In: Morgan Gannon (Leeds Rhinos), Alofiana Khan-Pereira (Gold Coast Titans), Jye Linnane (Newcastle Knights), Haizyn Mellars (South Sydney Rabbitohs)
Out: Bunty Afoa (Wests Tigers), Tom Ale (Penrith Panthers), Toby Crosby (Penrith Panthers), Kalani Going (Penrith Panthers), Moala Graham-Taufa (South Sydney Rabbitohs), Edward Kosi (South Sydney Rabbitohs), Freddy Lussick (Penrith Panthers), Setu Tu (St George Illawarra Dragons), Dylan Walker (Parramatta Eels)
2025 Finish: 6th (elimination finalists)
2026 Predicted Finish: 7th
2025 Betting Statistics
Head To Head
- Overall: 14-10
- Home: 7-5
- Away: 7-5
Against The Line
- Overall: 11-13
- Home: 5-7
- Away: 6-6
Premiership Odds: $23
The Warriors were the overachievers of 2025, sitting in the top four for most of the year on the back of a blistering 10-3 start before fading to sixth as season-ending injuries to Mitch Barnett and Luke Metcalf bit hard. Andrew Webster again moulded a relatively unheralded squad that had lost a stack of top-tier experience into far more than the sum of its parts. The likes of Erin Clark and Adam Pompey enjoyed career-best campaigns, and Leka Halasima and Demetric Vaimauga provided a mouth-watering insight into the club’s future. But Metcalf’s absence for at least the first six weeks of 2026 – and the potential difficulty in regaining his best after returning to the field – could derail the Warriors’ finals bid before it gets going. Though a conservative gameplan and lack of strike will probably prevent the Warriors from getting any further than they did in 2025, Webster’s next-man-up mentality and a couple of smart buys should ensure they remain competitive as the club chases consecutive finals appearances for the first time since 2010-11.
In: Matthew Lodge (Manly Sea Eagles), Soni Luke (Penrith Panthers), Reed Mahoney (Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs), James Walsh (Dolphins)
Out: Emarly Bitungane (London Broncos), Tom Duffy (Brisbane Broncos), Karl Lawton (Hull Kingston Rovers), Nicholas Lenaz (Townsville Blackhawk), Jordan McLean (retired), Reece Robson (Sydney Roosters), Semi Valemei (Castleford Tigers)
2025 Finish: 12th
2026 Predicted Finish: 17th
2025 Betting Statistics
Head To Head
- Overall: 9-1-14
- Home: 5-1-6
- Away: 4-8
Against The Line
- Overall: 13-13
- Home: 6-7
- Away: 7-6
Premiership Odds: $34
The Cowboys were flattered by their fifth-place finish in 2024 and were exposed last season, winning just nine games to plummet to 12th. After early-season upsets of the Raiders and Panthers, their victories consisted exclusively of low-hanging fruit and, inexplicably, they had the second-worst defence in the NRL. It was a tough pill to swallow for a team with four current Origin players – and Todd Payten consequently finds himself arguably the coach most under the pump. The Townsville outfit have a blue-chip half in Tom Dearden, one of the most creative fullbacks in the game in Scott Drinkwater, handy strike out wide and a sound combination of workers and game-breakers in the pack. Reed Mahoney arrives to fill the dummy-half gap left by Reece Robson. But the Cowboys’ middle forward contingent looks less formidable with Jason Taumololo ageing and finding a permanent partner for Dearden is a headache. Another slow start will put the acid on Payten, while this looks like a club that could be only a key injury or two away from its first wooden spoon in over a quarter of a century.
In: Jack de Belin (St George Illawarra Dragons), Brian Kelly (Gold Coast Titans), Jonah Pezet (Melbourne Storm)
Out: Dylan Brown (Newcastle Knights), Bryce Cartwright (retired), Wiremu Greig (Townsville Blackhawk), Brendan Hands (Toulouse Olympique), Dean Hawkins (London Broncos), Matthew Hunter (Newcastle Knights), Shaun Lane (retired), Joe Ofahengaue (Leigh Leopards)
2025 Finish: 11th
2026 Predicted Finish: 8th
2025 Betting Statistics
Head To Head
- Overall: 10-14
- Home: 6-6
- Away: 4-8
Against The Line
- Overall: 11-13
- Home: 7-5
- Away: 4-8
Premiership Odds: $21
Parramatta made significant progress under rookie NRL coach Jason Ryles in 2025, emerging from a 5-12 record, Mitchell Moses’ frequent injury absences and the distraction of Dylan Brown’s impending exit to win five of their last seven games and build a defensive resolve. Fullback Isaiah Iongi was one of the finds of the season, and recruits Jack Williams, Josh Addo-Carr and Dylan Walker provided tremendous value. The Eels have been dudded in the Zac Lomax saga – and compensation now seems unlikely – but they’ve bought well in the shape of Jonah Pezet, Brian Kelly and Jack de Belin. It’s not the most eye-catching line-up on paper and an injury-free season for Moses is a must, but the uncompromising Ryles has the Eels rowing the right direction and a kind draw could catapult them into lower part of the Top 8.
In: Tom Ale (New Zealand Warriors), Jack Cogger (Newcastle Knights), Toby Crosby (New Zealand Warriors), Kalani Going (New Zealand Warriors), Freddy Lussick (New Zealand Warriors)
Out: David Fale (St George Illawarra Dragons), Mavrik Geyer (Wests Tigers), Asu Kepaoa (Newcastle Knights), Zack Lamont (Brisbane Tigers), Daine Laurie (Canberra Raiders), Zac Lipowicz (Catalans Dragons), Soni Luke (North Queensland Cowboys), Riley Price (Redcliffe Dolphins), Brad Schneider (The Dolphins), Luke Sommerton (Gold Coast Titans), Trent Toelau (Melbourne Storm)
2025 Finish: 7th (preliminary finalists)
2026 Predicted Finish: 1st
2025 Betting Statistics
Head To Head
- Overall: 13-1-10
- Home: 6-6
- Away: 7-1-4
Against The Line
- Overall: 10-17
- Home: 7-7
- Away: 3-8
Premiership Odds: $6.00
The four-time champions won just three of their first 11 games in 2025, before staging a remarkable nine-match winning streak to ultimately cruise into the finals in seventh. The Panthers were on course for arguably the greatest achievement of their streak before a piece of Reece Walsh brilliance foiled them late in the preliminary final. Penrith is well-placed for a bounce-back to the pointy end of the ladder and the premiership penthouse, however – for the first time in years the club is not losing a couple of first-choice stars and they have made some solid depth signings. The NSW Origin nucleus of Cleary, Yeo, Edwards, Martin and To’o remains, Lindsay Smith slotted into James Fisher-Harris’ front-row spot, and tyros Casey McLean, Blaize Talagi and Paul Alamoti will only get better after big 2025 contributions. With fellow frontline contenders Brisbane dealing with defending premier pressure and Melbourne navigating big-name losses, Penrith’s dynasty could be headed for another glorious high point this year.
In: Daniel Atkinson (Cronulla Sharks), David Fale (Penrith Panthers), Josh Kerr (The Dolphins)
Out: Jack de Belin (Parramatta Eels), Tom Eisenhuth (retired), Viliami Fifita (Manly Sea Eagles), Sione Finau (Canberra Raiders), Jonah Glover (South Sydney Rabbitohs), Lachlan Ilias (Gold Coast Titans), David Klemmer (St Helens Saints), Finau Latu (Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs), Francis Molo (The Dolphins), Ben Murdoch-Masila (retired), Cody Ramsey (Sydney Roosters), Mikaele Ravalawa (Castleford Tigers)
2025 Finish: 15th
2026 Predicted Finish: 16th
2025 Betting Statistics
Head To Head
- Overall: 11-13
- Home: 6-6
- Away: 5-7
Against The Line
- Overall: 11-13
- Home: 6-6
- Away: 5-7
Premiership Odds: $51
After dramatic improvement upon Shane Flanagan’s arrival in 2024, St George Illawarra beat Melbourne, Brisbane, Canberra and Cronulla last season to float on the fringes of finals contention – yet the Dragons ultimately finished 15th with a very modest 8-16 record. Veteran recruits Clint Gutherson and Damien Cook provided excellent value in a team beset by injuries, while a host of outstanding young forwards have emerged as long-term NRL prospects. But the Saints have lost a bevy of engine-room experience and the unavoidable reality is the club has the weakest array of halves in the competition. It’s difficult to envisage Daniel Atkinson, Kyle Flanagan and Lykhan King-Tongia steering the Dragons anywhere near the Top 8, though 19-year-old Kade Reed suggested he could be the real deal in their first trial. The Red V rebuild still has a fair way to go.
In: Adam Elliott (Newcastle Knights), David Fifita (Gold Coast Titans), Bronson Garlick (Melbourne Storm), Jonah Glover (St George Illawarra Dragons), Moala Graham-Taufa (New Zealand Warriors), Edward Kosi (New Zealand Warriors)
Out: Gerome Burns (retired), Lewis Dodd (Catalans Dragons), Ryan Gray (Tweed Seagulls), Siliva Havili (London Broncos), Jacob Host (St Helens Saints), Ben Lovett (retired), Haizyn Mellars (New Zealand Warriors), Shaquai Mitchell (Tweed Seagulls), Davvy Moale (Melbourne Storm), Mikaele Ravalawa (Castleford Tigers)
2025 Finish: 14th
2026 Predicted Finish: 12th
2025 Betting Statistics
Head To Head
- Overall: 9-15
- Home: 6-6
- Away: 3-9
Against The Line
- Overall: 9-15
- Home: 6-6
- Away: 3-9
Premiership Odds: $21
As has been the case for several seasons, South Sydney has the biggest gap between its potential performance ceiling and floor of any team in the NRL. Injuries absolutely ravaged the Rabbitohs upon Wayne Bennett’s 2025 return with big guns Latrell Mitchell, Cody Walker, Jack Wighton, Campbell Graham and Alex Johnston all missing at least eight games, and influential captain Cameron Murray appearing just once. A bright finish lifted Souths from a likely wooden spoon to 14th, while individual positives came from the likes of Jye Gray, Tallis Duncan and Jai Arrow. At full strength, this line-up should be pushing for a top-four finish…but keeping that side on the park has proved difficult. Finding Walker’s best halves partner and the right balance at dummy-half, the mooted move of Mitchell (who has not played more than 17 games in his six seasons with the club) to centre and gambling on enigmatic forward David Fifita all shape as make-or-break factors. There are still too many question marks to back a Top 8 return with great confidence.
In: Daly Cherry-Evans (Manly Sea Eagles), Cody Ramsey (St George Illawarra Dragons), Reece Robson (North Queensland Cowboys), Tommy Talau (Manly Sea Eagles)
Out: Zach Dockar-Clay (Manly Sea Eagles), Ethan King (North Queensland Cowboys), Ethan Roberts (Wests Tigers), Brandon Smith (South Sydney Rabbitohs), Sandon Smith (Newcastle Knights), Chad Townsend (retired), Dominic Young (Newcastle Knights)
2025 Finish: 8th (elimination finalists)
2026 Predicted Finish: 2nd
2025 Betting Statistics
Head To Head
- Overall: 13-11
- Home: 6-6
- Away: 7-5
Against The Line
- Overall: 12-14
- Home: 5-7
- Away: 7-7
Premiership Odds: $7.00
Given the outflux of superstars last summer and a 1-4 start, the Roosters performed admirably to qualify for the finals for the ninth straight season. Walking the tightrope for so long took its toll as the Tricolours exited at the elimination final stage, 20-10 to Cronulla. The evergreen James Tedesco carried off the Dally M Medal, Robert Toia claimed Rookie of the Year honours, rugby union sensation Mark Nawaqanitawase topped the tryscoring charts, Sam Walker shone upon his return from an ACL injury, and the likes of Naufahu Whyte, Blake Steep and Hugo Savala came along in leaps and bounds. With the benefit of far greater off-season stability and the addition of rep stars Reece Robson and Daly Cherry-Evans, the Roosters are expected to rocket back into title contention in 2026. There’s plenty of scepticism around about DCE and Walker – two career No.7s – gelling in the halves, but it appears overblown. Cherry-Evans is a leader and a winner, who should flourish after largely carrying the can at Manly for so long. A huge premiership threat and great value to bank the ninth top-four finish of Trent Robinson’s 14-season tenure.
In: Bunty Afoa (New Zealand Warriors), Mavrik Geyer (Penrith Panthers, 2026), Jock Madden (Brisbane Broncos, 2027), Kai Pearce-Paul (Newcastle Knights, 2028)
Out: Tallyn Da Silva (Parramatta Eels), Solomona Faataape (Catalans Dragons), Josh Feledy (Manly Sea Eagles), Lachlan Galvin (Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs), Krystian Mapapalangi (Castleford Tigers), Charlie Staines (Catalans Dragons)
2025 Finish: 13th
2026 Predicted Finish: 11th
2025 Betting Statistics
Head To Head
- Overall: 9-15
- Home: 5-7
- Away: 4-8
Against The Line
- Overall: 7-17
- Home: 6-6
- Away: 1-11
Premiership Odds: $41
The front office tumult that dominated the early part of the off-season and threatened to derail Wests Tigers’ 2026 campaign before it could get going has apparently subsided, allowing Benji Marshall and his charges to focus on the task of ending the longest finals drought of the NRL era (14 seasons). A midyear slump and flat finish cruelled the Tigers’ Top 8 bid in 2025, but offloading the wooden spoon after a three-year stranglehold on it represented significant progress. Former Penrith lieutenant Jarome Luai had a bumpy road slotting in as the Tigers’ main man – Lachie Galvin’s abrupt exit didn’t help – but powerhouse prop Terrell May was a buy-of-the-season contender, Sunia Turuva was a valuable pick-up, Adam Doueihi was a versatile inspiration and the likes of Starford To’a and the Fainu brothers came of age. Kai Pearce-Paul headlines a relatively modest 2026 recruitment drive and the Tigers still look a couple of key pieces short of a finals return, but they’re heading in a positive direction and are capable of winning half their games.