NRL 2026 preview and predictions
Footy is back!
It’s been a tough few months without any NRL action, but thankfully those days are almost behind us.
The Broncos have already been in competitive action, losing to Hull KR in the WCC, and this year’s Round One will be a split round again, with four sides heading to Las Vegas for the season opener before everyone else gets involved next week.
There’s loads to look forward to, and here are my predictions for how I see things unfolding in the coming months.
Last year I got 3/17 ladder positions correctly, which maintained some consistency from 2024. Here’s how I see things shaping up this year…
The ladder
| Grand Final odds | ||
| 1 | Bulldogs | 11/1 |
| 2 | Panthers | 9/2 |
| 3 | Broncos | 4/1 |
| 4 | Storm | 5/1 |
| 5 | Roosters | 11/2 |
| 6 | Sharks | 17/1 |
| 7 | Dolphins | 17/1 |
| 8 | Eels | 17/1 |
| 9 | Sea Eagles | 30/1 |
| 10 | Raiders | 11/1 |
| 11 | Warriors | 20/1 |
| 12 | Cowboys | 25/1 |
| 13 | Rabbitohs | 17/1 |
| 14 | Tigers | 33/1 |
| 15 | Dragons | 50/1 |
| 16 | Knights | 45/1 |
| 17 | Titans | 45/1 |
The Finals
I just have a sneaky feeling about the Bulldogs this year. They’ve been growing year-on-year, and a Premiership looks a distinct possibility in the next three years or so. Why not this year? On that note, I’m tipping them for the Minor Premiership, although the two aren’t related. I’m tipping them for Grand Final glory more than anything.
In 2nd, I’m expecting the Panthers to bounce back in style after an inconsistent regular season in 2025. In 3rd, I’m backing last year’s Premiers Brisbane Broncos, while Melbourne Storm still look a good shout of finishing in the top four.
On paper, the Roosters look stronger than last season, so I’ve got them in 5th, while the Sharks’ consistency has them in my 6th spot. I’m backing the Dolphins to finally get over the line and make Finals too, in 7th, with a much-improved Eels rounding out my top eight.
The chasing pack
Manly should be there or thereabouts in the hunt for Finals, but I think they’ll come up just short and finish 9th.
The Raiders were exceptional in 2025, but the loss of Jamal Fogarty and the fact they’re no longer an unknown quantity will see them drop down to 10th. I think the Warriors will drop off too, and I have them down in 11th.
The Cowboys struggled last year, and I don’t see them making significant improvements, so I have them down in 12th again, and I have the Rabbitohs only marginally improving into 13th.
In 14th, I’ve got the Tigers. I can see them improving this year, but there are only so many teams and I can’t see them making the Finals.
My bottom three are the Dragons, Knights and Titans, and I can’t see any of them getting anywhere close to Finals footy.
Grand Final Winners – Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs
Like I said earlier, I just have a strong feeling about the Bulldogs this year. The one question mark I have is whether Lachlan Galvin can lead them to a Premiership at just 20-years-old, but now he’s had a full pre-season with the team I think he’ll be raring to go in 2026.
Dally M Winner – Nathan Cleary
If the Panthers are to bounce back this year, then Cleary will be at the heart of it, so I’m tipping him to take out the game’s top individual prize in 2026.
Rookie of the Year – Coby Black
My tip for this award last year didn’t play a single second in the NRL, and has subsequently gone to rugby union, so take this prediction with a heavy pinch of salt. Although I’m expecting the Raiders to fall out of the top eight this year, there could be an opportunity for Coby Black to establish himself. He was a star in Brisbane and Queensland’s age grades, and although he needs a few things to fall his way, there’s a chance he could get into the Canberra team this year and stay there.
Dally M Coach of the Year – Cameron Ciraldo
It’s not a bold call, but if the Bulldogs are to win the Premiership, then Ciraldo is the likeliest candidate. That’s the only reason I’m going for him, but even if the Doggies don’t finish top and claim the crown, he’ll still be a contender.
So, there we have it. Add your comments below or get in touch on social media to let me know how wrong I am and I’ll be sure to look back at this in October to see how badly things went!
