NRL 2026: Unanswered Questions and Controversies
Get ready for an exciting season of rugby league, as the 2026 campaign promises to be one of the most open and unpredictable in recent memory. With multiple teams vying for the top spots, the race to the finals is shaping up to be a thrilling journey.
The Battle for the Top Four: A Wide-Open Field
The defending minor premiers, Canberra, are back with a bang, while the consistently strong Cronulla and the rapidly improving Dolphins are also in the mix. But don't forget about the sleeping giant, Canterbury, who could rise from their slumber and shake up the league.
Who will ultimately secure a spot in the top four? Only time and 27 intense rounds of rugby league can provide the answer.
Are the Panthers and Storm Still Champions?
Both powerhouse clubs suffered setbacks last season, with the Broncos' impressive finals run leaving them disappointed. The Panthers started slowly, feeling the impact of key departures, while the Storm struggled with their defense throughout the year.
But here's where it gets controversial: The Storm's 2026 lineup looks very different due to injuries and player movements. Local fullback Sua Fa'alogo brings explosive speed, but his first full season in the No. 1 jersey will be a true test. Meanwhile, Penrith has had a stable off-season, re-signing key players like Jack Cogger, who was a vital contributor in the 2023 grand final. Their key improvers, Blaize Talagi and Casey McLean, are poised to make a significant impact.
The Payne Haas Dilemma: Workload and Wellness
Michael Maguire, the taskmaster coach, faces a challenging situation as the game's best forward, Payne Haas, has signed with Souths for the upcoming season. Haas has played a mountain of minutes in his NRL career and is known for his ability to complete 80-minute performances at a high level. However, he has been managing knee, foot, and back injuries in recent years.
Maguire, known for his demanding coaching style, will need to find the perfect balance for Haas. Will he be able to provide the rest Haas needs or wants while still spearheading their premiership assault? It's a delicate situation that will be closely watched.
Daly Cherry-Evans: Still a Force to Be Reckoned With?
The Roosters, led by Dally M-winning fullback James Tedesco, are expected to make a strong showing this season, especially with their headline off-season signings. The arrival of Blues hooker Reece Robson brings much-needed stability to their middle, but the switch of Manly and Maroons legend Daly Cherry-Evans to the tricolours adds an element of risk.
Halfback Sam Walker is set to retain his key role, leaving Cherry-Evans in a supporting position that utilizes his experience and kicking skills. At 37 years old, fitting both players into a team that leans more towards attack than defense will be a challenging puzzle for coach Trent Robinson.
Can the Rugby League Family Keep It Together?
As negotiations for the next TV deal continue, the NRL is poised to secure a record-breaking agreement. Representatives from interested parties, including the global head of Dazn, Len Blavatnik, attended the season's start in Las Vegas last weekend.
While the NRL has been promoting its global appeal, the reality is that the uplift in any deal will come from the level of competition between local players and the willingness of rights holders, possibly including multiple free-to-air partners, to invest.
Despite the strong local appeal of the NRL, highlighted by a record grand final audience, a slow start to the season or player indiscretions could impact the game's biggest revenue stream.
The Dally M Lawyer of the Year: A Legal Battle
Apart from the Payne Haas bombshell, the major pre-season news story has been the legal dispute surrounding Zac Lomax. The question of whether his former club, Parramatta, was entitled to play hard ball to prevent him from signing with Melbourne has kept corporate law firms busy.
Manly is involved in two ongoing court matters related to player treatment during pre-season training, while the Bulldogs settled a separate matter with former player Jackson Topine last month.
As the NRL prepares for the next broadcast agreement and a new collective bargaining agreement in 2028, the legal battles and negotiations will continue. And let's not forget the extensive work required to establish the Perth Bears and PNG Chiefs for the upcoming season.
2026 is shaping up to be a year dominated by suits and legal maneuvers.
