2026 Ladder Predictions.

[Blockade]

We are on the eve of another NRL season. A season that is filled with positive anticipation from the members of this group. Here's my lame attempt at predicting how the ladder will look six months from now.

1 Sydney
2 Penrith
3 Melbourne
4 Canberra
5 Cronulla
6 Souths
7 Dolphins
8 Brisbane

9 Parramatta
10 Canterbury
11 Gold Coast
12 Manly
13 Newcastle
14 NQ
15 NZ
16 St George
17 Wests

If I thought the Dolphins were going to be spared the injury curse this year, I would easily pick them in the top 4. But, early indications seem to suggest that the frustration will continue. But, they will again enjoy their moments when they are the form team in the comp. But, inconsistency and the lack of a stable line-up will again play their part in '26.

 

[Equaliser]

We are on the eve of another NRL season. A season that is filled with positive anticipation from the members of this group. Here's my lame attempt at predicting how the ladder will look six months from now.

1 Sydney
2 Penrith
3 Melbourne
4 Canberra
5 Cronulla
6 Souths
7 Dolphins
8 Brisbane

9 Parramatta
10 Canterbury
11 Gold Coast
12 Manly
13 Newcastle
14 NQ
15 NZ
16 St George
17 Wests

If I thought the Dolphins were going to be spared the injury curse this year, I would easily pick them in the top 4. But, early indications seem to suggest that the frustration will continue. But, they will again enjoy their moments when they are the form team in the comp. But, inconsistency and the lack of a stable line-up will again play their part in '26.

1. Dolphins
2. Melbourne
3. Penrith
4. Roosters
5. Melbourne
6. Broncos
7. Souths
8. NQ
   
   
9. NZ
10. Canterbury
11. Parramatta
12. Wests
13. Canberra
14. Cronulla
15. Gold Coast
16. Newcastle
17. St. George

 

[Josh]

We are on the eve of another NRL season. A season that is filled with positive anticipation from the members of this group. Here's my lame attempt at predicting how the ladder will look six months from now.

1 Sydney
2 Penrith
3 Melbourne
4 Canberra
5 Cronulla
6 Souths
7 Dolphins
8 Brisbane

9 Parramatta
10 Canterbury
11 Gold Coast
12 Manly
13 Newcastle
14 NQ
15 NZ
16 St George
17 Wests

If I thought the Dolphins were going to be spared the injury curse this year, I would easily pick them in the top 4. But, early indications seem to suggest that the frustration will continue. But, they will again enjoy their moments when they are the form team in the comp. But, inconsistency and the lack of a stable line-up will again play their part in '26.

Every year there is one team that shocks everyone. Or usually 2. One for how good and one for how bad. Last year it was Canberra and Gold Coast. This year:

1. Melbourne (in the regular season with Bellamy they are always so consistent.)
2. Dolphins (I'm tipping Woolf to overcome our defensive woes)
3. Broncos
4. Penrith
5. Roosters (I just think DCE is past it. He's going to be a downgrade.)
6. Souths
7. Tigers (team that shocks everyone.)
8. Parramatta
9. Canterbury
10. Cronulla
11. NQ
12. NZ (Metcalf isn't expected back until several rounds into the season and even then, he is good but not a superstar.)
13. Canberra
14. Newcastle (Ponga to remain fit the entire season.)
15. GC (Will improve. That halfback looks the goods but will do the first half of the season at least in QLD Cup.)
16. Dragons
17. Manly