NRL Season preview: 2026 Premiers, wooden spooners and underdog to watch

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By Chase Christensen 

The best time of the year has arrived. The 2026 NRL season is finally underway after a long, drama-filled off-season. With a fresh campaign comes bold predictions. Here’s who will finish with the wooden spoon, which side is poised for major improvement and who will be crowned premiers in 2026. 

Wooden spoon: St George Illawarra Dragons 

The Dragons have struggled for more than a decade reaching the finals just once since 2011. Their recent finishes of 16th, 11th and 15th highlight the ongoing inconsistency. After another bottom-tier result in 2025, there are limited signs of a genuine turnaround. 

Their key additions for 2026 are Daniel Atkinson and Josh Kerr. Both are solid first-grade players, but neither is considered elite in their position. Kerr delivered a respectable season with the Dolphins in 2025, while Atkinson adds depth to the halves. However, these signings alone are unlikely to dramatically shift expectations. 

Compared with the rest of the competition, the Dragons’ roster lacks strike power and depth. Manly and the Gold Coast Titans may also face challenges, but Manly still possess Tom Trbojevic, who can lift a side when fit, and the Titans have enough attacking weapons to remain competitive. 

The Dragons have not lost major personnel; the issue lies in overall squad quality. Coach Shane Flanagan has a proven record, yet turning this roster into a competitive unit will be a significant task. 

Team to Watch: New Zealand Warriors 

The Warriors loom as the competition’s most intriguing improvers. 

Their 2025 season began strongly, with 11 wins from their first 13 matches placing them near the top of the ladder. However, their momentum shifted when halfback Luke Metcalf suffered a season-ending ACL injury in June. Without him, the Warriors lost five of their final seven games and ultimately finished sixth before being eliminated at home by the Penrith Panthers. 

Metcalf’s expected return early in 2026 provides immediate optimism. On paper, this is a balanced and capable squad. The forward rotation is strengthened by the presence of Marata Niukore off the bench, while the outside backs offer genuine finishing ability. 

The addition of Alofiana Khan-Pereira brings pace and attacking threats, complementing the reliability of Dallin Watene-Zelezniak. There are few obvious weaknesses in the lineup. The key challenge will be maintaining intensity and composure across the full 80 minutes. 

If their halves combination settles - whether Metcalf partners Te Maire Martin or Chanel Harris-Tavita - the Warriors have the talent to push deep into September. 

NRL Premiers 2026: Brisbane Broncos 

The Broncos enter 2026 as deserved favourites. They have retained the core of their grand final squad, with Tyson Smoothy among the few departures. Selwyn Cobbo’s move to the Dolphins will test their depth, but his absence did not significantly disrupt Brisbane’s finals campaign. 

With Payne Haas leading the forward pack and Adam Reynolds steering the side, Brisbane combines experience with elite talent. Reece Walsh continues to develop as one of the game’s most influential players and can take control of matches when required. 

The Melbourne Storm remain contenders, though the loss of Ryan Papenhuyzen may impact their depth. At this stage, Brisbane appears best placed to claim back-to-back premierships. 

The 2026 NRL season is shaped as a contrast. The Dragons face another rebuilding year, the Warriors carry genuine upside if healthy and the Broncos remain the benchmark. As always, injuries and consistency will decide the race, but early signs point to Brisbane leading the competition once again.