It is evident that the Penrith Panthers have formed a definitive dynasty in recent years of the NRL, making the grand final for five consecutive years prior to last year's final taken by the Brisbane Broncos.
Despite their minor premiership run this season, the prestigious Provan-Summons trophy will not be handed to them lightly.
The Roosters pushed them all the way during Week 1 of the finals, and the Dolphins are a threat from anywhere on the park. Both of those teams are clearly a chance of claiming the trophy.
An intruiging statistic shows that only two teams in the NRL have ever lost a week one qualifying final from the top four and still won the premiership.
These sides include the 2015 North Queensland Cowboys and the 2021 Penrith Panthers, and who could forget Johnathan Thurston's golden point field goal or that Stephen Crichton intercept try.
Despite the stat, the teams who either had to fight for their life in Week 1 of the finals, or now have to do things the hard way after losing the opening week, are all very, very capable opposition.
Here is why the three teams apart from the Roosters can challenge.
New Zealand Warriors
Finished: 2nd
The New Zealand Warriors have been one of the most entertaining clubs to watch in 2026.
With their formidable fanbase and catchy "Up the Wahs" slogan, they have caught the eyes of supporters from all clubs.
There is a certain charisma about the side and their talented players that has bolstered attraction to the club's run to the final.
It is players such as Leka Halisima, Taine Tuaupiki and Jacob Laban who are bringing that excitement and X-factor to this Warriors side and who can deliver the people of New Zealand their first-ever NRL premiership.
The Warriors have defeated four of the five finalist teams within the regular 2026 season, with the most notable victory being in Round 23 against Penrith. They had also only lost twice at home in New Zealand before the Dolphins beat them in the first week of finals.
It is worth mentioning the depth of the halves for the Warriors, considering the club had to field seven separate halves pairings this season. As injuries have plagued their run this year, Chanel Harris-Tevita and Te Maire Martin look to be the combination they will run with heading into their semi-final against the Newcastle Knights in Auckland.
However, there are question marks regarding the possible inclusion of Luke Metcalf if he becomes fit.
If you are talking X-factor, Metcalf must be in the equation. His playing style is electric, and he is an attacking opportunity creator. Heading to the St George Illawarra Dragons in 2027, Metcalf may just get a chance to finish off at the Warriors on a high as they stare down a tough three games to the trophy.
Newcastle Knights
Finished: 7th
After an incredible turnaround following last year's wooden spoon, the Newcastle Knights are heading into a semi-final in Auckland. Led by captain Kalyn Ponga, it would be ridiculous to count them out of the title race.
With arguably one of the best winger combinations in the competition in Greg Marzhew and Dom Young, the Knights have not been afraid to score from the edge or from long range. Marzhew took out leading try-scorer with 24 tries for Newcastle in 2026, with Dom Young close behind him with 21.
Newcastle are one of the sides this year that were prominent in scoring from inside their own half. With speedsters such as Dom Young, Fletcher Sharpe and Fletcher Hunt, it is not surprising.
In their victory against the South Sydney Rabbitohs in week one of finals, it was plausible to believe their edge forwards were best on the field. Jermaine McEwan and Francis Manuleleua were absolute workhorses, and it saw McEwan scoring his first double.
Manuleleua has been a divine revelation for this Newcastle side, coming in to replace the injured Dylan Lucas. There is no doubt that Lucas' injury was not what Knights supporters wanted to see; however, with the inclusion of Manuleleau, he has exceeded expectations tenfold.
Suffering a defeat at the hands of their semi-final opponent during their final regular season match, the Knights will have to turn it up if they believe they can knock the Warriors out in straight sets.
Cronulla Sharks
Finished: 5th
The Cronulla Sharks have been one of those sides in recent years that make the finals but do not last long. Labelled 'pretenders' or 'frauds,' it has been difficult for them to shake these results, especially when games are being lost against bottom eight teams towards the back end of the season.
The top four was in reach for the Sharks; however, a shoulder injury to five-eighth Braydon Trindall struck the side, and games were lost that needed to be won.
Promising signs came from their elimination final victory over the North Queensland Cowboys. With Trindall returning from his shoulder injury, it looked like confidence was reinstated amongst the playing group. Halfback Nicho Hynes seemed to play with more freedom, and Cronulla's spine was connecting as they had been all year.
Following their five-game losing streak, the win against the Cowboys would have been good for Craig Fitzgibbon's side. It is a tough run to the grand final for them, but they have shown all year that they are more than capable of defeating the competition's top sides.
There is talent all around the park for Cronulla, notable forwards like Addin Fonua-Blake and gritty backs like Ronaldo Mulitalo; there is no shortage of ability.
Can the Sharks channel the spirit of 2016 Andrew Fifita and bring the trophy home to the Shire ten years after the last one?
There has not been a team that has ever won the competition from outside the top four in the modern NRL era. This year that could change through either Newcastle or Cronulla.
The Panthers, Roosters and Dolphins are obviously titans in the game at the moment and will be hard to topple, but that is the art of finals football. Whoever does not turn up on the day risks being knocked out with no second chances as this stage of the finals comes around.
