The race for the NRL's minor premiership is beginning to heat up, and the top four looks to have cemented itself as the Warriors, Panthers, Roosters and Dolphins are expected to hold their spots.
History heavily suggests teams only have a chance at the title if they finish the regular season in one of the top four positions.
Let's run through why each of the four sides can win the 2026 premiership and what's working in their favour.
Dolphins
Nothing to lose
The Dolphins come into their first finals campaign in unique circumstances. Given it's their first bite at the premiership cherry, not many are expecting them to claim the shield on Grand Final day. With not much expectation on them to perform at the highest level, it makes them a dangerous threat with the pressure off them from outside scrutiny.
It gives them a unique point of attack which could prove vital in their premiership hunt during their fourth year in the NRL.
Overwhelming attacking flair
The Dolphins can strike from anywhere, and with two attacking weapons in the halves in Kodi Nikorima and Isaiya Katoa pulling the strings either side of the ruck, they are a chance of piling points on anyone, which they've proven throughout this season.
Throw in Jeremy Marshall-King and his elite deception and running game from dummy half, the Dolphins remain a threat in all areas across the side, especially if they have some 'six-agains' coming their way. They are impossible to contain.
Workhorse forward pack
The Dolphins have incredible balance in their forward pack. Both second rowers in Kulikefu Finefuiaki and Connelly Lemuelu offer spark and attacking prowess, while emerging agile forwards in Max Plath and Kurt Donoghue offer lightning quick play-the-balls playmaking skills suited to the modern game.
Meanwhile Felise Kaufusi and Ray Stone offer veteran pack stability, and work together to keep the middle solid, which has been the foundation to their side, allowing them to attack on the edges.
All-star back-line
All across the star-studded back line showcases representative X-factor, with Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow, Jamayne Isaako, Herbie Farnworth, Jack Bostock and Selwyn Cobbo notching up rep duties.
It's a formidable back line that can easily get across its opposite defender, and will all boasting representative jumpers, the confidence within the group is at an all-time high.
Suncorp final
At this stage, the Dolphins could get up to two matches at Suncorp Stadium during the finals, giving them a huge home ground advantage given they lie outside of the Sydney cluster.
With an outweighed number of fans cheering them on, it gives them a desirable advantage over Roosters and Penrith, whose fans can travel easily to their opponents' boroughs during the finals run.
The only other Queensland team the Dolphins may face is the Cowboys, but given they aren't a sealed deal to feature in September, the Dolphins go in with an edge.
