We are officially a quarter of the way through the 2026 NRL season, and the run to the State of Origin window is underway.
There have been surprises a plenty - both positive and negative.
Two coaches being sacked by this stage of the season has been the biggest shock, but with only one winless team left and three wins separating 2nd and 16th place on the table, the season feels as wide open as any in recent times.
The Penrith Panthers might be back to their dominant ways, but with a shake up of the rugby league landscape, and all of last year's top four sitting outside the top eight, there are plenty of opportunities for the season to continue shaking out in the coming months.
Here is every team's grade for the opening quarter of the season.
Canterbury Bulldogs
Grade: D
Current record: 10th place, 3 wins, 3 losses, 1 bye, 8 points, - 13
The Bulldogs have been exceptionally disappointing to start the 2026 season. There is really no getting around that fact.
After beating the Dragons and Raiders in a pair of low-scoring encounters to start their season, they have gone on to lose three of their next four.
That their win came as the only side to knock off the Penrith Panthers so far this year is something of a saving grace for the Belmore-based outfit.
It's fair to say their attack needs work and quickly, although signs of a transformation against Penrith were certainly there.
That they got trumped by the under-strength Eels on the weekend, though, is a major concern for Cameron Ciraldo and his side.
Best player: Jacob Preston
Zero Tackle MVP leader: Jacob Preston (34th)
Prediction: 12th
