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.
South Sydney Rabbitohs
Grade: A-
Current record: 4th place, 4 wins, 2 losses, 1 bye, 10 points, + 30
The Rabbitohs resurgence was always likely this year if they could stay fit, and in truth, the injury curse will be what stops them later in the year if they do fall apart.
They have the ability to put up points in a hurry, as has been on display plenty this year, but Wayne Bennett's side have also defended better than anyone expected.
Cameron Murray has been excellent in returning from his season-long 2025 injury, Latrell Mitchell looks hungry, and Jye Gray just keeps going up the levels.
His injury didn't stop them against the Dragons on the weekend, but with Gray and David Fifita out, a real test awaits the Maroubra-based outfit this weekend as they travel south to clash with the Melbourne Storm in a city they typically struggle to win in.
Still, Souths are well on track for the pointy end of the ladder at the business end of the year.
Best player: Jye Gray
Zero Tackle MVP leader: Latrell Mitchell (5th)
Prediction: 2nd
