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.
Brisbane Broncos
Grade: B-
Current record: 9th place, 4 wins, 3 losses, 8 points, - 5
The Broncos have been fighting off a massive injury toll to start the 2026 season, and on Tuesday afternoon, couldn't even name 22 fit players for this weekend's battle with the Bulldogs.
Their win over the Tigers last weekend was forged in fire, and with a host of talented players due back at some point, it's hard to see them staying out of the top eight long-term.
Adam Reynolds is their key man when it comes to control and guidance through the horror injury toll, but Reece Walsh has been their best so far this year and will spark their attack once he is back on the park in the next few weeks.
Right now, you'd be hard pressed to install the defending premiers as likely to go back-to-back, but it's also taking a brave call to write them off completely.
Best player: Reece Walsh
Zero Tackle MVP leader: Kotoni Staggs (16th)
Prediction: 5th
