The 2026 NRL season is just around the corner, and final preparations are well underway around the competition.

The first teams are not all that far away, but for most clubs, the all-important spine is all but locked away.

The fullback, five-eighth, halfback and hooker are the players who ultimately drive the team forward, set up the points and dictate the way footy is going to be played throughout the course of the season.

There are important positions all over the park, but no team have won a competition without a strong spine.

Here are the rankings ahead of the 2026 campaign.

8. Parramatta Eels

Likely first choice spine: Isaiah Iongi, Jonah Pezet, Mitchell Moses, Ryley Smith
Other options: Joash Papalii, Ronald Volkman, Tallyn Da Silva

The Eels look a little short on depth in the spine, but there is certainly nothing wrong with the starting group.

Isaiah Iongi should only take his game to another level this year, Ryley Smith is working his way onto the scene strongly, and Mitchell Moses may be the most important player to his team anywhere in the sport.

Jonah Pezet is potentially the big question mark.

He is, without doubt, more of a halfback than a five-eighth, but also hasn't done a whole lot wrong when filling in for Cameron Munster at the Storm.

He could wind up being a game-changer for the blue and gold.