In the modern NRL, premierships are no longer built through one blockbuster signing; they are created through smart recruitment, elite development and the ability to retain a club's most valuable assets.
With player movement at an all-time high and expansion creating even more competition for talent, every decision in the market carries greater weight. The clubs set to thrive in 2027 have shown a clear vision for the future, locking away their emerging stars while recruiting players who complement their long-term plans.
For others, uncertainty remains. Key departures, questionable recruitment decisions and ongoing instability have left some clubs facing difficult questions about whether their current direction can deliver sustained success.
The difference between the contenders and the strugglers has never been clearer. While some clubs are building the foundations of their next premiership window, others are searching for answers.
At the top of the list, three clubs have stood above the rest with their ability to secure their future
Failed it: Brisbane Broncos
The Broncos' struggles in retention and recruitment have been the most alarming of any club this season. After winning the 2025 premiership, Brisbane will not make finals and have the worst season after a premiership in 63 years, exposing concerns around their ability to adapt to the modern game.
The biggest loss is undoubtedly Payne Haas. His decision to leave Red Hill for South Sydney was one of the biggest recruitment shocks in recent memory, but Brisbane's response has raised even more questions.
Instead of investing in a young forward who could become the next cornerstone of the club, the Broncos turned to veteran representative prop Mitchell Barnett. While Barnett remains a quality player, the signing represents a short-term, win-now approach that does not align with the current state of Brisbane's roster.
The same concerns surround the recruitment of Dane Gagai. The veteran centre is set to return to where his career began, but his arrival once again prioritises experience over building the next generation.
Jonah Pezet's arrival also carries question marks. Once viewed as one of the game's brightest young halves, Pezet has struggled for opportunities and consistency at Parramatta, spending time in reserve grade and battling injuries.
Meanwhile, the Broncos continue to lose key players, with Grant Anderson, Jesse Arthars, Payne Haas, Corey Jensen, Adam Reynolds and Gehamat Shibasaki all departing. One of their major retention moves has been extending Ben Hunt for another season, a decision that further delays the development of their young dummy-half options.
Blake Mozer and Cameron Bukowski are viewed as the future of Brisbane's number nine jersey, yet Hunt's extension, alongside Cory Paix's retention and talks with Billy Walters, could push their development further down the road.
The remaining players that have been extended include Phillip Coates (2027), Tom Duffy (2028), Cory Paix (2028), Preston Riki (2028) and Va'a Semu (2028); however, the alarm bells of lack of depth and agility in the forwards continue to ring.
11 losses overall, including Jack Gosiewski, Delouise Hoeter, Jaiyden Hunt, and Josh Rogers yet to be extended, with only three questionable additions, Brisbane's roster strategy appears to be failing.
