September has arrived, and the start of finals footy is here, as eight teams are left fighting for the premiership.

With every side making the cut, we take a look at the weaknesses that could bring their 2026 campaign to an end.

New Zealand Warriors: Finals inexperience

The New Zealand Warriors have had a stunning season and have secured their spot for a home finals game. With the success the side has had during the regular season, can they continue their success in unfamiliar territory?

The Warriors have been one of the most consistent teams throughout the season, beating seven out of the eight top teams. With their current position on the ladder, the Warriors are entering the finals series as genuine premiership contenders rather than the underdogs.

The New Zealand side has reached the finals 10 times since their inclusion into the NRL in 1995. They have made two Grand Finals, won one minor premiership, but are yet to lift the trophy. As their chances this year are looking promising, the Warriors need to find success in close and intense games.

The Warriors have plenty of players who have played finals and won premierships, but as a pack, this is the first year they take on September together. Facing sudden-death games and finding success is vastly different to regular-season games. Without the experience of facing finals footy, the pressure could potentially derail premiership hopes.

NRL Rd 26 – Warriors v Knights
AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND - AUGUST 30: Tanner Stowers-Smith runs out ahead of the round 26 NRL match between New Zealand Warriors and Newcastle Knights at Go Media Stadium, on August 30, 2026, in Auckland, New Zealand. (Photo by Hannah Peters/Getty Images)

1 COMMENT

  1. On the Sharks, Bella, I believe their biggest weakness is their coach.

    Ever since he arrived in Cronulla he has been loath to make best use of the players he has in his squad.
    He consistently picks the same old faces, regardless of the quality of newer squad members.

    Hence he ran into a brick wall a month out when injuries meant he has had to play old guys out of form or bring in new guys with zero experience is first grade.

    Add to that his poor handling of the bench. He used only 3 interchange players in last weeks loss to the Storm. He has selected SIX forwards on the bench for the first week of the finals. No backs, and this with Trindall being rushed back in after his shoulder dislocation.

    I genuinely believe that a better coach would have had the same squad as genuine contenders this season.