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.
The Dolphins: Defensive consistency
The Dolphins have marked the competition this year as they secured their top four spot in the regular season.
Coming into the NRL in 2023, the club has found immense success early in their inclusion. However, the club has faced significant losses in games this season that show their inconsistencies in their defence.
The Dolphins have put up great performances against many teams, but have also leaked significant points throughout their campaign. Losing to Manly 18-52 in Round 5 and their significant loss 0-66 to Cronulla in Round 19 raise alarm bells about their defence.
Against a finals team, Redcliffe may only have a few genuine attacking opportunities; giving away tries or lacking momentum may prove costly.
Redcliffe need to find a way to gain control, as teams have proven to achieve dominance and flush out the Queensland side.
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.