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.
Newcastle Knights: Injuries and suspensions
The Newcastle Knights have had a turnaround season from last year, securing their spot in the finals. However, injuries and discipline may interrupt the underdogs in their campaign to win it all.
Dylan Brown, their star halfback, suffered an ACL injury in Round 21, ending his season prematurely. Dylan Lucas, another breakout star for the side, sustained an ankle injury also in Round 21, ending his season. With the recent suspension of Jacob Saifiti, the forward will miss four games for Newcastle.
Losing key players this late in the season disrupts their pack entirely, as there is little time to produce new combinations and have them ready for finals. Newcastle's depth will be tested against teams who have solidified their spines.
The Knights have shown promise this season, but will the key absences in their squad take hope from Newcastle fans?
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.