A lot can change in rugby league, quickly!
That will be the hope of the bottom few teams in the competition right now.
We've seen quick rises, and quick falls, across the space of a few weeks, or an off-season.
An influx of recruits, a new coach, stars returning from injuries. Sometimes it's even a youngster who catches fire at the right time.
Today we're going to look at the bottom five teams in the NRL and rank the brightness of their futures.
The below rankings take into account success next season and beyond. For instance one club may do better next season yet long-term they don't success as much as another. It's all weighted.
Ultimately this is just for fun and we'd love to hear your thoughts.
Here are the bottom five NRL teams as of Round 21 taken from the current NRL ladder, but for the pursposes of this, ranked in the order of least likely to most likely of a fast recovery.
4. Parramatta Eels
I don't think it's unfair to suggest that the Eels have underdelivered in 2026.
They should record their seventh win on Sunday against the Tigers, but are we even that confident that they will?
Jarome Luai arrives next year on a one-year deal. His performances will dictate how the Eels travel next season.
If he and Mitch Moses play to their potential, the Eels could do anything. They'll certainly mow some teams over on their day.
If he doesn't though, then what is different next year?
The Jonah Pezet signing has not worked. Their best footy came with Ronald Volkman in the halves. Luai is a much more established player than Pezet but a one-year deal doesn't fill me with great confidence.
Jaydn Su'A brings Origin quality to the squad but I feel like they needed to look elsewhere other than second row.
Jack Williams has been their best player all season. A rare standout in an otherwise below par season. I just wanted to take a moment to wrap his 2026.
In terms of losses, they're all well covered. Theoretically they should be better next year but Luai will be gone after one year so I don't have any confidence in saying this will bring long-term success.
