The 2026 NRL season is approaching, and it could well be one of the most wide-open campaigns in recent history.
While arguments could be made for why plenty of teams are in the mix for the premiership, realistically, there are only a small handful likely to take out the Provan-Summons trophy on that first Sunday in October.
The usual suspects - the teams who have dominated recent seasons - are all likely to be in the mix again, but there is also a smokey or two in the mix.
Here are the teams that can win the premiership in 2026.
4. Sydney Roosters
The Roosters are one side that should climb in 2026.
As they have done a few times in the last half a decade or so, the tri-colours were able to far outplay expectations throughout 2025.
The never-ending form and career of James Tedesco was a key reason why, but several other players, led by Hugo Savala and Naufahu Whyte, announced themselves as belonging at this level.
All of their youngsters will be a step up on what they produced in 2025, and the style of gameplay with a fit Sam Walker and arriving Daly Cherry-Evans should be both refined and more consistent.
The Bondi-based club should be a shoo-in for the top eight, and will likely push for greater prizes through September, provided they can stay fit.
Souths do NOT have as much of a chance to win compared to the Canberra Raiders and the Bulldogs.
They definitely have more of a chance than Canterbury if they stay fit. What area do the dogs have that’s better than the bunnies?
Might just be the Bunnies fan in me, but I hope the DCE move goes so wrong that by the end of the season, people are discussing whether or not the cocks should relocate.