A new year has arrived, with some teams looking to carry on the good times of the last 12 months, and others looking for a 180-degree turn.
Rugby league is a sport full of storylines both on and off the field, and the season ahead will be shaped by some obvious, and some not so obvious ones.
Here are the ten storylines that will shape 2026.
World Cup eligibility circus
Love it or hate it, players are able to play for multiple nations, and it has been the saving fact behind why international rugby league exists at the level it does.
But that doesn't mean it won't be in headlines again.
Players are able to switch eligibility between Tier 1 and Tier 2 teams once per year, and in a World Cup year, that is likely to go into overdrive with players making big decisions in hopes of being selected for the tournament, which will be held in October and November.
The cut to ten teams also helps nobody, but that's where we are at, and the Pacific Island nations in particular will be out to cause havoc.
You only need to look at the end of year internationals in 2025, where Payne Haas played for Samoa, to know exactly the challenge staring down Australia and New Zealand.
Hey mate, great article – looking forward to how it all plays out…
Supposing they sack Laurie Daley, I don’t really know who will be able to take the reins at the Blues and take them to somewhere good – I suppose that’s why they had no choice but to put Daley back into the role despite his infamous history with the side.
While you mentioned the likes of Seibold and Payten’s careers on the line, I did notice, as you are indeed a Dragons fan, Scott, that you conveniently forgot to mention Flano. Odds on him lasting the year? I’m saying he’ll be gone by October. Your thoughts, mate?
Cynthia, the article quietly said “Shane Flanagan has just re-signed with the St George Illawarra Dragons”.
I think he will be safe for this year, and for next year too unless the club gets the spoon. Management recognise that no-one can turn around a club in a few seasons: the new manager needs to get rid of underperformers and guys who don’t want to work with him, and hire guys who do.
Yep – Flanno definitely safe for this year.
Re injuries at Souths and recruitment at Perth.
I believe that the unacknowledged key man at every club is the Strength and Conditioning coach. Get a good one and the injury toll is lower; get a poor one and the casualty ward is standing room only.
Well, that’s the way it seems to me, and I’d like to know who currently fills the role at Souths, and who the Perth Bears hire.