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.

Top four teams fall?

All eyes will be on last year's top four to start the 2026 campaign.

There have been plenty of changes, and you could argue none of the teams are a guarantee of being there again, creating one of the more wide open seasons in recent times.

The Canberra Raiders have lost halfback Jamal Fogarty to the Manly Sea Eagles in what could prove to be one of the biggest contract moves this year.

The Canterbury Bulldogs have a rookie halfback or Lachlan Galvin at seven after making changes to their spine in 2025, the Brisbane Broncos need to find consistency, and the Melbourne Storm have also lost stars, with others ageing.

There are teams snapping at their heels too. The Penrith Panthers, Sydney Roosters and Dolphins will all consider themselves a chance of climbing, while the New Zealand Warriors will have Luke Metcalf back six weeks into the season and the Cronulla Sharks will believe they are better than the ladder showed at the end of 2025.

4 COMMENTS

  1. 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?

  2. 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.

  3. 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.