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.

Wests Tigers boardroom issues

The Tigers' boardroom issues show no signs of abating as the 2026 campaign rolls around, and that in itself is a little bit disappointing.

The Tigers looked to be a club on the rise in 2025 under the coaching of Benji Marshall. Finals footy was still beyond them, but it was their best campaign in years, and the first time fans could have any real hope for what is just around the corner.

But with boardroom issues continuing, Shane Richardson departing and constant speculation about Marshall, as well as a host of players led by Jarome Luai and Jahream Bula, who both have options in their deal, staying focused will be a real challenge for the Concord-based outfit in 2026.

On paper, they should be in contention for the finals, but rugby league isn't played on paper, and the behind-the-scenes happenings at the joint-venture could be a real fork in the road.

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.