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.

Papua New Guinea's NRL team prepares for launch

The NRL might have all eyes on the Perth Bears heading into 2026 as they build a squad for 2027, but there is also little doubt that Papua New Guinea's 19th franchise will hog some attention.

They can't sign players yet, but the logistical monster of the challenge in getting a team to Port Moresby can't be understated.

Infrastructure still needs to be built, a coach needs to be found, and then players need to be interested in the project.

If you listen to the naysayers, this project is still not a guarantee of getting off the ground in time for the 2028 campaign, despite support from the Australian federal government and the NRL.

Whether they will be in a position to start signing players from November 1 is anyone's guess.

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.