The age-old adage of rugby league is that it is always the best team each season that wins the competition, but what if I told you, it wasn't as clear cut as it seems.

You see to win a premiership, a team needs to have these three main things.

  1. A good squad and depth in each position
  2. Good defence
  3. A bit of luck

We have seen over the past few seasons that the team that wins the minor premiership is not always the team that goes on to win it all on grand final day.

Here is what each team needs to have happen during 2026 to be a chance of lifting the Provan-Summons trophy.

Parramatta Eels: Belief

It's been a long time between drinks for the Eels, creeping up this year on 40 years since they last won the competition.

With the longest active premiership drought, there is no denying Parramatta could use a title for their long-suffering fan base.

A big factor as to why they haven't won one is belief.

This side over the past couple of years have lacked the belief that they can win in the big moments and rather retreat back into what they know best.

If the Eels are to win the premiership they need big game players to stand up in the big moments, to take control of this team and dig deep whether they are down by 4 or 28.

If their leaders rise and take the reins, Parra could break their long-awaited premiership drought.

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