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.
- A good squad and depth in each position
- Good defence
- 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.
Penrith Panthers: Stay the course
The Panthers need absolutely nothing new to win the competition again for the fifth time in seven seasons.
This side is elite at every angle, every player knows their role and knows how to adjust when things go wrong.
The Panthers are such a classy outfit and no one could say otherwise.
As with any side, there is always an Achilles heel, but for the Panthers, you just want to get them on a bad day (which isn't often).
For the Panthers to win the premiership this year they just have to keep completing high and winning games.
Critta is back now and we can’t rely on 1 player. We have good depth but they are too young right now.