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.
South Sydney Rabbitohs: Limit brain explosions
The Bunnies have had a wonderful history and have been a real force of the competition.
However, one premiership in 50-odd years is something they are hoping to change.
The Rabbits have talent across the park and boast some of the games best, but they sometimes can become their own worst enemy.
Brain fades and aggression from their key playmakers can sometimes come back to bite them and this is something they need to fix if they are to win the premiership in 2026.
The Rabbitohs, if they keep their heads and play their fast, free-flowing style of footy could win it all.
Critta is back now and we can’t rely on 1 player. We have good depth but they are too young right now.