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.
Sydney Roosters: Complete, improve discipline and play ad-lib footy
The most prestigious club in rugby league has been light on premierships the last seven years.
The Roosters have boasted some incredible talent from 1-17 but have struggled to put away top teams and complete at a high rate.
This one is simple for the tri-colours, control the discipline, control the ball and they will be in the mix.
The ill-discipline and errors from the Roosters is one of the worst in the league.
The Sydney Roosters have elite players across the park and if they are going to win the comp in 2026 they need to be disciplined and complete highly and play their ad-lib style of footy.
Wests Tigers: Play eyes up footy
The Tigers have struggled for years since their maiden premiership in 2005. Since then the finals appearances have been few and far between.
2026, however, has been a great year so far for the merger club as they look to navigate the Benji era with some success.
Wests have found themselves in the top four early in the season and are playing great footy.
If the Tigers are to win the comp, they need to keep throwing the ball around and playing eyes up footy as it's one of their strengths - getting it out to the fast men on the outside.
If the Wests Tigers can keep playing structured and fun footy, they could go all the way.
Critta is back now and we can’t rely on 1 player. We have good depth but they are too young right now.