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.
Canterbury Bulldogs: Better selections
The Bulldogs have been building over the past few seasons mostly in part to the appointment of Cameron Ciraldo as their coach.
With a new coach came new players, and the injection of Stephen Crichton, Matt Burton and Villiame Kikau have helped this squad reach bigger heights.
In 2025, the team signed up and coming halfback Lachlan Galvin from the Tigers after starting the season with a nine and one record.
The Galvin signing looked to disrupt the apple cart, as players were moved to different positions to accommodate Galvin. Although there was a decline, the Bulldogs managed to finish in the top four which is the sign of a good season.
Enter season 2026 and The Bulldogs look a shade of themselves, struggling to put wins together and losing games that many thought they would win, now with an injury to captain Stephen Crichton, it may be season over for the once proud club.
If the Bulldogs are going to fix 2026, they must pick the correct players for the correct positions, know who you want in the halves and stick with it, no chopping and changing.
If the Bulldogs can do this, they can go all the way.
