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.
Cronulla Sharks: Grit in the finals
Another year, and somewhat seemingly dishing up the same old Sharks.
Coming into every season fans say that the Sharks will make the top four and potentially go all the way, and with the roster they have who can say otherwise?
The problem in Cronulla is not the talent but the willpower to change a result. We have seen time and time again the Sharks finish the regular season in a great position before going out in Week 1 or 2 of finals.
If the Sharks are to win the premiership in 2026, they need to dig deep, they need a bit of grit in the finals and to not drop their heads when giving away penalties or falling behind on the scoreboard.
With a halfback of Nicho Hyne's quality, this team could definitely be competing come September.
