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.
Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles: More grunt up front
The Sea Eagles boast a rich history of being finals contenders and winning premierships, but as of late those appearances and the reward that comes with it have dwindled drastically.
The Sea Eagles in the first month of footy looked less like a rugby league team and more like a circus, although things look to have turned a corner under Kieran Foran.
If Manly are to win a premiership, it will be from these two things.
If you had asked a few weeks ago, it would have been a new coach, but that has happened and FozBall looks the real deal. Manly also need more grunt in the forward pack, more mongrel, because right now they don't look ferocious at all.
Critta is back now and we can’t rely on 1 player. We have good depth but they are too young right now.