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.
Newcastle Knights: More size up front
The Knights come with a battlers mentality - the little fish taking on those in the big pond.
For a long while, the Knights have looked as if they don't quite fit among the top teams in the NRL. No discredit to the Knights and one of the game's more exceptional fan bases, but it has been a few lean years for them.
2026 has started red hot even after losing million-dollar man Dylan Brown and club captain Kalyn Ponga to injury.
The last few weeks, the Knights have begun to struggle and that is to be expected with injuries.
What Knights lack is some serious size up front and a recognised number 9. If the Knights can land a quality hooker and some mongrel up front they could make a sure run for the premiership.
Critta is back now and we can’t rely on 1 player. We have good depth but they are too young right now.