The beginning of an NRL season is arguably the best time of the year.
Hope is in the air, whether it be genuine or not.
The chance for every single team to make Finals, even a Grand Final, is there for the taking!
As fans we can all be talked into believing that this is our year. Even though for 16 (soon to be 17) teams, that is not the case.
Today we are here to look forward to 2026. Specifically what your team has to look forward to next year.
These are meant to be light hearted, although truthfull.
With that said, below is the one thing your club has to look forward to in 2026:
6. Newcastle Knights: A genuine halves combo leads to best spine in years
The Knights are going to enter 2026 with their best spine in ... literally could not tell you.
Fletcher Sharpe is going to be a superstar at six while Dylan Brown's back end of 2025 was magnificent. He may win the Golden Boot award.
Throw in Sandon Smith at nine and a fully fit Kalyn Ponga and they literally have to rise from their 2025 efforts.
Simplistic, controversial but enjoyable.
– Cleary or Moses. I know – Cleary looks good for Penrith because of the rest of the team, and looks unimpressive for SOO because of the rest of the team. One team plays to his strengths, and one does not. I can’t split the two guys because Moses plays for a lesser team, and doesn’t get much SOO opportunity.
– Newcastle. Untried combinations through the spine. KP will flatter to deceive, as usual.
– Cronulla. Generation Next won’t get a run in first grade unless a coach crash hospitalises half the first team.
Manly – I just don’t know what to expect ……