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:
3. North Queensland Cowboys: Drinkwater delivers
I am an unashamed fan of Scott Drinkwater.
Yes I know he can find a mistake and he loves a missed tackled but he kept the Cowboys in the Finals race for weeks longer than they otherwise deserved last year.
Drinkwater is a try assist machine and despite the Cowboys dim outlook for 26, I believe he'll have a career best season.
I also expect to him to spend the entire off-season working on the negatives of his game. He'll be better still next year.
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 ……