Another NRL season is almost upon us, and you know what that means: bold calls, hotter takes, and fans already planning September holidays. The 2026 campaign shapes up as one of the most competitive in years, with powerhouse clubs reloading, contenders refusing to fade, and rebuilds finally starting to show signs of life. With some powerhouse clubs heading to Vegas to start their year, and some legends of the game looking for a swansong, let’s dive in and see who’s rising, who’s sliding, and who’s shopping for Mad Monday outfits early? Here’s our 2026 NRL Ladder Predictor, counting down from premiers-elect to wooden spoon battlers.
🥇 1. Brisbane Broncos
The Broncos look primed to turn potential into premiership silverware. With elite strike across the park, leadership in key positions, and a forward pack that can dominate for 80 minutes, Brisbane feel like the most complete team heading into 2026. If they stay healthy, the road to the title goes through Suncorp.
🥈 2. Sydney Roosters
Never count out the Chooks. The Roosters’ ability to refresh their roster without dropping standards is unmatched. Expect a fast, ruthless style built for finals footy, with plenty of big-game experience guiding them deep into September once again.
🥉 3. Penrith Panthers
The Panthers may no longer be the young upstarts, but their systems remain elite. Penrith’s development pipeline keeps delivering, and while they might not dominate the regular season like years past, they’ll be peaking right when it matters.
4. Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs
The Dogs’ rebuild finally looks complete. Strong recruitment, emerging stars, and a clear identity see Canterbury cement themselves as genuine top-four material. Blue and white jerseys will be everywhere in 2026—and for good reason.
5. Melbourne Storm
The Storm standard never slips far. Even in seasons where they’re “off,” Melbourne still finds ways to win games others don’t. Expect a disciplined, finals-hardened squad that no one wants to face when the pressure is on.
6. Parramatta Eels
The Eels should be back in the mix, with enough strike power to trouble any team on their day. Consistency remains the key question, but if they get it right, Parramatta are well and truly finals-bound.
7. South Sydney Rabbitohs
Souths continue to live dangerously—but dangerously exciting. When things click, they’re electric. A mid-table finish feels right, with the Bunnies capable of upsetting higher-ranked teams once finals roll around.
8. Canberra Raiders
The Raiders scrape into the eight on grit alone. Canberra’s physical style and ability to grind out ugly wins will be enough to edge them into finals, though a deep run may depend on staying injury-free.
9. New Zealand Warriors
So close, yet just outside the eight. The Warriors remain one of the most watchable teams in the competition, but consistency away from home may again cost them. Expect plenty of highlight moments—and plenty of sold-out jerseys.
10. Newcastle Knights
Newcastle hover around finals contention but fall just short. There’s talent across the park, but 2026 feels like another transition year as the Knights search for cohesion and confidence.
11. Manly Warringah Sea Eagles
Manly’s season looks like a rollercoaster: brilliant one week, frustrating the next. While they’ll trouble top teams at times, consistency issues see them miss the eight comfortably.
12. Cronulla Sharks
The Sharks struggle to find momentum in 2026. Despite flashes of promise, they can’t quite string together the wins needed to push into finals contention.
13. Wests Tigers
Improvement is coming—but not fast enough. The Tigers show more fight and structure, yet still lack the polish to climb the ladder significantly. The future looks brighter, even if 2026 is another tough year.
14. Dolphins
The Dolphins face a reality check in their third full season. Effort won’t be an issue, but depth and experience could see them slide down the ladder as other clubs surge ahead.
15. North Queensland Cowboys
A disappointing campaign looms for the Cowboys. Inconsistency and defensive struggles make it a long season up north, with few wins to celebrate.
16. Gold Coast Titans
Plenty of individual talent, but not enough cohesion. The Titans continue to flatter to deceive, with structural issues holding them back from climbing out of the bottom two.
🥄 17. St George Illawarra Dragons
It’s another rebuilding year for the Dragons. While effort and pride won’t be questioned, results will be hard to come by as the club focuses on long-term development rather than short-term success.
Grand Final Tip: Brisbane Broncos v Sydney Roosters
I suspect the two top dogs at the end of the season regular will knock off the Bulldogs and the Panthers in the prelims to cement their spots in one of the most must see Grand Finals in NRL history.
Final Whistle
That’s our 2026 ladder prediction—but as every NRL fan knows, footy has a funny way of tearing up the script. One breakout star, one injury crisis, or one miracle run can flip everything upside down.
No matter where your team finishes, make sure you’re backing them in style. Jerseys Megastore has you covered for the all the latest officially licensed 2026 season supporter wear, with the latest NRL jerseys, retro classics, and training gear, because ladder position fades, but team pride is forever. Jerseys Megastore, for all things footy!
