The 119th NSWRL/ARL/Super League/NRL season began last weekend. This is a late-season preview; my apologies.
In this 16th season preview, all the usual features are here: in-depth gains and losses for each club as well as each club’s top 19, the premiers, wooden spooners, biggest movers and sliders, top try scorer, Dally M Medalist, one to watch, and my 2026 ladder, which you will find after And Another Thing. All this and more are in the latest Blog of Cheese.
Premiers: Honestly, this is a tough one. None of the top contenders is sticking out to me. After careful consideration, I will pick the Roosters to win their first premiership since 2019
Wooden Spoon: I picked them to win the Wooden Spoon last year, though they would finish 15th. I don’t see any improvement on the side, and with the coach continuing to pick his son in the starting team, the Dragons will pick up the Spoon in 2026.
Biggest Movers: While they won’t make the eight in 2026, the Eels will continue their climb off the bottom of the ladder
Biggest Sliders: This is a tough one, as I don’t have any team sliding out of the top 8, though the Raiders will drop 7 spots in 2026.
Top Try Scorer: I’ve picked the same guy to win top try scorer in 2024 and 2025. This year, he is on a finals-bound team, and Alofiana Khan-Pereira will be my pick to win the Ken Irvine Medal
Dally M: Given that a current State of Origin player hasn’t won the Dally M Medal since 2021, I am not going to pick an Origin player. I think Sam Walker wins his first Dally M Medal as he takes his game to the next level.
One to Watch: For the first time since 2023, I am not going to pick a former Brisbane Tiger. I’m going to pick Parramatta Eel Richard Penisini, younger brother of Will, and also an outside back, as my choice for 2206
Brisbane Broncos
Gains: Grant Anderson (Storm), Tom Duffy (Cowboys), Ben Talty (North Sydney)-June, Jamal Shibasaki (Cowboys), Aublix Tawha (Dolphins), Mason Teague (Knights)
Losses: Fletcher Baker (Bulldogs), Coby Black (Raiders), Selwyn Cobbo (Dolphins), Kobe Hetherington (Sea Eagles), Israel Leota (Rugby Union), Jock Madden (Tigers), Tyson Smoothy (Wakefield), Martin Taupau (Released)-May
The Broncos would start their 2025 season by blowing away the Roosters, while Brisbane hunkered down for a rare cyclone. The Broncos followed that win with a loss to the Raiders. The club would bounce back with three straight wins. The Broncos would hit the skids, losing six of their next seven games to fall out of the eight. The club would reverse fortunes, winning six of its next seven games. The club would then lose to the Storm before a four-game win streak, finishing the season in 4th. A 93rd-minute Ben Hunt field goal against the Raiders advanced the Broncos to the Preliminary Final. The Broncos would come from behind to defeat the Panthers and qualify for the club’s first Grand Final in eleven years. The Broncos would come from behind once again against the Storm to seal the club’s seventh premiership.
The biggest loss is Selwyn Cobbo, though he only managed 15 games for the club last year. The club will go from being the hunter to the hunted, though with Reece Walsh still not at his peak yet, the Broncos will go deep into September.
Top 17 1. Reece Walsh 2. Jesse Arthars 3. Kotoni Staggs, 4. Gehamat Shibasaki 5. Deine Mariner 6. Ezra Mam 7. Adm Reynolds (c) 8. Payne Hass 9. Ben Hunt 10. Corey Jensen 11. 11. Brendan Piakura 12. Jordan Riki 13. Patrick Carrigan 14. Billy Walters 15. Ben Talty 16. Xavier Willison 17 Aublix Tawha 18. Tom Duffy 19. Josiah Karapani
Canberra Raiders
Gains: Coby Black (Broncos), Jayden Brailey (Knights), Sione Finau (Dragons), Daine Laurie (Panthers)
Losses: Adam Cook (Leigh), Jamal Fogarty (Sea Eagles), Albert Hopoate (Warrington), Danny Levi (Leeds), Jordan Martin (Mackay), Trey Mooney, Pasami Saulo (Knights), Jensen Taumoepeau (Titans), Manaia Waitere (Storm)
The Raiders would start the season with back-to-back wins, then back-to-back losses, finishing the opening month in 11th place. The club would then win their next five straight before a second-half collapse to the Bulldogs ended their winning streak. The Raiders would win their next nine games before a surprise loss to the Dragons. The club would win three straight before a weakened side was belted in the final round of the season, with the minor premiership already wrapped up. The Raiders would lose back-to-back finals matches, falling out in week 2.
The Raiders have lost Jamal Fogarty and have recruited Jayden Braiely as they seem to like having three hookers. How the two Ethans combine will determine how the Raiders go in making it back to the finals and improving on 2025. The Raiders will slide down the ladder in 2026
Top 19: 1. Kaeo Weekes 2. Xavier Savage 3. Matt Timoko 4. Seb Kirss 5. Savelio Tamale 6. Ethan Strange 7 Ethan Sanders 8. Corey Horsburgh 9. Tom Starling 10. Joe Tapine (c) 11. Hudson Young 12. Zac Hosking 13. Morgan Smithies 14. Owen Pattie 15 Josh Papalii. 16. Simi Sasagi 17. Matty Nicholson 18. Daine Laurie 19. Sione Finau
Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs
Gains: Fletcher Baker (Broncos), Gordon Chan Kum Tong (Sea Eagles), Kade Dykes (Sharks), Lachlan Galvin (Tigers)-May, Justin Matamua (Tigers), Sean O’Sullivan (Dolphins), Leo Thompson (Knights)
Losses: Tom Amone (Castleford)-April, Drew Hutchison (Albion Park-Oak Flats), Luke Smith (London), Reed Mahoney (Cowboys), Kurtis Morrin (Titans), Joseph O’Neill (Dragons), Toby Sexton (Catalans), Ryan Sutton (Titans)-March, Balke Taaffe (Castleford), Blake Wilson (Sea Eagles)
The Bulldogs started the season with a bang, winning five straight games to jump to first place. The winning streak was snapped with a thumping by the Broncos. The club would win five of their next six. The club would suffer back-to-back losses to drop to second on the ladder. The club would bounce back with three straight wins before a shock loss to the Tigers. The club bounced back with a win, then suffered back-to-back losses, then won again and lost again, ending the season in 3rd. The club would exit the finals with a close loss to the Storm, followed by a 20-point loss to the Panthers.
The big loss for the club is Reed Mahoney, who seemingly fell out of favour towards the back end of the season, with Bailey Howard the preferred hooker. The big signing happened mid-year with Lachlann Galvin joining the club to take over from Toby Sexton, with the move possibly costing the Dogs a premiership. The Bulldogs should make the finals, though they won’t win a premiership with Burton and Galvin in the halves and Bailey Hawyward the dummy-half.
Top 19: 1. Connor Tracey 2. Jacob Kiraz. 3. Bronson Xerri 4. Stephen Crichton (c) 5. Marcelo Montoya 6. Matt Burton 7. Lachlan Galvin 8. Max King 9. Bailey Hayward 10. Leo Thompson 11. Viliame Kikau 12. Jacob Preston 13. Josh Curan 14. Kurt Mann 15. Jacob Salmon 16. Sitili Tupouniua 17. Harry Hayes 18. Sean O’Sullivan 19. Kayde Dykes
Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks
Gains: Harrison Hassett (Panthers)
Losses: Dan Atkinson (Dragons), Kade Dykes (Bulldogs)
The Sharks started the season with a loss to the Panthers in Vegas, followed by back-to-back wins, which back-to-back losses would offset. The club would win five of their next seven before their first bye of the season. Between their two byes, the Sharks would lose three out of their next four games. The second bye worked as a reset as the club won four straight before a loss to local neighbours, the Dragons. The Sharks would win their final three straight games to finish the season in 5th place. The club started the finals with a win over the Roosters at home, before defeating the Raiders in Canberra. The Sharks would end their season in the preliminary final with a loss to the Storm in Melbourne.
The Sharks have a very similar squad to 2025 with only two losses and one gain, a rarity in the modern game. Have enough quality across the park to make the finals. I have a question around their backline depth; they will fall short of the Grand Final.
Top 19: 1. Will Kennedy 2. Sione Katoa. 3. Jesse Ramien 4. Kayal Iro 5. Ronaldo Mulitolo Braydon Trindall 7. Nicho Hynes (c) 8. Addin Fonua-Blake 9. Blayke Brailey (c) 10. Toby Rudolf 11. Briton Nikora 12. Teig Wilton 13. Cameron McInness (c) 14. Siosifa Talakai 15. Jesse Colquhoun 16. Braden Hamlin-Uele 17. Thomas Hazelton 18. Nihal Puru 19. Mawene Hiroti
Dolphins
Gains: Selwyn Cobbo (Broncos), Morgan Knowles (St Helens), Francis Molo (Dragons)-March, Brad Schneider (Panthers)
Losses: Kenny Bromwich (Retired), Max Feagai (Titans), Harrison Graham, Peter Hola (Knights), Ryan Jackson (York), Josh Kerr (Dragons), Mark Nicholls (Retired), Sean O’Sullivan (Bulldogs), Aublix Tawha (Broncos), Junior Tupou (Roosters)-June, James Walsh (Cowboys)
A rough start for the Dolphins as they were forced to switch their home game to an away game due to Cyclone Alfred. The club’s inability to train at home for the second week of the season contributed to the slow start, and they would end round 4 winless. The club bounced back with wins over the Titans, Panthers and Storm to get their season back on track. The club would squander a first-half lead to the Raiders as they headed into their first bye on the back of three losses out of their past five games. The club would come out of the bye all guns blazing, winning three of their next four, with the only loss a shock to the Knights in Perth. The club would come out of their second bye with a loss to the Sharks before back-to-back wins. The Dolphins would lose their next three straight, ending their finals aspirations. The club would finish the season on a high with back-to-back wins.
The club has signed Selwyn Cobbo, though to a one-year deal. Maybe they want to see what he can offer up close, or could Selwyn be heading to the Bears for 2027? English international Morgan Knowles joins former coach Kristian Woolf from St Helens. The Dolphins will be buoyed by the return of Thomas Flegler, who will play his first NRL game in just over 700 days. The club struggled without Jeremy Marshall-King in 2025, and with Jeremy Marshall-King missing the first five weeks, I think the Dolphins will miss the finals in 2026.
Top 19: 1. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow 2. Jamayne Isaako 3. Jake Averillo 4. Herbie Farnworth 5. Selwyn Cobbo 6. 6. Kodi Nikorima 7. Isaiya Katoa (c) 8. Daniel Saifiti 9. Jeremy Marshall-King. 10. Tom Flegler 11. Connelly Lemuelu 12. Morgan Knowles 13. Tom Gilbert (c) 14. Trai Fuller 15. Felise Kafusi 16. Francis Molo 17. Kurt Donoghoe 18. Brad Schnider 19. Jack Bostock
Gold Coast Titans
Gains: Adam Christensen (Burleigh), Max Feagai (Dolphins), Lachlan Ilias (Dragons), Dean Ieremia (Storm), Kurtis Morrin (Bulldogs), Ollie Pascoe (Ipswich), Luke Sommetron (Panthers), Ryan Sutton (Bulldogs)-March, Jensen Taumoepeau (Raiders)
Losses: Jacob Alick-Wiencke (Leigh), Javon Andrews (Tigers), Reagan Campbell-Gillard (London), Iszac Fa’asuamaleaui (Catalans), David Fifita (Rabbitohs), Kieran Foran (Retired), Ryan Foran (Burleigh), Carter Gordon (Rugby Union), Alofiana Khan-Pereira (Warriors), Brian Kelly (Eels), Ben Liyou (Brisbane Tigers), Ken Maumalo (Ipswich)-April, Sean Mullany (Mackay), Josiah Pahulu (Storm)-May, Harley Smith-Shields (Released), Ryan Sutton (Bradford), Tom Weaver (Castleford)
The Titans would win only three of their first ten games, with two wins over the Knights and a surprise win over the Roosters, leading into their first bye. Between their first and second byes, the Titans lost four out of five with a win over the Sea Eagles. The Titans would defeat the Warriors and Tigers in their final eight games to avoid the wooden Spoon on differential, though it was not enough to save the job of Des Hasler, who was shown the door.
A new era for the Titans with new owners, including ex-players Matt Johns and Gorden Tallis, following the exit of Dennis Watt. The new era continues with highly regarded assistant Josh Hannay getting his first crack at the head coaching job. Josh’s rebuild has already begun, with a large number of players being shown the door. Three fullbacks in the same 17 won’t work. It worked for the Storm, though they had Cam Smith, Cooper Cronk and Billy Slater to help them. The Titans won’t make the finals in 2026
Top 19: 1. Keano Kini 2. Siale Faeamani 3. Max Feagai 4. Phil Sami 5. Jojo Fifita 6. A.J. Brimson 7 Preston Campbell. 8. Moeaki Fotuaika 9. Sam Verrills. 10. Tino Fa’asuamaleaui (c) 11. Josh Patson 12. Beau Fermor
13. Chris Randall 14. Luke Sommetron Cooper 15. Cooper Bai 16. Kurtis Morrin 17. Klese Haas 18. Lachlan Ilias 19. Jaylan De Groot
Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles
Gains: Zach Dockar-Clay (Roosters), Josh Feledy (Tigers), Jamal Fogarty (Raiders), Kobe Hetherington (Broncos), Chris Patolo (Huddersfield), Blake Wilson (Bulldogs)
Losses: Josh Aloiai (Retired), Jake Arthur (Knights)-May, Gordon Chan Kum Tong (Bulldogs), Michael Chee Kam (Retired), Daly Cherry-Evans (Roosters), Lachlan Croker (Retired), Aitasi James (North Sydney), Matt Lodge (Cowboys), Dean Matterson (RC Albi), Toa Sipley (Warrington), Tommy Talau (Roosters), Jazz Tevaga (Wakefield), Raymond Tuaimalo Vaega (North Sydney),
The Sea Eagles started the season with a dominant win over the Cowboys, but the club would then lose to the Warriors. The side would bounce back with back-to-back wins, before three straight losses, before a win over the Panthers, before their first bye. Between their first and second byes, the Sea Eagles would win two of six, languishing in 10th. After their second bye, the club would win three straight before losing four straight. The Sea Eagles would win three straight to finish the season, though it wasn’t enough to make the finals as they finished 10th.
The Sea Eagles lost veteran Daly Cherry-Evans, who left the club after 15 years. They also lost Toa Sipley, Josh Aloiai, and Jazz Tevaga, making their forward depth a bit thin. They signed veteran half Jamal Fogarty to replace Daly Cherry-Evans and Kobe Hetherington to add to their forward depth. Once again, the Sea Eagles will be sweating on the fitness of Tom Trbojevic. Jake Simpkin is a decent hooker, though not one who will lead a side to the finals.
Top 19: 1. Tom Trbojevic (c) 2. Jason Saab 3. Tolu Koula 4. Reuben Garrick 5. Lehi Hopoate 6. Luke Brooks
7. Jamal Fogarty 8. Siosiua Taukeiaho 9. Jake Simpki 10. Kobe Hetherington 11. Ben Trbojevic 12. Haumole Olakau’atu 13. Jake Trbojevic 14. Joey Walsh 15 Taniela Paseka 16. Nathan Brown 17. Corey Waddell 18. Zach Dockar-Clay 19. Clayton Faulalo
Melbourne Storm
Gains: Jack Hetherington (Knights), Davy Moale (Rabbitohs), Josiah Pahulu (Titans)-May, Trent Toelau (Panthers), Manaia Waitere (Raiders)
Losses: Grant Anderson (Broncos), Nelson Asofa-Solomona (Released), Bronson Garlick (Rabbitohs), Dean Ieremia (Titans), Ryan Papenhuyzen (Released), Jonah Pezet (Eels)
The Storm started the season by winning six of their first 10 games before their second bye. After their second bye, the Storm would win six straight before a loss to the Sea Eagles. The club would then go on a five-game winning streak. The Storm would end the regular season with back-to-back losses, finishing in 2nd. The Storm would start the finals with a win over the Bulldogs to qualify for the preliminary final. The club would qualify for back-to-back Grand Finals with a win over the Sharks. The Storm would lose back-to-back Grand Finals with a loss to the Broncos.
The Storm lost Clive Churchill medalist, fullback Ryan Papenhuyzen, Nelson Asofa-Solomona, and Bronson Garlick. The Storm adds mostly depth with Jack Hetherington and Davy Moale, the big signings. The major loss is Eli Katoa, who will sit out the season. The Storm are still strong 1-13, though depth is an issue. They will make the finals, though they won’t win the comp in 2026
Top 19: 1. Sua Fa’alogo 2. Will Warbrick 3. Jack Howarth 4. Nick Meaney 5. Xavier Coates 6. Cam Munster
7. Jahrome Hughes 8. Stefano Utoikamanu 9. Harry Grant (c) 10. Josh King 11. Shawn Blore 12. Joe Chan 13. Trent Loiero 14. Tyran Wishart 15. Jack Hetherington 16. Davvy Moale 17. Tui Kamikamica 18. Ativalu Lisati 19. Manaia Waitere
Newcastle Knights
Gains: Jake Arthur (Sea Eagles)-June, Dylan Brown, Lachlan Crouch (Newtown), Harrison Graham (Dolphins), Peter Hola (Dolphins), Matt Hunter (Eels), Asu Kepaoa (Panthers), Jye Linnane (Wariors), July, Trey Mooney, Pasami Saulo (Raiders), Sandon Smith (Roosters), Dom Young (Roosters)-June
Losses: Taj Annan (Rugby Union), Jake Arthur (Hull F.C), Jayden Brailey (Raiders), Jack Cogger (Panthers), Adam Elliott (Rabbitohs), Jackson Hastings (St Helens), Jack Hetherington (Storm), Kai Pearce-Paul (Tigers), Will Pryce (Hull F.C.)-Mach, Mason Teague (Broncos), Leo Thompson (Bulldogs), Tyrone Thompson (Rugby Union),
The Knights started the season with back-to-back wins before a five-game losing streak. The losing streak was snapped with a win over the Rabbitohs. The Knights would go win-loss over the next month. They would not win a game for the rest of the season, losing 9 straight and finishing with the wooden Spoon. This would cost coach Adam O’Brien his job.
Dylan Brown joins the club on a massive long-term deal to play halfback for the first time in his career. The club loses experience in Leo Thompson, Kai Pearce-Paul, Adam Elliott, and Jayden Brailey. The big question, as always, remains Kayln Ponga. If he can remain fit, the Knights could make their first Grand Final in 25 years (the longest streak in the NRL). Justin Holbrook will lead the Knights off the bottom of the ladder, though finals are a few years off.
Top 19: 1. Kayln Ponga (c) 2. Dom Young 3. Dane Gagai 4. Bradman Best 5. Greg Marzhew 6. Dylan Brown 7. Sandon Smith 8. Jacob Saifiti 9. Phoenix Crossland 10. Trey Mooney 11. Dylan Lucas 12. Jermaine McEwan 13. Tyson Frizell 14. Fletcher Sharpe 15. Brodie Jones 16. Mat Croker 17. Matt Arthur 18. Tom Cant 19. Fletcher Hunt
North Queensland Cowboys
Gains: Ethan King (Roosters), Matt Lodge (Sea Eagles), Soni Luke (Panthers), Reed Mahoney (Bulldogs), James Walsh (Dolphins)
Losses: Tom Duffy (Broncos), Karl Lawton (Hull KR), Jordan McLean (Retired), Jeremiah Mata’utia (Leeds), Reece Robson (Roosters), Jamal Shibasaki (Broncos), Semi Valemei (Castleford)
The Cowboys started the season with three straight losses, then bounced back with four straight wins before a loss to the Warriors, followed by the only draw of the season against the Panthers. The club followed a draw with a loss-win streak before a three-game losing streak. The losing streak was broken by a win against the Titans, only to be followed by a four-game losing streak. That streak was broken with a win over the Dragons, followed by back-to-back losses, then back-to-back wins, and finally a loss to the Broncos, finishing 12th.
The only real change for the Cowboys is Reed Mahoney, who replaces Reece Robson at hooker. While the Cowboys have some of the best players in the competition in Tom Dearden, Scott Drinkwater, Jeremiah Nanai, and Reuben Cotter, the defence was the Cowboys’ problem in 2025, with only the Titans conceding more. It’s hard to see that side returning to the finals in 2026.
Top 19: 1. Scott Drinkwater 2. Braidon Burns 3. Zac Laybutt 4. Jaxon Purdue 5. Murray Taulagi 6. Tom Dearden 7. Jake Clifford (c) 8. Reuben Cotter 9. Reed Mahoney 10. Jason Taumalolo 11. Heilum Luki
12. Jeremiah Nanai 13. Reuben Cotter (C) 14. Harrison Edwards 15. Coen Hess 16. Sam McIntyre 17. Griffin Neame 18. John Bateman 19. Viliami Vailea
Parramatta Eels
Gains: Tallyn Da Silva (Tigers)-June, Jack de Belin (Dragons), Brian Kelly (Titans), Jonah Pezet (Storm), Dylan Walker (Warriors)-March
Losses: Dylan Brown (Knights), Bryce Cartwright (St Marys)-June, Haze Dunster (Released), Wiremu Greig (Townsville), Brendan Hands (Toulouse)-July, Dean Hawkins (London), Matt Hunter (Knights), Dan Keir (Rabbitohs-NSW Cup), Joey Lussick (Retired), Joe Ofahengaue (Leigh)-April, Shaun Lane (Retired)-August. Zac Lomax (Released)
The Eels would start the season with four straight losses before a Golden Point win over the Dragons. They would follow with a loss-win before their first bye. After their bye, the Eels would suffer back-to-back losses before back-to-back wins. This was offset by back-to-back losses, followed by a win-loss streak before their second bye. The club would go win-loss before back-to-back losses, then a surprise win over the Broncos. The club would go loss-win-loss before finishing their season on a high winning three straight games to finish the season in 11th.
The Eels lost Dylan Brown on a big-money deal to the Knights, and Zac Lomax, who was released from his contract. The Eels have bought in Jack de Belin and Brian Kelly to add some experience. Jonah Pezet, on a one-year deal, is an interesting one to see how he plays as a five-eighth. Under Jason Ryles, the Eels have entered a rebuild, and 2025 was a year of pain. The Eels will move up the ladder in 2026, though finals are a year or two off.
Top 19: 1. Isaiah Iongi 2. Bailey Simonsson 3. Will Penisini 4. Sean Russell 5. Josh Addo-Carr 6. Jonah Pezet
7. Mitch Moses (c) 8. Junior Paulo 9. Ryley Smith 10. J’maine Hopgood 11. 11. Jack Williams 12. Kitione Kautoga 13. Jack de Belin 14. Joash Papalii 15. Sam Tuivaiti 16. Dylan Walker 17. Luca Moretti 18. Tallyn Da Silva 19. Kelma Tuilagi
Penrith Panthers
Gains: Tom Ale (Warriors), Jack Cogger (Knights), Kalani Going (Warriors), Freddy Lussick (Warriors)
Losses: Jack Attard (Tigers), David Fale (Dragons), Asu Kepaoa (Knights), Mavrik Geyer (Tigers), Harrisson Hassett (Sharks), Daine Laurie (Raiders), Soni Luke (Cowboys), Riley Price (Redcliffe), Preston Riki (Souths Logan), Brad Schneider (Dolphins), Luke Sommetron (Titans), Trent Toelau (Storm)
The Panthers started the season with a win over the Sharks in Vegas, then lost five straight, prompting many to wonder if the wheels had fallen off after four straight premierships. The club would then go on a run of wins and losses, then a win and a draw, before their first bye. After the bye, they suffered a surprise loss to the Knights to put them at the foot of the ladder. The Panthers would then win 9 straight as they climbed up the ladder. The Panthers would lose three straight to slip out of the top 4, before a dominant win over the Dragons to finish the season in 7th. The Panthers would dominate the Warriors and Bulldogs away from home to qualify for their sixth straight preliminary final. The Panthers couldn’t withstand the Broncos’ comeback, falling short of the Grand Final for the first time since 2019.
The Panthers have suffered no major losses or gains since before the COVID-19 pandemic. A settled Panthers is a danger for the rest of the league, as they should push deep into the finals.
Top 19: 1. Dylan Edwards 2. Paul Alamoti 3. Izack Tago 4. Casey McLean 5. Brian To’o 6. Blaize Talagi 7. Nathan Cleary (c) 8. Moses Leota 9. Mitch Kenny 10. Lindsay Smith 11. Isaiah PPapali’i12. Liam Martin 13. Isaah Yeo (c) 14. Luke Garner 15. Scott Sorensen 16. Jack Cogger 17. Liam Henry 18 Paul Alamoti 19. Matt Eisenhuth
South Sydney Rabbitohs
Gains: Adam Elliott (Knights), David Fifita (Titans), Bronson Garlick (Storm), Jonah Glover (Dragons), Moala Graham-Taufa, Ed Kosi (Warriors), John Radel (Mackay), Mikaele Ravalawa (Dragons)-March, Latrell Siegwalt (Broncos), Brandon Smith (Roosters)-May
Losses: Gerome Burns (Retired), Lewis Dodd (Catalans), Siliva Havili (London), Jacob Host (St Helens), Ben Lovett (Retired), Haizyn Mellars (Warriors), Haizyn Mellars (Warriors), Shaquai Mitchell (Tweed Heads), Davy Moale (Storm), Fletcher Myers (Released), Mikaele Ravalawa (Castleford), Josh Schuster (Released)
The Rabbitohs would start the season with a rescheduled neutral home game, as they started the season with back-to-back wins. The Sharks struck the winning streak. The Rabbiohs would once again put together back-to-back wins over the Panthers and the Roosters. The side would suffer five straight losses, then back-to-back wins, before their first bye. After the bye, the wheels fell off as they lost 9 straight games. The club would bounce back with three straight wins before a loss, finishing the season in 14th place.
The Rabbitohs have recruited David Fifita, who, on his day, is one of the best back-rowers in the comp, though he is wildly inconsistent. Rabbitohs fans will be hoping Wayne can get the best out of David. The Lewis Dodd experiment didn’t work out, and the question remains: who is the best to wear the Rabbitohs’ number seven? Too many ifs for the Rabbitohs
Top 19: 1. Jye Gray 2. Alex Johnston 3. Latrell Mitchell 4. Jack Wighton 5. Campbell Graham 6. Cody Walker
7. Jamie Humphreys 8. Tavita Tatola 9. Brandon Smith 10. Keaon Koloamatangi 11. Jai Arrow 12. David Fifita 13. Cameron Murray (c) 14. Peter Mamouzelos 15. Euan Aitken 16. Adam Elliott 17. Tallis Duncan 18. Sean Keppie 19. Ed Kosi
St George Illawarra Dragons
Gains: Daniel Atkinson (Sharks), David Fale (Panthers), David Klemmer (Tigers)-March, Josh Kerr (Dolphins), Joseph O’Neill (Bulldogs), Setu Tu (Warriors)
Losses: Jack de Belin (Eels), Corey Allan (Retired), Sione Finau (Raiders), Jonah Glover (Rabbitohs), Lachlan Ilias (Titans), David Klemmer (St Helens), Francis Molo (Dolphins)-March, Cody Ramsey (Roosters), Mikaele Ravalawa (Rabbitohs)-March
The Dragons would start the season with back-to-back losses before an early-season bye. The Dragons came out of their bye with their first win of the season, with an upset win over the Storm. They would follow that up with a golden-point loss before back-to-back wins. They would follow that up with three straight losses, then a win before their second bye. They would come out of their second bye with a win before losing six of their next seven games. They would follow it up with back-to-back wins before finishing their season with four losses, placing 15th.
The Dragons have added Daniel Atkinson to play halfback with Kyle Flanagan shifting to five-eighth. Josh Kerr returns after three years with the Dolphins to add some experience to a young pack. The Dragons lost experienced forwards, Jack de Belin and David Klemmer. The Dragons will be in for a long year and finish at the bottom of the ladder.
Top 19: 1. Clint Gutherson (c) 2. Tyrell Sloan 3. Valentine Holmes 4. Moses Suli 5. Christian Tuipulotu 6. Kyle Flanagan 7. Daniel Atkinson 8. Josh Kerr 9. Damien Cook (c) 10. Toby Couchman 11. Dylan Egan 12. Jaydn Su’A 13. Hamish Stewart 14. Jacob Liddle 15. Ryan Couchman 16. Luciano Leilua 17. Emre Guler 18. Lyhkan King-Togia 19. Matt Feagai
Sydney Roosters
Gains: Daly Cherry-Evans (Sea Eagles), Cody Ramsey (Dragons), Reece Robson (Cowboys), Tommy Talau (Roosters), Junior Tupou (Dolphins)-June
Losses: Zach Dockar-Clay (Sea Eagles), Ethan Roberts (Tigers), Brandon Smith (Rabbitohs)-May, Sandon Smith (Knights), Chad Townsend (Retired), Xavier VVa’a(York), Dom Young (Knights)-June
The Rooters would start the season with a massive loss to the Broncos. The Roosters would pick up their first win of the season with a win over the Panthers. The club would then lose three straight games, dropping to 15th. The Roosters would snap their losing streak with a win over the Broncos. The club would lose to the Panthers, then win back-to-back games before their first bye. Of the bye, the Roosters went loss-win-loss before back-to-back wins. The Roosters would again go loss-win before back-to-back losses. The club would then finish with five wins in its last six games, finishing in eighth. The Roosters would bow out of the finals with a loss to the Sharks in week one.
The big signings are Daly Cherry-Evans and Reece Robson. Daly has been signed to play five-eighth for the first time in his career. The Roosters will be hoping Daly has a Cooper Cronk-like effect, though Cooper stayed in the same position. The Roosters have struggled at dummy-half since the retirement of Jake Friend, and Reece Robson is a great pickup.
Top 19: 1. 1. James Tedesco (C) 2. Daniel Tupou 3. Billy Smith 4. Robert Toia 5. Mark Nawaqanitawase 6. Daly Cherry-Evans 7. Sam Walker 8. Naufahu Whyte 9. Reece Robson 10. Lindsay Collins 11. Angus Crichton 12. Siua Wong 13. Victor Radley 14. 14. Connor Watson 15. Blake Steep 16. Spencer Leniu 17. Egan Butcher 18. Benaiah Ioelu 19. Junior Pauga
Warriors
Gains: Morgan Gannon (Leeds), Alofiana Khan-Pereira (Titans), Jye Linnane (Knights)-July, Haizyn Mellars (Rabbitohs)
Losses: Bunty Afoa (Tigers), Tom Ale, Kalani Going (Panthers), Moala Graham-Taufa, Morgan Harper (Released), Ed Kosi (Rabbitohs), Freddy Lussick (Panthers), Setu Tu (Dragons), Dylan Walker (Eels)-March
The Warriors started the season with a loss to the Raiders in Las Vegas. Th Warriors would bounce back, winning 10 of their next 12 games. Th Warriors would then suffer back-to-back losses. Th side would bounce back with back-to-back wins before losing five of their last seven to finish in sixth. Th Warriors lost to the Panthers in the first week of the finals.
The Warriors have signed young Englishman Morgan Gannon and picked up prolific try scorer Alofi Khan-Pereira. The Warriors will make the finals
Top 19: 1. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad 2. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak 3. Ali Leiataua 4. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck
5. Alofiana Khan-Pereira 6. Chanel Harris-Tavita 7. Luke Metcalf 8. James Fisher-Harris (c) 9. Wade Egan
10. Mitch Barnett (c) 11. Kurt Capewell 12. Marata Niukore 13. Erin Clark 14. Te Maire Martin 15. Jackson Ford 16. Leka Halasima 17. Morgan Gannon 18. Demitric Vaimauga 19. Taine Tuaupiki
Wests Tigers
Gains: Bunty Afoa (Warriors), Javon Andrews (Titans), Jack Attard, Mavrik Geyer (Panthers), Patrick Herbert (Dapto), Jock Madden (Broncos), Taylan May (Free Agent)-May, Kai Pearce-Paul (Knights), Ethan Roberts (Rabbitohs)
Losses: Tallyn Da Silva (Eels)-June, Solomona Faataape (Catalans), Josh Feledy (Sea Eagles), Lachlan Galvin (Bulldogs)-May, David Klemmer (Dragons)-March, Alex Lobb (Wynnum Manly), Krystian Mapapalangi (Castleford), Justin Matamua (Bulldogs), Brent Naden (Thirroul), Reuben Porter (Corminal), Charlie Staines (Catalans), Brandon Tumeth (Released)
The Tigers would start the season with a loss to the Knights before back-to-back wins. The Tigers would love five of their next eight before their first bye. The Tigers would lose their first four out of their bye before a win over the Roosters. The club would end up in a loss-win pattern over their next four games before their third bye. The Tigers would defeat the Sea Eagles before losing their final three straight to finish in 13th.
The Tigers have added Bunty Afoa and Kai Pearce-Paul to add some punch to their forward pack. The Tigers will be on the edge of the eight
Top 19: 1. Jahream Bula 2. Sunia Turuva 3 Taylan May 4 Starford TTo’a5. Jeral Skelton 6. Jarome Luai
7. Adam Doueihi 8. Fonua Pole 9. Api Koroisau (c) 10. Terrell May 11. Samuela Fainu 12. Kai Pearce-Paul
13. Alex Twal 14. Latu Fainu 15. Alex Seyfarth 16. Bunty Afoa 17. Royce Hunt 18. Heamasi Makasini 19. Sione Fainu
And Another Thing: At the end of February, Rugby League Historian and former NRL Museum curator Terry Williams passed away. If you follow this blog on social media, you would know that I posted the NSWRL and Newtown Jets releases. If you got your news from the NRL, the NRL’s media partners, you would have no idea. It shows where this game is when it fails to acknowledge the passing of the game’s historian, and no media organisations report on it.
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Till next time,
Cheese
NRL Ladder
- Sydney Roosters
- Penrith Panthers
- Brisbane Broncos
- Melbourne Storm
- Warriors
- Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs
- Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks
- Canberra Raiders
- Parramatta Eels
- South Sydney Rabbitohs
- Dolphins
- Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles
- Gold Coast Titans
- North Queensland Cowboys
- Wests Tigers
- Newcastle Knights
- St George Illawarra Dragons