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Rumours and Stuff

Johnny88

Johnny88

Juniors
Messages
1,713

Canberra Raiders 2026 NRL season scouting report:​

The loss of Jamal Fogarty has left two youngsters to fight for Canberra’s No.7 jersey, with the winner tasked with leading a side feeling the mental scars of their 2025 capitulation. We analyse their best 17, burning issues and more.

The pre-season will determine whether front-runner Ethan Sanders or former Bronco Coby Black wears the No.7 jumper – and it’s a decision that could define Canberra’s finals hopes in 2026.

Take me there
Is this Canberra's best 17?

Is this Canberra's best 17?

Free agency wrap & rating​

When Jayden Brailey agreed to join the Raiders in March, he, and maybe coach Ricky Stuart, could not have predicted what would follow. Tom Starling not only cemented his starting spot hooker, his form was eventually rewarded with a two year in May. This, as rookie rake Owen Pattie is being groomed as Stuart’s long-term no.9 and likely to retain his spot on the bench in 2026.
It leaves Stuart’s most high-profile recruit facing the real possibility of playing his trade in NSW Cup.
Winger Sione Finau and Daine Laurie are both astute depth signings. Laurie’s preferred position is at five-eighth but will also be able to provide cover for Kaeo Weekes at fullback when needed.
Brisbane rookie Coby Black is the latest of Canberra’s success in luring some of the game’s hottest prospects to the nation’s capital and will be catapulted into round one selection battle with Ethan Sanders for the halfback role in 2026.
Canberra have also moved to shore-up their forward pack. The extensions of Englishman Morgan Smithies and rising forward Ata Mariota are expected to be finalised in the new year. Smithies will sign a three-year extension, while Mariota has agreed to remain in the nation’s capital until the end of 2027. Both are expected to be officially announced in the new year.

Coach status & safety rating​

Ricky Stuart won’t be going anywhere before his current deal expires in 2029. The coach took a punt on a youth policy last season, and it paid off handsomely
Rating: A
YOUNG HALVES
Canberra’s pursuit of the likes of Jonah Pezet and Sandon Smith before settling on boom Broncos Coby Black suggests there are some reservations about the ability of Ethan Sanders to step into the halfback role as Jamal Fogarty’s replacement from 2026 and beyond. Coach Ricky Stuart is leaning towards giving Sanders the first crack in the halves alongside Ethan Strange. But with Black, who was once seen as the long-term succession plan to Adam Reynolds in Brisbane, waiting in the wings comes the temptation to chop and change halves combinations in-season

2026 odds​

Premiership: $15
Minor premiership: $15
To make grand final: $7.50
Top four: $3.75
Top eight: $1.70
Most losses: $34

 
Johnny88

Johnny88

Juniors
Messages
1,713

Canterbury Bulldogs 2026 NRL season scouting report: Best 17, contract statuses, rookie watch​

Times have slowly been changing in Belmore, but after the controversial move to bring Lachlan Galvin midway through last season, it’s time for the Bulldogs to prove they’re for real in 2026.

Can one player prove everyone wrong to keep the drums in Belmore blaring all the way into October?
That’s the daunting task on the shoulders of Lachlan Galvin in 2026, who will be out to show he is the maestro the Bulldogs need to go from finals hopefuls to genuine premiership contenders.

Take me there
Is this the Bulldogs' best 17?

Is this the Bulldogs' best 17?

Free agency wrap and rating:​

Usually teams will wait until the off-season before a major shake up in two spine positions, but Canterbury have often chosen the road less travelled.

After Phil Gould pushed hard for Ryan Papenhuyzen’s signature last off-season, there is chatter about whether the Bulldogs are in the hunt for a marquee fullback from 2027. The ever-reliable Connor Tracey is sticking around for now, but hit free agency in November with no news of a new deal yet.
Rating: B

Square pegs in round holes
At what point in the year did it go wrong for this side at one stage on top of the table? Plenty will argue the moment a developing halfback got bumped for a natural No. 6.
It’s no easy feat for a ball running five-eighth to waltz into a finals bound team midway through a season and learn how to organise a team, develop his kicking game and lead a side across the pitch, but such was Galvin’s burden.
Even more perplexing was that Hayward, the team’s loudest and effective talker on the field, and who has played in the halves his entire junior career, was suddenly preferred out of position at hooker.
This year those decisions looked hopeful at best and destructive at worst, but by the end the side were so deep into the failed experiment it was too late to turn back.
And yet there doesn’t seem to be any signs of turning back.
It’s a massive gamble from a coaching perspective, but Ciraldo will have to prove everyone wrong in 26 and hope he’s somehow got it right or risk missing out on a premiership window.

Crystal ball:
The rebuild is officially over and the 2026 side now finally resembles what Ciraldo would have envisioned three years ago when he walked into the doors at Belmore for the first time. Their improvements and added depth across the field, while minor tweaks, are enough to propel them to the next step and make the grand final.

2026 odds:​

Premiership: $12
Minor premiership: $13
To make grand final: $6
Top four: $3.50
Top eight: $1.55
Most losses: $41

 
Johnny88

Johnny88

Juniors
Messages
1,713

Cronulla Sharks 2026 NRL season scouting report: Best 17,​

Take me there
Is this Cronulla's best 17?

Is this Cronulla's best 17?

Crystal ball​

With 16 players off-contract, almost half of the Sharks squad are playing for their lives in 2026, which should provide no end of personal motivation.
Competition from Ison at fullback, Billy Burns in the back row and depth in the forward pack gives the Sharks genuine strength.
From a confidence perspective, we’ve seen since 2022 what this Fitzgibbon coached side is about, which is to remain in the fight of every game they play.
Missing the top four last season cost them a genuine title shot. They have to be thinking top four and making the grand final in 2026.

2026 odds​

Premiership: $17
Minor premiership: $15
To make grand final: $8
Top four: $3.75
Top eight: $1.65
Most losses: $29

 
Johnny88

Johnny88

Juniors
Messages
1,713

Dolphins 2026 NRL season scouting report: Best 17,​


Take me there
Is this the Dolphins' best 17?

Is this the Dolphins' best 17?

Crystal ball​

The excuses at Redcliffe must end now – the Dolphins simply have to play finals for the first time in 2026. There can be no more blaming injuries, bad luck or unlucky calls. This is the best squad on paper that the Dolphins have had in their history and their fourth season in the NRL must finish with a finals appearance.

2026 odds​

Premiership: $19
Minor premiership: $17
To make grand final: $9
Top four: $3.75
Top eight: $1.75
Most losses: $26
 
Johnny88

Johnny88

Juniors
Messages
1,713

Cleary crowned, Reynolds leaves, Burton bombs: Look inside the 2026 NRL Crystal Ball​

As 2025 draws to a close, it’s now time to cast our eyes onto the future of sport, and see what surprises lie in store for us. MICHAEL CARAYANNIS and BRENT READ take a look inside the 2026 NRL crystal ball.

It’s time to gaze into the 2026 sporting crystal ball and look at the bold predictions of two blokes who have Nostradamus well and truly covered.
Michael Carayannis and Brent Read reveal their regular season NRL ladders, while predicting positional swifts, which stars will jump ship and the two coaches set to walk the plank.

Dally M Medal
The final frontier for Nathan Cleary. He has won every other award but this is the one which has eluded the champion half. Injuries have cruelled him but off the back of not winning the 2025 title, Cleary will have his most impressive individual season yet. Cronulla’s Blayke Brailey is a rough shot as he makes his NSW debut.
PNG calling home
The Chiefs will look outside the box when it comes to how they recruit players ahead of their inception into the competition in 2027. While the likes of Alex Johnston and Jack de Belin are expected to be their inaugural signings expect the Chiefs to make an audacious bid to secure the three Clearys – Nathan, Ivan and Jett.

Reynolds not ready for a swan song
Adam Reynolds won’t be a Bronco beyond 2026 but he may not yet call time on his decorated career. A South Sydney farewell looms for the Rabbitohs favourite son if he wants to play on.

Big Shift
Latrell Mitchell will start the season with a positional switch but that may not be where he finishes the year. Mitchell will shift to centre but as soon as the Rabbitohs are hit by an injury in the halves he could make the move to five-eighth.
Perth will come knocking for Matt Burton. Picture: Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images

Perth will come knocking for Matt Burton. Picture: Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images
Burton bombs out
Matt Burton won’t be at the Bulldogs beyond next season despite a season left on his million dollar contract. Burton is contracted until the end of 2027 but the emergence of Mitch Woods at some point next season to partner Lachie Galvin with Burton shifted to the centres. Perth will come knocking and offer him a bomb to make him their marquee half.
Will Newcastle be able to convince Ponga to stay?

Will Newcastle be able to convince Ponga to stay?
Ponga unrest
Burton won’t be the only big name to leave his club. The ongoing circus surrounding Kalyn Ponga will finally come to an end with the Newcastle superstar putting the club out of their misery to hit the open market. The Bulldogs could circle. Player swap with Burton anyone?


Coach on the go
Todd Payten and Anthony Seibold could struggle to finish the season as pressure mounts on the pair. Brad Arthur will be linked to both jobs given he has a connection to both of them while the likes of Willie Peters, Blake Green, Ben Hornby, Dean Young, Mick Ennis and Matt King are the next in line for any head coaching posts.

Bellamy bolts
Look it’s impossible to read exactly what Craig Bellamy may do with his coaching future but Bellamy could finish up in charge of the Storm at the end of the season. However, it won’t be the case for Wayne Bennett who will extend his time at South Sydney until at least the end of 2028. As for the Storm they’ll ask Billy Slater but they will also try to entice Jason Ryles from Parramatta to join the club.
Feeling the Blues
NSW to taste Origin defeat and are left scrambling for a new coach. Bellamy anyone?

Tigers drama off the field
Benji Marshall continues to help the Tigers improve on the field but off it there is a continual shambles. The Holman Barnes Group continues its infighting and there is a boardroom challenge which flows into and impacts the Tigers board.
R360 threat continues
It is a stay of execution rather than a total end point. The R360 chatter will loom large again despite the competition delaying its start. It gained significant brand damage but there will be at least five NRL players who chase the cash and take a risk by joining the rebel rugby competition.
Zac Lomax - future Wallaby?

Zac Lomax - future Wallaby?
Rugby trading places
Zac Lomax signs with a Rugby Australia franchise and is an instant hit. It leads to him becoming a mainstay of the Wallabies. But the NRL fights back with Max Jorgensen announcing he will play rugby league and the Roosters loom as the likely destination.
Heamasi Makasini. Remember the name. Picture: Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images

Heamasi Makasini. Remember the name. Picture: Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images
Rookie of the year
Heamasi Makasini will be a shining light for the Tigers at the end of their backline. He made his NRL debut while still at school in 2025 but will force his way to become an NRL regular.
Kingston Seve is an exciting prospect for Newcastle. Picture: Burleigh Bears.

Kingston Seve is an exciting prospect for Newcastle. Picture: Burleigh Bears.

 
Johnny88

Johnny88

Juniors
Messages
1,713

Brisbane Broncos 2026 NRL season scouting report: Best 17​


Take me there
Is this the Broncos' best 17?

Is this the Broncos' best 17?

Crystal ball​

This is a stacked roster. The Broncos have the most naturally gifted squad in the league and if they stay fit and hungry, Brisbane should win back-to-back premierships in 2026 - especially if superstar fullback Reece Walsh hits top gear again.

2026 odds​

Premiership: $5
Minor premiership: $4.25
To make grand final: $2.75
Top four: $1.50
Top eight: $1.08
Most losses: $251
 
Glenneel

Glenneel

Bench
Messages
4,272
Johnny88 said:

Canterbury Bulldogs 2026 NRL season scouting report: Best 17, contract statuses, rookie watch​

Times have slowly been changing in Belmore, but after the controversial move to bring Lachlan Galvin midway through last season, it’s time for the Bulldogs to prove they’re for real in 2026.

Can one player prove everyone wrong to keep the drums in Belmore blaring all the way into October?
That’s the daunting task on the shoulders of Lachlan Galvin in 2026, who will be out to show he is the maestro the Bulldogs need to go from finals hopefuls to genuine premiership contenders.

Take me there
Is this the Bulldogs' best 17?' best 17?

Is this the Bulldogs' best 17?

Free agency wrap and rating:​

Usually teams will wait until the off-season before a major shake up in two spine positions, but Canterbury have often chosen the road less travelled.

After Phil Gould pushed hard for Ryan Papenhuyzen’s signature last off-season, there is chatter about whether the Bulldogs are in the hunt for a marquee fullback from 2027. The ever-reliable Connor Tracey is sticking around for now, but hit free agency in November with no news of a new deal yet.
Rating: B

Square pegs in round holes
At what point in the year did it go wrong for this side at one stage on top of the table? Plenty will argue the moment a developing halfback got bumped for a natural No. 6.
It’s no easy feat for a ball running five-eighth to waltz into a finals bound team midway through a season and learn how to organise a team, develop his kicking game and lead a side across the pitch, but such was Galvin’s burden.
Even more perplexing was that Hayward, the team’s loudest and effective talker on the field, and who has played in the halves his entire junior career, was suddenly preferred out of position at hooker.
This year those decisions looked hopeful at best and destructive at worst, but by the end the side were so deep into the failed experiment it was too late to turn back.
And yet there doesn’t seem to be any signs of turning back.
It’s a massive gamble from a coaching perspective, but Ciraldo will have to prove everyone wrong in 26 and hope he’s somehow got it right or risk missing out on a premiership window.

Crystal ball:
The rebuild is officially over and the 2026 side now finally resembles what Ciraldo would have envisioned three years ago when he walked into the doors at Belmore for the first time. Their improvements and added depth across the field, while minor tweaks, are enough to propel them to the next step and make the grand final.

2026 odds:​

Premiership: $12
Minor premiership: $13
To make grand final: $6
Top four: $3.50
Top eight: $1.55
Most losses: $41

Click to expand...
Their halves pairing is a massive gamble for me and doubt Galven to 7 will work. Time will tell!
 
King-Gutho94

King-Gutho94

Referee
Messages
20,255
Johnny88 said:

Canberra Raiders 2026 NRL season scouting report:​

The loss of Jamal Fogarty has left two youngsters to fight for Canberra’s No.7 jersey, with the winner tasked with leading a side feeling the mental scars of their 2025 capitulation. We analyse their best 17, burning issues and more.

The pre-season will determine whether front-runner Ethan Sanders or former Bronco Coby Black wears the No.7 jumper – and it’s a decision that could define Canberra’s finals hopes in 2026.

Take me there
Is this Canberra's best 17?'s best 17?

Is this Canberra's best 17?

Free agency wrap & rating​

When Jayden Brailey agreed to join the Raiders in March, he, and maybe coach Ricky Stuart, could not have predicted what would follow. Tom Starling not only cemented his starting spot hooker, his form was eventually rewarded with a two year in May. This, as rookie rake Owen Pattie is being groomed as Stuart’s long-term no.9 and likely to retain his spot on the bench in 2026.
It leaves Stuart’s most high-profile recruit facing the real possibility of playing his trade in NSW Cup.
Winger Sione Finau and Daine Laurie are both astute depth signings. Laurie’s preferred position is at five-eighth but will also be able to provide cover for Kaeo Weekes at fullback when needed.
Brisbane rookie Coby Black is the latest of Canberra’s success in luring some of the game’s hottest prospects to the nation’s capital and will be catapulted into round one selection battle with Ethan Sanders for the halfback role in 2026.
Canberra have also moved to shore-up their forward pack. The extensions of Englishman Morgan Smithies and rising forward Ata Mariota are expected to be finalised in the new year. Smithies will sign a three-year extension, while Mariota has agreed to remain in the nation’s capital until the end of 2027. Both are expected to be officially announced in the new year.

Coach status & safety rating​

Ricky Stuart won’t be going anywhere before his current deal expires in 2029. The coach took a punt on a youth policy last season, and it paid off handsomely
Rating: A
YOUNG HALVES
Canberra’s pursuit of the likes of Jonah Pezet and Sandon Smith before settling on boom Broncos Coby Black suggests there are some reservations about the ability of Ethan Sanders to step into the halfback role as Jamal Fogarty’s replacement from 2026 and beyond. Coach Ricky Stuart is leaning towards giving Sanders the first crack in the halves alongside Ethan Strange. But with Black, who was once seen as the long-term succession plan to Adam Reynolds in Brisbane, waiting in the wings comes the temptation to chop and change halves combinations in-season

2026 odds​

Premiership: $15
Minor premiership: $15
To make grand final: $7.50
Top four: $3.75
Top eight: $1.70
Most losses: $34

Click to expand...
I think Canberra botched it last year.

I suspect the mental scars of that semi final may run deep and they fall back mid-table possibly missing the 8.

Josh Papali'i turned back the clock but it makes me wonder if he should have bowed out then. I think Canberra missed a trick not using that as motivation at the backend last year and let him go to England.

Question marks around the 7 as well.

Johnny88 said:

Canterbury Bulldogs 2026 NRL season scouting report: Best 17, contract statuses, rookie watch​

Times have slowly been changing in Belmore, but after the controversial move to bring Lachlan Galvin midway through last season, it’s time for the Bulldogs to prove they’re for real in 2026.

Can one player prove everyone wrong to keep the drums in Belmore blaring all the way into October?
That’s the daunting task on the shoulders of Lachlan Galvin in 2026, who will be out to show he is the maestro the Bulldogs need to go from finals hopefuls to genuine premiership contenders.

Take me there
Is this the Bulldogs' best 17?' best 17?

Is this the Bulldogs' best 17?

Free agency wrap and rating:​

Usually teams will wait until the off-season before a major shake up in two spine positions, but Canterbury have often chosen the road less travelled.

After Phil Gould pushed hard for Ryan Papenhuyzen’s signature last off-season, there is chatter about whether the Bulldogs are in the hunt for a marquee fullback from 2027. The ever-reliable Connor Tracey is sticking around for now, but hit free agency in November with no news of a new deal yet.
Rating: B

Square pegs in round holes
At what point in the year did it go wrong for this side at one stage on top of the table? Plenty will argue the moment a developing halfback got bumped for a natural No. 6.
It’s no easy feat for a ball running five-eighth to waltz into a finals bound team midway through a season and learn how to organise a team, develop his kicking game and lead a side across the pitch, but such was Galvin’s burden.
Even more perplexing was that Hayward, the team’s loudest and effective talker on the field, and who has played in the halves his entire junior career, was suddenly preferred out of position at hooker.
This year those decisions looked hopeful at best and destructive at worst, but by the end the side were so deep into the failed experiment it was too late to turn back.
And yet there doesn’t seem to be any signs of turning back.
It’s a massive gamble from a coaching perspective, but Ciraldo will have to prove everyone wrong in 26 and hope he’s somehow got it right or risk missing out on a premiership window.

Crystal ball:
The rebuild is officially over and the 2026 side now finally resembles what Ciraldo would have envisioned three years ago when he walked into the doors at Belmore for the first time. Their improvements and added depth across the field, while minor tweaks, are enough to propel them to the next step and make the grand final.

2026 odds:​

Premiership: $12
Minor premiership: $13
To make grand final: $6
Top four: $3.50
Top eight: $1.55
Most losses: $41

Click to expand...
I think there top 6 again - Galvin will improve with a proper off-season.
I suspect there will be less scrunity on him this year.
Leo Thompson is a good get.
Dont think they have the spine though that can win it imo.
Johnny88 said:

Cronulla Sharks 2026 NRL season scouting report: Best 17,​

Take me there
Is this Cronulla's best 17?'s best 17?

Is this Cronulla's best 17?

Crystal ball​

With 16 players off-contract, almost half of the Sharks squad are playing for their lives in 2026, which should provide no end of personal motivation.
Competition from Ison at fullback, Billy Burns in the back row and depth in the forward pack gives the Sharks genuine strength.
From a confidence perspective, we’ve seen since 2022 what this Fitzgibbon coached side is about, which is to remain in the fight of every game they play.
Missing the top four last season cost them a genuine title shot. They have to be thinking top four and making the grand final in 2026.

2026 odds​

Premiership: $17
Minor premiership: $15
To make grand final: $8
Top four: $3.75
Top eight: $1.65
Most losses: $29

Click to expand...
Cronulla are like those pests that refuse to go away. There never shit enough but never good enough.
They get a cushy draw every year that gets them up to the top 4 but never look like title contenders.
Nicho isn't winning them anything and still think they lack X-Factor.
Blayke Brailey improved massively though last year he is an elite number 9 now.
Johnny88 said:

Dolphins 2026 NRL season scouting report: Best 17,​


Take me there
Is this the Dolphins' best 17?' best 17?

Is this the Dolphins' best 17?

Crystal ball​

The excuses at Redcliffe must end now – the Dolphins simply have to play finals for the first time in 2026. There can be no more blaming injuries, bad luck or unlucky calls. This is the best squad on paper that the Dolphins have had in their history and their fourth season in the NRL must finish with a finals appearance.

2026 odds​

Premiership: $19
Minor premiership: $17
To make grand final: $9
Top four: $3.75
Top eight: $1.75
Most losses: $26
Click to expand...
I think the Dolphins can make top 4.
Katoa is getting better, i think the Cyclone last year through them off and that disrupted start of the year cost them.
Flegler is back, Gilbert should be back as well.
Herbie is the best centre in the game. There attack is awesome just need the defence to improve 10-15% and they will be scary.

Johnny88 said:

Brisbane Broncos 2026 NRL season scouting report: Best 17​


Take me there
Is this the Broncos' best 17?' best 17?

Is this the Broncos' best 17?

Crystal ball​

This is a stacked roster. The Broncos have the most naturally gifted squad in the league and if they stay fit and hungry, Brisbane should win back-to-back premierships in 2026 - especially if superstar fullback Reece Walsh hits top gear again.

2026 odds​

Premiership: $5
Minor premiership: $4.25
To make grand final: $2.75
Top four: $1.50
Top eight: $1.08
Most losses: $251
Click to expand...
Reece Walsh is the key he caught fire and lead the Broncos to a premiership. Though in a way all 3 finals wins they were down by double digits at HT.

If teams contain Walsh not sure if they can go B2B - Reynolds is on 1 leg and Hunt is another year older.

If Walsh though kills it then they can beat anyone on there day.
 
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