Round 26 of the NRL delivered upsets, breakout performers, and a few big warning signs. Here are the three biggest takeaways every fan needs to know — and what they mean for the weeks ahead.
1. The Race for Fourth
While the top three is locked in (Canberra, Melbourne, Canterbury-Bankstown), round 26 saw a lot of movement for fourth place.
The Warriors (34, +22) dropped to sixth after losing to Parramatta on Friday, Brisbane (34, +156) took fourth after beating North Queensland, and Cronulla-Sutherland (34, +91) stayed in the race after beating Newcastle.
It comes down to three games next weekend: Brisbane hosts Melbourne (Suncorp Stadium) on Thursday night, the Warriors play Manly Warringah at 4 Pines Park Friday night, and Cronulla plays Canterbury at Accor Stadium Saturday night.
While Brisbane have the differential advantage, they potentially have the toughest game (depending on Melbourne’s line-up), which gives the Warriors or Sharks a chance to finish fourth and play the qualifying final in Canberra.
2. Are Manly Building for 2026?
It’s been a frustrating season for Manly Warringah. At their best, they’re one of the most destructive teams in the NRL (starting the season with big wins over North Queensland, Canberra, and Parramatta), but an 11-12 record shows the consistency wasn’t there after making the semis in 2024.
Wins against The Dolphins (58-30) and St George Illawarra (40-24) have given the Sea Eagles a “mathematical chance” to finish eighth (if they beat the Warriors, the Sydney Roosters lose to Souths, and Canberra beats The Dolphins), but it’s unlikely. While the Dolphins were sliding and the Dragons’ season is over, it’s still important for Manly to gain some winning momentum heading into the off-season.
Looking to 2026, Anthony Siebold is safe and Jamal Fogarty could be a smart buy (and could arrive at Manly as a premiership winner). His general kicking game is dangerous (especially his last tackle kicks), he’s fourth on the NRL’s points-scorers list this season (180) and he gives Manly another goalkicking option. It may be the fresh start Manly needs after Daly Cherry-Evans’ departure. Fogarty gave Canberra the extra bit of class they needed: can he do the same for Manly and give Tom Trbojevic, Jason Saab, Lehi Hopoate, and Tolutau Koula enough ball to break games open and return to the finals?
Embed from Getty Images3. The Titans’ Downfall
It’s been a rough week for the Gold Coast Titans. Des Hasler was sacked last Monday, with Josh Hannay quickly installed as 2026 head coach. Needing a win to make up ground on Newcastle, the Titans were gallant against The Dolphins at Suncorp Stadium on Sunday: they trailed 36-30 with seven minutes left and nearly took the game to Golden Point. Full credit to the Titans as they had every excuse to roll over, especially after the Dolphins led 18-0 early on.
Can the Titans (16, -207) shake the wooden spoon? They’re two points behind Newcastle (18 -244), though the Titans have the differential advantage. The Titans have a potentially winnable final game against Wests at Cbus Super Stadium (Saturday), while Newcastle have a tough game against an improved Parramatta at CommBank Stadium (Sunday). The Titans lifted for Des’ 500th in Auckland, will they lift again for his final game as head coach?
Though the Titans’ woes go beyond this season. They’ve only made two finals series’ since the 2010 preliminary final, collected two wooden spoons, and they remain the only side (aside from the Dolphins) not to make a grand final in the NRL era.
The frustrating thing is the Titans are capable of good footy. This season they’ve beaten the Sydney Roosters (albeit in round 4 when the Roosters were still struggling), led Canberra 16-0 on Easter Sunday before being overrun, beaten Newcastle twice (including a 20-0 comeback at McDonald Jones Stadium), beaten Manly, beaten the Warriors in Auckland, and pushed Penrith to the brink in that controversial round 22 game. And they’ve got plenty of talent: AJ Brimson, Jojo Fifita, Jayden Campbell, Sydney Roosters premiership winner Sam Verrills, Reagan Campbell-Gillard, and inspirational captain Tino Fa’asuamaleaui.
Can Hannay find the key to the Titans’ consistency and make them more competitive in 2026? Or will it take a bit longer?
Embed from Getty ImagesWhat stood out most for you in Round 26? Drop your thoughts in the comments.
