With the 2026 NRL season reaching the halfway mark, it’s time to assess how every club is performing. Some teams have exceeded expectations, others are hanging on, while a few are already eyeing 2027. Here’s our complete NRL mid-season report card, grading all 17 teams based on results, consistency, and overall trajectory.
At the Halfway Mark
- Top Team: Penrith Panthers
- Biggest Surprise: Newcastle Knights
- Biggest Disappointment: Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs
- Finals Prediction: Penrith Panthers, New Zealand Warriors, Sydney Roosters, Newcastle Knights, Manly Warringah Sea Eagles, Dolphins, North Queensland Cowboys, Melbourne Storm
NRL Ladder Snapshot (Mid-Season 2026)
The ladder is beginning to take shape after 13 rounds, with clear contenders emerging at the top while several clubs scramble to stay in finals contention.
Team-by-Team Report Cards
Penrith Panthers — Ladder: 1st (11W–1L, +205)
The Panthers’ “poor” 2025 (by their incredibly high standards) was a warning shot for the rest of the competition. They’ve approached 2026 with their usual hunger and ruthlessness and have looked unstoppable at times. Tom Jenkins (18) is the competition’s leading try-scorer, while Nathan Cleary has scored 123 points (four tries, 53 goals, and a field goal). The Panthers set the tone early with dominant wins over the Broncos (26–0), Sharks (26–6), Roosters (40–4), Eels (48–20), and Storm (50–10).
Verdict: Top 4
New Zealand Warriors — Ladder: 2nd (9W–3L, +154)
The surprise team of 2026, the Warriors have gone from a potential fringe top-eight team to genuine top-four contenders. Any concerns about Luke Metcalf’s absence were erased by the Chanel Harris-Tavita/Tanah Boyd halves combination, with Te Maire Martin stepping in after Boyd’s Magic Round injury. Alofiana Khan-Pereira has scored nine tries in seven games since moving from the Titans (including four doubles). The Warriors are 4–1 in New Zealand so far (and the Magic Round win was cheered on by a massive Warriors contingent at Suncorp Stadium), which could be a big advantage if they make the top four.
Verdict: Top 4
Sydney Roosters — Ladder: 3rd (7W–4L, +47)
2025 was a rare quiet season for the Roosters, knocked out in the first week of the finals. The gamble to sign Daly Cherry-Evans has paid off, with his growing combination alongside fellow Queenslander Sam Walker propelling the Roosters into the top four. A six-game winning streak from Round 4 to Round 10, along with the revitalised form of James Tedesco, earned him an Origin recall.
Verdict: Top 4
Newcastle Knights — Ladder: 4th (8W–4L, +34)
Under Justin Holbrook, the Knights are arguably the most improved side in 2026. After scoring only 338 points in 24 games last season, the ’26 Knights already have 340 in 12. Injuries to Kalyn Ponga and Dylan Brown, and three straight losses from Round 6 to Round 8, could have derailed their season, but wins against the Rabbitohs, Dragons, Titans, and Eels lifted them into the top four.
Verdict: Top 4
Manly Warringah Sea Eagles— Ladder: 5th (7W–5L, +103)
After four rounds, the Sea Eagles looked closer to the wooden spoon than the finals, but Kieran Foran replacing Anthony Seibold as interim coach has been a masterstroke. Despite only retiring after last year’s Pacific Championships (and starting as assistant coach this season), Foran has helped the Sea Eagles win seven games from nine and surge into top-four contention. They’ve also done it without Tom Trbojevic, with Clayton Faulalo filling in at fullback.
Verdict: Finals bound
South Sydney Rabbitohs — Ladder: 6th (6W–5L, +58)
The Rabbitohs have shown glimpses of form when close to full strength, but injuries and inconsistent form have been a problem. Alex Johnston’s pursuit of Ken Irvine’s record was settled early, with “AJ” passing Irvine in Round 2 against the Roosters. Their season has featured both a 48–6 win over Melbourne and high-scoring losses such as 36–34 against Canberra and 42–38 against Newcastle.
Verdict: Missing out
Dolphins — Ladder: 7th (6W–5L, +51)
Entering their fourth season, the Dolphins are well placed to reach their first finals series. After a 2–5 start, four straight wins (Storm, Bulldogs, Rabbitohs, Raiders) before their second bye lifted them into the eight. Jamayne Isaako leads the scoring charts with 134 points (10 tries, 47 goals).
Verdict: Finals bound
Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks — Ladder: 8th (6W–5L, +40)
Following two consecutive preliminary finals appearances, the Sharks entered 2026 with high expectations. Their season has been inconsistent, highlighted by big wins (50–10 over the Titans, 52–10 over the Tigers) and heavy losses (26–6 against Penrith, 38–10 against the Dolphins, 36–12 against the Rabbitohs).
Verdict: Missing out
North Queensland Cowboys — Ladder: 9th (8W–5L, +13)
The Cowboys have been one of the stronger improvers this season, bouncing back from early losses to win eight of their next 11 games. Their defensive efforts have improved, holding the Bulldogs and Roosters to 12 points, although inconsistency remains with results like a 35–31 win over Brisbane and a 33–30 loss to Parramatta.
Verdict: Finals bound
Wests Tigers — Ladder: 10th (6W–5L, -10)
Wests Tigers — Ladder: 10th (6W–5L, -10)
After Round 8, the Tigers were in the top four following a big win over the Raiders, and breaking their long finals drought seemed possible. However, three straight losses to the Sharks, Storm, and Sea Eagles saw them fall out of the eight, conceding 142 points across those games. Key injuries, along with headlines surrounding Jarome Luai signing with PNG (it wouldn’t be a Tigers season without some off-field drama), have compounded their slump.
Verdict: Missing out
Brisbane Broncos — Ladder: 11th (5W–7L, -61)
While it would be unfair to call the Broncos’ 2026 season a “premiership hangover,” they’ve had a horrid run with injuries and faced the early distraction of Payne Haas signing with the Rabbitohs (with some wild theories about the real reason he was leaving). While Adam Reynolds’ experience dragged the understrength Broncos over the line against the Tigers and Bulldogs, reality finally hit with losses to the Roosters, Sea Eagles, and Warriors before their first bye. While they’re capable of miracle comebacks, the Round 13 loss to the Dragons could leave them with too much work to do.
Verdict: Missing out
Canberra Raiders — Ladder: 12th (5W–7L, -72)
Last year’s minor premiers are struggling to keep their finals hopes alive. A 1–4 start put them on the back foot as the new Ethan Strange/Ethan Sanders halves combination (understandably) took time to gel. Along with key injuries (especially the excellent Simi Sasagi), the Raiders have regularly hurt themselves with unforced errors and poor discipline, though their wins against the Titans and Cowboys showed what they are capable of when they clean up their game. The Raiders’ “we can win from anywhere” self-belief from last season seems to have vanished. Was the fallout from their dramatic finals exit a factor in this?
Verdict: Missing out
Melbourne Storm — Ladder: 13th (5W–8L, -4)
While the Storm are arguably the most consistent team in the NRL, the disappointment of two straight grand final losses and some key departures (especially Ryan Papenhuyzen’s sudden retirement and Eliesa Katoa being unavailable due to concussion issues) have proven a bridge too far. Melbourne are showing signs of life, with three wins from their last four games. Their champion spine of Sualauvi Fa’alogo, Cameron Munster, Jahrome Hughes, and Harry Grant is starting to click, so can they make a run for the eight?
Verdict: Finals bound
Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs — Ladder: 14th (4W–6L, -99)
Like the Raiders, the Bulldogs have been incredibly disappointing. Their clunky win over the Dragons in Vegas was a sign of their season, as they have mostly struggled in attack against teams they should be beating comfortably, with a lot of attention focused on the Matt Burton/Lachlan Galvin halves combination. The 32–16 win over the Panthers (Round 6) seemed like a false dawn, with five straight losses after that. It’s hard to see the Bulldogs making the finals from here.
Verdict: Missing out
Parramatta Eels — Ladder: 15th (4W–8L, -150)
After a strong finish to 2025 under Jason Ryles, many expected the Eels to carry that improvement into 2026. The biggest injury list in the competition has destroyed their season, with the 52–10 loss to the Titans the low point. Wins against the Bulldogs and Cowboys have shown there is still hope, and they’ve been competitive in most of their games.
Verdict: Missing out
Gold Coast Titans — Ladder: 16th (2W–9L, -88)
While Des Hasler’s time at the Titans ended farcically, Josh Hannay’s appointment and Tino Fa’asuamaleaui’s re-signing seemed to provide optimism. However, reality has hit quickly, with just two wins so far (including the 52–10 win over the Eels). They should avoid the wooden spoon but won’t escape the bottom four.
Verdict: Missing out
St George Illawarra Dragons — Ladder: 17th (1W–11L, -221)
Where to start with the woeful Dragons? Their Vegas loss to the Bulldogs was the closest they’ve come to a win, and coach Shane Flanagan was sacked after seven games (replaced by Dean Young). The Knights’ 2016 record (one win, one draw, 22 losses) is in danger of being surpassed, as the Dragons are likely to earn their first wooden spoon as a joint venture. There is some good news: the arrivals of Scott Drinkwater, Luke Metcalf, and Keaon Koloamatangi should lead to a brighter 2027, while young players like Kade Reed and the Couchman brothers have plenty of potential.
Verdict: Missing out
Mid-Season Talking Points
Best Team So Far
Despite all they’ve achieved since 2020, Penrith have started 2026 with plenty of motivation. They quickly showed their loss to the Bulldogs was an aberration, and their win over the Warriors — minus Origin players Nathan Cleary, Isaah Yeo, and Brian To’o — highlighted their hunger, pushing them two wins clear in first place. A top-two finish looks likely, positioning them well for a sixth grand final in seven seasons.
Biggest Surprise Packet
Newcastle have risen from 2025 wooden spooners to the top four midway through 2026. Justin Holbrook has unlocked their attack, with wingers Greg Marzhew (15) and Dominic Young (14) combining for 29 tries. After only two home wins last season, they are already 3–2 at McDonald Jones Stadium — a factor that could be crucial if they secure home finals.
Most Disappointing Team
Canterbury have been building under Cameron Ciraldo and, despite a straight-sets finals exit, were expected to remain in contention. They opened with a 3–2 record, but five straight losses have derailed their campaign. Their defence, once their strength, has slipped, with the Bulldogs now conceding an average of 26 points per game.
Finals Forecast
With half the season remaining, the finals race is shaping as one of the tightest in recent years. Expect the Panthers and Warriors to remain strong, while clubs such as the Storm and Broncos continue pushing to secure a spot in the eight.
