The concluding round of the 2026 NRL regular season is here, and the top eight teams are confirmed.
As is customary, some teams have surpassed expectations, while others have significantly underperformed.
Despite battling numerous injuries, the Wahs continued to find success in 2026, facing every challenge head-on. Regardless of the outcomes in the upcoming finals, Andrew Webster's coaching and the team's remarkable resilience have made this season a success.
They began 2026 at a pace unmatched by their rivals, even raising hopes of a flawless NRL season. Although the last couple of months have been challenging, it has been another excellent year for the leading club of the past decade.
While they faced heavy losses, the Dolphins have finally secured their spot in the NRL finals, proving to be one of the most entertaining teams this season. Their regular season wasn't flawless, yet they achieved a commendable top-four finish.
For Trent Robinson's squad, it's another top-four finish despite facing their own injury challenges since Origin. The minor premiership slipped away recently, but it has still been a solid year for the Chooks.
The Sharks, once seen as title contenders, will now miss the top four. They remain consistent but seem to fall short of reaching their full potential for a championship.
The Bunnies have made a strong recovery from a disrupted 2025, earning a finals spot for the first time since 2022. Their regular season was solid, and fans can be satisfied no matter what happens next.
Achieving a finals berth after last year's wooden spoon is a remarkable turnaround for the Knights and their first-year coach Justin Holbrook. Injuries may hinder their championship aspirations, but optimism for the future is high.
Similarly, Todd Payten's squad has bounced back from a poor 2025. While consistency remains an issue, it's been a decent season with at least one week of finals ahead.
The Sea Eagles' season has been unpredictable. They began poorly, showed promising improvements under Kieran Foran, but faltered as finals approached. Overall, their season could have been both better and worse.
For the Doggies, 2026 is clearly a disappointment after finishing in the top four the previous year. They exhibited moments of brilliance, including defeating the Panthers, yet struggled for consistency and missed the finals.
2026 has been a challenging year of missed chances and injuries for the 2025 runners-up, marking the first time since 2010 they will not compete in the finals. Their performance fell below standards, highlighting that dominance is not everlasting.
Last year's minor premiers struggled to find their rhythm in 2026 amid heightened expectations. It wasn't a disastrous season, but they will aim for improvement in 2027.
The highly-anticipated Eels had a lackluster season in 2026, leading to potential scrutiny on head coach Jason Ryles if results do not improve soon.
Tigers fans have endured yet another tumultuous year, with promising starts followed by a dramatic collapse that seems all too familiar.
Statistically, Brisbane's 2026 performance represents one of the worst premiership defenses recorded. Their campaign was compounded by a dismal 2-10 home record at Suncorp, making it hard for fans to endure.
The Titans have been frustratingly inconsistent yet competitive. They will seek to make significant improvements in 2027, as pressure mounts on coach Josh Hannay in his second year.
It's hard to put a positive spin on the Dragons' season, as they will finish at the bottom of the standings. However, promising recruitment efforts suggest brighter days are ahead as the Dragons aim for a turnaround in 2027.