The NRL landscape in 2026 raises questions about its integrity, particularly highlighted by concerning statistics, notably in terms of game competitiveness.
In 2020, the first two rounds of the year were the last time the six-again rule wasn't a thing.
By 2026, however, the initial 16 matches of the season showcased an astonishing 242 additional points scored.
When comparing the opening rounds of 2020 to 2026, the difference amounts to nearly 15 extra points per game.
Typically, points per game during these first two rounds have signaled the performance levels expected throughout the season, except for 2025.
Interestingly, while last year did see a notable rise in points during the initial rounds, that momentum faltered by season's end.
This fluctuation is not the norm over the past eight years since 2018, with season averages generally increasing from the opening rounds, aside from 2025.
Such trends are expected, as offensive executions typically exhibit inconsistencies early in the season.
What's intriguing is that the rise in points per game since the inception of the six-again rule has not followed a straightforward path, yet it clearly indicates a rising trend overall.
Furthermore, there's an unsettling aspect to the recent opening rounds, as they stand out as the least competitive since 2018.