Seven sides, three finals spots: The top-eight bolters who will shake up the NRL

Sydney Morning Herald

by Andrew Johns

February 25, 2026

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Seven sides, three finals spots: The top-eight bolters who will shake up the NRL

The 2026 NRL season is set to be one of the most unpredictable in recent memory, with several teams outside the top eight poised to make significant strides. The article highlights seven potential "bolters" that could shake up the competition and secure finals spots, including the Titans, Eels, Dolphins, and South Sydney Rabbitos. These teams are expected to challenge established powers like Melbourne and Cronulla, who are facing key departures and injuries, leaving their dominance in question. Among the standout contenders, the Gold Coast Titans have emerged as a surprise packet under new coach Josh Hannay, showcasing impressive fitness and discipline early in the pre-season. The Parramatta Eels also look strong, with Mitchell Moses leading the charge and a solid foundation built from last season's performance. Meanwhile, the Dolphins have bolstered their lineup with key returns and additions, including Selwyn Cobbo on the wing, which could propel them into contention. South Sydney, despite being traditional heavyweights, are not without their challenges. Their success hinges on keeping star players like Cameron Murray, Cody Walker, and Latrell Mitchell fit throughout the season. The article also notes the struggles of perennial finals teams like Melbourne and Cronulla, who are dealing with significant losses and aging rosters. For instance, the Storm will miss key figures like Eli Katoa and Ryan Papenhuyzen, while Cronulla faces a lengthy recovery period for Ronaldo Mulitalo and Cameron McInnes. The article concludes by emphasizing the unpredictability of the top-eight race, with seven teams—Dolphins, Eels, Titans, Warriors, Panthers, Bulldogs, and Raiders—fighting for three spots. This uncertainty adds to the excitement of the season, particularly for fans of lesser-known clubs like Newcastle, whose new coach Justin Holbrook

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Originally published on Sydney Morning Herald on 2/25/2026