2026 preview part one with Kenty, Woz and Paul Crawley

In the latest episode of Kenty Prime Time, Paul Crawley joins Kenty and Warren to discuss the prospects of six clubs. From premiership contenders to top eight hopefuls, dive into the highlights below.

North Queensland Cowboys

There is no hiding the fact that Todd Payten will be under pressure should he fail to get the Cowboys off to a solid start in 2026. Payten, who has been at the Cowboys' helm since 2021, has overhauled his coaching staff this year in a bid to find some fresh energy, but the key issue for the Prime Time panel is the lack of a defensive identity. Despite various tactical shifts, Crawley noted that "the Cowboys still last season were in the bottom three defensively so it hasn't been solved," further observing that the club's struggles appear to be a case of "trying to fit a square peg in a round hole." There is also significant scepticism regarding the recruitment of Matt Lodge, with Crawley admitting he finds it hard to believe that's their best option to bring into the top 30 squad for a side that already possesses plenty of veteran experience.

Newcastle Knights

The Knights are entering a new era under Justin Holbrook, and the Prime Time panel has called for the club to return to its "coal miner" roots — the mentality of being tougher than the rest of the competition. Crawley emphasised the need to "get the bit of gravel in their guts." A key talking point is the arrival of Dylan Brown, which Kenty believes "sets Kalyn Ponga free" by alleviating the pressure on him to be a "one-man band." Because opposition defences currently spot him as soon as he turns up anywhere, the addition of another elite playmaker is expected to create the space Ponga needs to thrive.

St George Illawarra Dragons

The Dragons face a "halves conundrum" following injuries and a roster shake-up. The panel discussed the best fit at five-eighth, debating whether King-Togia or Flanagan is the right selection to play six. Defensive reliability remains the biggest hurdle for the Red V, specifically regarding Tyrell Sloan. While Sloan is a high-level attacking threat, Crawley compared him unfavourably to the greats, noting that the greatness of Billy Slater was his relentless commitment in cover defence — whereas Sloan is often just a step too late every time.

Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs

After a strong 2025, expectations are sky-high for the Bulldogs, and the panel noted that Cameron Ciraldo makes no apologies for having a "premiership or bust" mentality. While the club's defensive structure is solid, the big question mark is whether Lachlan Galvin can successfully transition into a natural number seven. Kent expressed doubt about this move, believing Galvin is a natural six rather than a seven. However, the addition of Leo Thompson is seen as a vital acquisition to provide "mongrel edge," with Crawley predicting Thompson will make his presence felt in the middle of the pack.

Parramatta Eels

Under the "mature" leadership of Jason Ryles, the Eels are tipped to be genuine finals contenders. The panel lauded Ryles for his calm temperament, but the praise centred largely on Mitchell Moses, with Crawley noting that his skill level compared to other halves and five-eighths he has played with is exceptional. The club was also praised for standing its ground regarding Zac Lomax's departure. Kenty argued that a professional organisation should never give a rival team a free leg up without consequence — particularly in the circumstances surrounding the move.

Melbourne Storm

The Storm face a unique psychological challenge as they attempt to bounce back from consecutive Grand Final losses. The panel discussed the "emotional fatigue" that comes with operating at the elite level for years, suggesting they operate at such a level all season that when it gets to the pointy end it becomes emotionally difficult to lift that little bit more. While Craig Bellamy is hailed as the greatest coach of the modern era, the loss of Nelson Asofa-Solomona's punch through the middle is a significant concern. Despite Wayne Bennett's legendary status, Kenty was firm on Bellamy's legacy — stating he is the best coach of the NRL era, and it's not particularly close.