2026 preview part two with Kenty, Woz and Paul Crawley

In the second instalment of this pre-season special, the Kenty Prime Time panel completes their deep dive into the 2026 NRL ladder. Paul Crawley remains in the hot seat with Kenty and Warren to evaluate the heavy hitters, the dark horses, and the clubs facing an uphill battle.

Sydney Roosters

The panel is incredibly bullish on the Chooks, with Crawley tipping them as his minor premiers. The big story is the arrival of DCE at halfback and Reese Robson at hooker. Kenty explained that the Roosters have a unique ability to "take their licks" for one bad season to reset their roster, much like they did in 2016. With two NRL-quality forward packs and a "timed to the minute" preparation, they are widely considered the team to beat. The addition of veteran leadership through Cherry-Evans is seen as the final piece of the puzzle, potentially alleviating the pressure on Sam Walker, who is happy to play second fiddle. Crawley also noted that their roster balance is now nearly perfect, boasting exceptional depth in the back row to cover rugby-bound departures.

Manly Warringah Sea Eagles

Expectations are far lower for the Sea Eagles following the loss of Daly Cherry-Evans. Kenty noted a "disconnect" between the coaching staff and the playing group, particularly regarding Anthony Seibold's tactical delivery. The health of Tom Trbojevic remains their only real path to the finals, but the panel expressed serious concern for Jake Trbojevic, who admitted he is "one more bad concussion away from retirement". Crawley questioned the strength of their pack and the club's decision to hand Jamal Fogarty a three-year deal, suggesting the Raiders' cast-off may struggle to own the big moments. With a new CEO in place, the pressure on Seibold is immense, as failure to reach the eight could see the club move toward local alternatives like Matt Ballin.

Wests Tigers

The Tigers continue to be a source of bewilderment for the panel. Kenty was scathing regarding Benji Marshall's contract extension despite a continued lack of finals football, calling it a move that "could only happen at the Tigers". The rise of Latu Fainu provides hope, however, rumours of Jahream Bula potentially heading to the Bulldogs loom as a major threat to their rebuild. The panel highlighted a lack of stability, noting that Marshall was extended while the board was in complete upheaval. Despite having genuine talent in Api Koroisau and a strong middle, the "blood war" between management and player agents continues to undermine any sense of long-term progress for the long-suffering fans.

The Dolphins

While the Dolphins have the "best or second-best attack in the competition," their inability to defend remains a massive hurdle. The return of Thomas Flegler and Tom Gilbert is expected to provide some much-needed starch. The panel remains enamoured with Isaiya Katoa, noting his rare ability to "change the tempo of a game in the blink of an eye". Kenty argued that it is much easier to fix a defensive line than an anaemic attack, yet he remains sceptical about them making the eight if they continue to leak points. The loss of veteran heads like Mark Nicholls and Kenny Bromwich means the younger forwards must mature rapidly to support the Hammer's brilliance at fullback.

Gold Coast Titans

New coach Josh Hannay is focused on "lifting the floor" rather than the ceiling, aiming to improve the depth of the roster. The "three-fullback" conundrum is still a talking point, with Jayden Campbell likely shifting to halfback. The panel highlighted Keano Kini as a superstar in the making, comparing his potential impact to that of Reece Walsh. Kenty praised the cultural shift at the club, noting that the focus is now on ensuring the players from positions 18 to 30 are first-grade standard. By turning over nearly half the squad, the Titans are attempting to erase their "rocks and diamonds" reputation and build a side that can survive the inevitable injury tolls of a long season.

Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks

The Sharks are the only team to have made no major signings for 2026, a move Crawley finds worrying. Craig Fitzgibbon is banking on internal improvement, but Kenty suggested that if they fail to break their poor finals record, the club may have to "change the playing group" rather than the coach. Blayke Brailey is tipped as a frontrunner for the New South Wales hooker spot. The panel debated whether Nicho Hynes needs to find a harder mental edge to succeed in September. With several key players off-contract, this season feels like a "last chance" for the current core to prove they aren't just regular-season specialists who disappear when the intensity of the elite teams ramps up.

Canberra Raiders

Coming off a minor premiership in 2025, the Raiders face the challenge of "rolling up the sleeves" all over again. The right-edge defensive issues have been addressed with the departure of Jamal Fogarty, moving Ethan Strange into the halves. The depth at hooker is a "good problem to have," with Owen Pattie and Danny Levi competing with new recruit Jayden Brailey. Ricky Stuart must manage the psychological scars of their narrow finals exit while keeping a young squad grounded. The arrival of Kobe Black from Brisbane adds further competition to a spine that is suddenly brimming with options. If they can replicate their top-four consistency, the lessons learned from last year's finals campaign could propel them toward a maiden NRL-era title.

New Zealand Warriors

The Warriors' success is built on a "magnificent identity" forged by Andrew Webster. While the loss of Mitch Barnett and Luke Metcalf to injury derailed their 2025 campaign, their return makes the Warriors a safe bet to remain competitive. The panel lauded the "parochial environment" in New Zealand, which makes every home game a sell-out and a nightmare for visiting teams. Webster has unified the broader New Zealand community, ensuring the players are completely comfortable in their aggressive defensive style. With Metcalf leading the Dally M count before his ACL tear last year, his partnership with a fit Barnett is expected to restore the grit that saw them dominate the middle third during their peak form.

Penrith Panthers

Despite the "Vegas effect" causing a slow start last year, the Panthers remain Crawley's premiership favourites. The panel dismissed talk of a "dynasty ending," noting that making seven grand finals in eight seasons is unprecedented. While Nathan Cleary still has "ways to go" at representative level, his dominance at the NRL level remains "without peer". Ivan Cleary was praised for his patient coaching of youngsters like Blaize Talagi and Casey McLean, who eventually mastered the complex Penrith system. Even with significant roster turnover, the club's nursery continues to produce first-grade ready talent that allows them to remain at the top. Kenty expects them to be "right in the fight" for a fifth title in six years, citing their unmatched professional standards.

2026 Predictions

Minor Premiers: Kenty — Broncos, Crawley — Roosters
Premiers: Kenty — Roosters, Crawley — Panthers
Dally M Winner: Kenty — Tom Trbojevic, Crawley — Mitchell Moses