Sharks’ statement, Roosters’ wobbles set tone for early season form

Rugby League Insider explored the biggest talking points as the dust continues to settle on the first round of the 2026 NRL season. From final comments on Lomax, to a clinical sharks performance and the Rooster's rocky start, dive into the recap below.

Lomax walks, ‘Leaguies’ fuming

Parramatta’s long-running standoff with Zac Lomax concluded with the State of Origin winger leaving rugby league to sign with Super Rugby side Western Force - a move described by the panel as a “one‑finger salute” to the NRL.

Hooper argued that Peter V’landys and Andrew Abdo “stuck their necks out” to engineer a path back to the NRL after Lomax’s involvement with the proposed R360 rebel competition, only for the 24-year-old to pursue a Wallabies dream he “never truly held.”

Vautin and Savage acknowledged some at Parramatta might feel vindicated for blocking a mid-contract switch to Melbourne, but questioned whether the Eels really “won” anything beyond salary-cap space, with a marquee winger gone and no like-for-like replacement secured.

Sharks thrash titans but “pretenders” tag lingers

Cronulla’s 50-point demolition of the Gold Coast Titans reignited debate over whether the Sharks are genuine premiership contenders or merely regular-season “pretenders.”

While Hoops was happy to praise the sharks form in recent years he ruled out their presence in the season decider come October.

Savage highlighted 2024 as a potential window year, pointing to 16 off-contract players and a “contract-year bounce” from centre Jesse Ramien, while noting the flourishing halves pairing of Braydon Trindall and Nicho Hynes, whose roles “appear to have subtly swapped on the field.”

The panel agreed a Bathurst clash with Penrith in round two will provide a far more telling litmus test than a one-sided win over an underprepared Titans side.

Titans belted, Hannay preaches patience

Gold Coast’s new era under coach Josh Hannay began with a 50-point loss in the Shire, but Hooper urged calm after a woeful first 20 minutes marked by soft defence and basic errors.

Vautin suggested the Titans still resemble a collection of “really talented individuals” rather than a cohesive unit, warning fans to set realistic expectations after last year’s 16th-place finish.

The ongoing dilemma around AJ Brimson’s best role - fullback, stand-off, centre, or high-impact bench option - remains unresolved until Keano Kini and playmaker Jayden Campbell return from injury, allowing Hannay to finally settle on a spine.

Roosters’ rocky start piles focus on Robinson and DCE gamble

The Sydney Roosters’ flat performance, littered with errors and defensive frailties, has intensified scrutiny on coach Trent Robinson and the decision to recruit veteran Daly Cherry‑Evans as organising halfback.

Savage labelled the Roosters “severely underwhelming” since their back-to-back premierships, pointing to finishes of fourth, fifth, sixth, tenth, second, and eighth, with only one preliminary-final appearance despite a star-studded squad.

Hooper noted Robinson’s position remains secure, with chairman Nick Politis treated as a “father figure” who views the three-time premiership winner as the club’s long-term Sir Alex Ferguson.

The panel agreed the real pressure lies in making the Cherry‑Evans–Sam Walker combination work defensively and in game management, warning rival forwards will relentlessly target the pair on the edges.

Raiders flip the script in Golden‑Point thriller

Canberra’s golden-point win at Brookvale ended their extra-time hoodoo and showcased a new generation led by composed rookie half Ethan Sanders and explosive back-rower Ata Mariota.

After Manly dominated the opening 10 sets, the Raiders wrestled back momentum despite losing veteran prop Josh Papali'i to concussion, leaning heavily on front-rower Joseph Tapine.

Sanders impressed Hooper, Vautin, and Savage by calmly drilling the match-winning drop-goal when Manly’s kick pressure broke down, leaving coach Anthony Seibold “chilled on broken glass.” The consensus: Canberra now faces a tougher year as opponents “circle” them as a serious threat, though the Raiders will strengthen as injured stars like Matt Timoko return.

Turbo shines in defeat, Manly warned on over‑reliance

Despite the loss, Tom Trbojevic’s powerful running and Toluta'u Koula blistering pace were bright spots for Manly.

Vautin suggested tweaks to the six-again rule could unlock a version of Trbojevic closer to his 2021 best, provided the fullback remains healthy. Savage cautioned that the Sea Eagles’ attack appears overly reliant on Trbojevic and Koula, mirroring the Roosters’ dependence on James Tedesco and Billy Smith, leaving both sides vulnerable when their stars are contained or fatigued.

Take‑Down Tuesday: Did the Eels really “Win” the Lomax saga?

In the new “Take‑Down Tuesday” segment, Rugby League Insider revisited Parramatta’s hardline approach over Lomax, arguing it delivered little practical benefit.

Hooper said the Eels may have earned “respect” for refusing a lopsided deal, but ultimately lost an Origin-calibre winger, spent heavily on legal fees, and emerged with cap space rather than the “football win” they wanted.

Vautin warned the stance could strain Parramatta’s relationship with league headquarters, while Savage called for a proactive, whole-of-game retention plan rather than firefighting messy disputes case by case.

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