NRL 2026 kicks off with 17 teams; Brisbane favored to repeat as champions, while Dragons, Knights, and Titans eye the wooden spoon.
The NRL is back for 2026, with all 17 teams embarking on a 27-round home and away journey that culminates with the NRL finals series in September.
Reigning premiers Brisbane will begin the season as favourites to triumph again in the grand final on Sunday, 4 October, just ahead of the Penrith Panthers.
While at the other end of the table the St. George Illawarra Dragons are expected to be fighting with the Newcastle Knights and Gold Coast Titans for the wooden spoon.
It's worth remembering that in 2025 the Canberra Raiders began as favourites for the wooden spoon before going on to shock the league and claim the JJ Giltinan Shield as minor premiers - so the money isn't always right.
The Sporting News has all the latest news and changes in the 2026 NRL premiership betting market.