Sure, rugby league is a team game.\u00a0<\/p>\n
But as Broncos<\/a> star Reece Walsh showed in the latter stages of 2025\u2014just as Nathan Clearly had done two years earlier\u2014NRL seasons are typically defined by the actions, and health, of individual players.<\/p>\n As the new season rapidly approaches, here are our thoughts on the players who loom as the most influential established and emerging stars at all 17 NRL clubs in 2026.<\/p>\n Maybe you\u2019ll agree. Perhaps you wont. Either way, that\u2019s the beauty of the rugby league pre-season.<\/p>\n Enjoy the debate…<\/p>\n Brisbane Broncos<\/p>\n Most important star: Reece Walsh\u00a0<\/p>\n No surprises here given he\u2019s arguably the best attacking player on the planet and that isn\u2019t likely to change any time soon. Payne Haas will be vital as he always is, but if Walsh fires again in 2026, Brisbane are a red hot chance of going back-to-back.<\/p>\n Most important rising star: Xavier Willison<\/p>\n Began to fulfil his immense potential in 2025 and was rewarded with a premiership ring and New Zealand selection. He\u2019s still nowhere near his ceiling which is a scary prospect for NRL rivals in a pack that also includes Haas and Pat Carrigan.<\/p>\n Canberra Raiders<\/p>\n Most important star: Ethan Strange<\/p>\n The Raiders<\/a> were dealt a crushing blow when Strange fell ill at a critical stage of the 2025 finals series. A year stronger, more experienced and with the added benefit of a Kangaroo Tour behind him, he can go to another level in 2026.<\/p>\n Most important rising star: Coby Black<\/p>\n He\u2019s arrived a year earlier than expected from the Broncos\u2014but is he the young number seven the Raiders have been craving to partner Strange for years to come? In the forwards, 21-year-old hooker Owen Pattie is another to watch heading into his second NRL season.<\/p>\n Canterbury Bulldogs<\/p>\n Most important star: Stephen Crichton<\/p>\n The Bulldogs<\/a> were crippled without their captain in the 2025 finals series. But when fit he\u2019s simply the best centre in the game and a bona fide difference maker.\u00a0<\/p>\n Most important rising star: Lachlan Galvin<\/p>\n The hype was huge in 2025, alas the results not so much. A year older and wiser, it\u2019s time for Galvin to go to the next level. Can he?\u00a0Jethro Rinakama is another Bulldogs youngster who could be set for a massive 2026.<\/p>\n Cronulla Sharks<\/p>\n Most important star: Blayke Brailey<\/p>\n Brailey is at the heart of almost everything good that happens at the Sharks<\/a>. When he goes well, so does Cronulla. It\u2019s that simple.<\/p>\n Most important rising star: Jesse Colquhoun<\/p>\n Yes, he\u2019s 24. But the talented forward has played just 29 games in four NRL seasons due to a horror run with injuries. 2025 was his best return yet with 18 appearances for the Sharks and if he stays on the field, 2026 shapes as being even better. Almost as important for the Sharks will be securing his contract for 2027 and beyond, with plenty of rivals circling.<\/p>\n Dolphins<\/p>\n Most important star: Isaiah Katoa\/Herbie Farnworth<\/p>\n Impossible to split the international pair of stars\u2014both players are absolutely critical to the club\u2019s hopes in 2025.<\/p>\n Most important rising star: Jack Bostock<\/p>\n A prolific try scorer, the towering young winger won Dally M Rookie of the Year in 2024 and was having a wonderful 2025 before injury derailed his season in Round 16.<\/p>\n Gold Coast Titans<\/p>\n Most important star: Tino Fa\u2019asuamaleaui<\/p>\n He isn\u2019t just important on the field in 2026. What big Tino decides off it will have a major influence on the Titans<\/a> list for years to come.<\/p>\n Most important rising star: Keano Kini<\/p>\n Showed in the season-ending Pacific Championships that the rugby league world is his oyster. If he can stay healthy, Josh Hannay has an absolute backline superstar on his hands.<\/p>\n Manly Sea Eagles<\/p>\n Most important star: Jamal Fogarty<\/p>\n He\u2019s far from the most talented star in the Sea Eagles<\/a> squad, but Fogarty could be the most important as Manly begins the post-DCE era. Needs to be the glue that binds everything together\u2014or it could all fall apart.<\/p>\n Most important rising star: Lehi Hopoate<\/p>\n Hopoate has been in the Manly system since he was 12 years old. Now heading into his third NRL season the 20-year-old will become an even more critical part of Anthony Seibold\u2019s attack and defence as the reliance on Tom Trbojevic continues to slowly decline. One of the most exciting outside backs in the game, he\u2019s the club\u2019s future.<\/p>\n Melbourne Storm<\/p>\n Most important star: Harry Grant<\/p>\n Munster and Hughes are important, but no-one will need to shoulder more responsibility for the Storm<\/a> in 2026 than the reigning IRL Golden Boot winner. Fortunately Grant\u2019s the best hooker in the game and has the ability to do just that.<\/p>\n Most important rising star: Sua Fa\u2019alogo<\/p>\n Ryan Papenhauzen is gone and Fa\u2019alogo looks set to get first crack at the vacant number one jersey. He\u2019s already a huge crowd favourite in Melbourne and the exciting 22-year-old has the chance to become the next superstar Storm fullback.<\/p>\n Newcastle Knights<\/p>\n Most important star: Kayln Ponga<\/p>\n Arguably the most important X-factor player for any team in the NRL right now. With Ponga motivated and on the field the Knights<\/a> are limitless, but without him things fall away alarmingly, even with new recruit Dylan Brown.<\/p>\n Most important rising star: Fletcher Sharpe<\/p>\n One of the game\u2019s most exciting young utilities, the 21-year-old ended his 2025 season in hospital after suffering horrific internal injuries in Round 16. Prior to that he\u2019d been one of the Knights\u2019 best players, scoring 11 tries in 14 games.<\/p>\n New Zealand Warriors<\/p>\n Most important star: Luke Metcalf<\/p>\n We all saw what happened in 2025 when Metcalf did his ACL. If he returns and stays healthy, the Warriors<\/a> stay in the hunt.<\/p>\n Most important rising star: Leka\u00a0Halasima\u00a0<\/p>\n The 20-year-old was a revelation last season and was unsurprisingly a 2025 Dally M Rookie of the Year nominee. Will be an absolute\u00a0 handful once again for opposing teams in 2026\u2014and years to come.<\/p>\n North Queensland Cowboys<\/p>\n Most important star: Tom Dearden<\/p>\n