The rugby league season is fast approaching. <\/p>\n
Not fast enough if you ask me, but there’s now only a few weeks until trials, SG Ball and the like see the greatest game of all return to our screens.<\/p>\n
With each new season comes the chance to look either brilliant (unlikely) or foolish (almost certainly) by delivering 50 predictions.<\/p>\n
We have some massive predictions to come, including Premiers, Dally M winners and much more.<\/p>\n
Today we focus on an Origin debutant, the try scoring record being broken, a young superstar and more.<\/p>\n
Below are the first 10, of 50, fearless predictions for 2026:<\/p>\n
50. Laurie Daley exits Origin arena (again)
I refuse to let this one go. Laurie Daley’s return to the NSW coaching position is an all time clanger.<\/p>\n
The Blues<\/a> were beaten in 2025s Origin series, despite having two cracks at retaining the shield.<\/p>\n Daley’s game-plan was awful, his selections were mind boggling and I have zero shame in saying he was responsible for the series loss.<\/p>\n We are stuck with him again this year but I can’t see any world where even the NSWRL board can retain him for yet another year.<\/p>\n 49. Sam Stonestreet makes wing spot his own for the Sharks Both Stonestreet and Katoa are off-contract, and only one will be re-signed long term to partner Mulitalo on the wing in the Shire.<\/p>\n Stonestreet, at 23, is five years younger than Katoa, 13 cm taller, at least 10 kilos heavier, multiple times faster and better in the air.<\/p>\n It looks a no brainer on paper but Stonestreet’s early season performances will surely end any “contest” quickly, with the younger securing his spot for many years to come.<\/p>\n 48. Josh Hannay off to a good start as Titans coach I believe he’ll be a success on the Gold Coast. Well he couldn’t do any worse than Des Hasler<\/a> did anyway.<\/p>\n The Titans have a somewhat favourable draw early on. This includes games against the Cowboys and Dragons so there could be some early wins.<\/p>\n He’s let some players go so it won’t be all smooth sailing but I think every move he’s made to this point is a step in the right direction.<\/p>\n 47. AJ breaks the record against the Roosters in Round 2 Alex Johnston<\/a> needs three tries to become the game’s most prolific try scorer of all time.<\/p>\n Souths open their 2026 away to the Dolphins<\/a>. That game should see lots of points and surely AJ will bag a try.<\/p>\n An early try in the Roosters game will set up a moment I honestly thought we’d not see in the modern game. Good luck to security tasked with keeping fans off the field also.<\/p>\n 46. Thomas Flegler returns to Orign Flegler’s loss has been massive and I, like Dolphins<\/a> fans, am eagerly awaiting his return from what looked to be a career threatening injury.<\/p>\n If he returns to his pre-injury form, he’ll return to the Origin arena for QLD. Probably not for the first game but absolutely by the third.<\/p>\n This is a hopeful shout, I’ll admit it, but if you’re not rooting for the feel good story here, then you’re wrong.<\/p>\n 45. Vegas games fail to deliver Last year was almost as big. The Raiders lit up the holiday strip while the Sharks and Panthers played out a beauty!<\/p>\n This year though … Newcastle vs North Queensland kicks us off before the “main event” sees the Dogs play the Dragons.<\/p>\n Any rugby league is amazing but it’s fair to say that this year’s event lacks the prestige of the previous two.<\/p>\n 44. Coby Black instant hit in Canberra The Broncos couldn’t move on their title winning halves so almost had to release their star young half.<\/p>\n The Raiders have landed a ten-year plus prospect. He is just that right now, a prospect, but I see massive things in the capital.<\/p>\n He may have to ease in behind Ethan Strange<\/a> and Ethan Saunders, but by mid-season I expect him to partner Strange in the halves.<\/p>\n 43. Perth land a big fish That said, they’re yet to strike a massive blow. It took the Dolphins<\/a> an entire year to sign Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow<\/a> so I’m not worried.<\/p>\n I think Perth do land a big star by mid-season.<\/p>\n Whether that be an off-contract player, a player looking for a big contract upgrade, or a star that will rise early in ’26, we have to wait and see.<\/p>\n 42. Jahream Bula signs mega deal at the Tigers I expect the Tigers to move heaven, earth and everything in between to re-sign their young star.<\/p>\n I don’t know if it’ll match the terms of the Jarome Luai<\/a> deal, but will rival any long-term contract in Wests Tigers<\/a> history.<\/p>\n Bula was electric last year and in the Pacific Nations tournament. They simply cannot lose him.<\/p>\n 41. Jacob Preston named for NSW I am of the opinion Preston should have made his debut for the Kangaroos in England<\/a>, but his entry into rep footy should come in Game One for Origin.<\/p>\n The competition from Hudson Young<\/a>, Angus Crichton<\/a>, Liam Martin<\/a> and Cameron Murray<\/a> will be fierce but Preston should absolutely be there.<\/p>\n
Ronaldo Mulitalo’s ACL injury ensures Sharks fans get to witness a straight shootout between Sione Katoa<\/a> and Sam Stonestreet<\/a> for the first half of 2026.<\/p>\n
I’m an unashamed fan of Josh Hannay<\/a>. He did exceptionally well at Cronulla in difficult circumstances.<\/p>\n
It just has to be! Right?<\/p>\n
Dolphins<\/a> big man Tom Flegler hasn’t played since the early rounds in 2024. He is set to make his return via the trials in just a few weeks.<\/p>\n
I ate crow on the initial Vegas trip. I didn’t see the appeal but was happily proven wrong.<\/p>\n
It is no secret that Coby Black<\/a> has been (wait for it) black listed, for big things! I know that doesn’t work but it’s early in the season.<\/p>\n
To date, the Perth Bears<\/a> have signed, okay? Josh Curran<\/a> is a good get and I think Liam Henry<\/a> will become a star.<\/p>\n
One player who won’t sign for the Bears is Tigers fullback Jahream Bula<\/a>.<\/p>\n
As much as I don’t trust Laurie Daley<\/a> to get the selections right, Jacob Preston<\/a> is going to make himself impossible to overlook.<\/p>\n