NRL Heavyweights Struggle as New Contenders Emerge
The NRL’s heavyweights have fallen off a cliff. And only one is climbing back up
The Sydney Morning HeraldImage: The Sydney Morning Herald
The NRL's top four teams from last season—Melbourne Storm, Brisbane Broncos, Canberra Raiders, and Canterbury Bulldogs—are facing a challenging 2026 season, currently positioned between 11th and 15th on the ladder. Historical patterns suggest they may miss the finals, with only Melbourne showing signs of recovery.
- 01No previous top four teams have missed the finals in the NRL since its inception in 1908.
- 02Melbourne Storm has recently improved, winning four of their last five matches after a tough start.
- 03Canterbury Bulldogs chairman Adam Driussi acknowledged that rule changes have not suited their play style.
- 04Injuries have significantly impacted all four teams, with key players missing crucial games.
- 05The emergence of teams like the Dolphins and Warriors suggests a potential shift in the NRL hierarchy.
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The 2026 NRL season has seen the reigning top four teams—Melbourne Storm, Brisbane Broncos, Canberra Raiders, and Canterbury Bulldogs—struggling significantly, currently ranked between 11th and 15th on the ladder. Historically, no top four teams have missed the finals in the league's history since 1908, raising concerns about this year's prospects. The Bulldogs, in particular, have faced challenges adapting to new rule changes that have affected their gameplay. Injuries have plagued all four teams, with Melbourne finding some resurgence, winning four of their last five matches. The current landscape suggests a potential shake-up in the league, with new contenders like the Dolphins and Warriors emerging, while the traditional powerhouses grapple with consistency and depth issues.
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The struggles of top NRL teams could impact fan engagement and attendance at games.
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