In the wake of New South Wales’ disappointment against Queensland in the Origin series, a pressing need for a hooker who can rival Harry Grant has become evident. Blayke Brailey from Cronulla has emerged as a strong contender for the 2026 series, showing exceptional talent in a recent match against the Roosters. His impressive performance, which included two try assists and significant line breaks, mirrored that of Grant, setting him apart from Reece Robson.
Brailey’s contributions have been pivotal in the Sharks’ resurgence, and his durability is noteworthy, having not missed a game since 2020. If he maintains his current form, he could become the Blues’ number nine for the next series.
Meanwhile, Manly has provided a blueprint for teams aiming to counter Grant’s influence at the Storm. They managed to end Melbourne’s impressive home winning streak by applying constant pressure on Grant, forcing him into an unusually high tackle count and stifling his attacking prowess.
The Wests Tigers faced a different challenge, as Adam Doueihi showcased his versatility by stepping up as a lock in a narrow victory against the Titans. His match-winning field goal in a lackluster game underscored his value to the team, even as he navigates contract negotiations, complicated by the involvement of contentious player manager Isaac Moses.
On the other hand, the Canberra Raiders have found success through a dynamic hooking duo. Their recent triumph over the Eels highlighted the effectiveness of this combination—Tom Starling and newcomer Owen Pattie contributed significantly to their ongoing eight-game winning streak, further establishing Canberra as a formidable force in the competition.
In contrast, South Sydney’s struggles continue under Wayne Bennett, with seven consecutive losses burdening the team amid a slew of injuries. Their hopes of avoiding the wooden spoon rest precariously on the poor performance of the Titans, as Bennett faces the grim prospect of the first spoon of his coaching career.
Finally, despite the Dolphins’ uncertain finals prospects, coach Kristian Woolf is deserving of serious consideration for the Coach of the Year award. The Dolphins play an entertaining style of rugby, characterised by spontaneous and thrilling gameplay. Their recent win over the Cowboys was a testament to their attacking prowess, showcasing the talents of key players like Isaiya Katoa and Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow, despite dealing with significant injury setbacks throughout the season.
As the NRL season progresses, these emerging stories will undoubtedly shape the landscape of the competition as teams vie for success.