Ahead of the 2026 NRLW season, several projections have been made regarding team performance, individual awards, and league developments.
Premiership Contenders
The Sydney Roosters are projected as strong contenders for the 2026 premiership. In the 2025 season, the team concluded four points short of an undefeated season and the title. The 2026 season is anticipated to feature significant player movements across the competition, yet the Roosters maintain a stable roster including Isabelle Kelly, Olivia Kernick, and Rima Butler. Playmaker Tarryn Aiken is expected to return mid-season following an ACL injury. These factors position the Roosters as leading candidates for the upcoming season.
Individual Accolades
Isabelle Kelly of the Roosters is predicted to win the Dally M Medal. In 2025, Kelly finished six points behind Tamika Upton and was recognized as Dally M Centre of the Year and Captain of the Year. She averaged 193 run metres during the 2025 season. Kelly is also expected to feature in the Jillaroos World Cup campaign. Ronald Griffiths is projected to receive the Dally M Coach of the Year award. Griffiths previously led the Knights to grand final victories in 2022 and 2023. His coaching of the Warriors, which now includes new signings from the Broncos and rugby union player Stacey Waaka, is cited as a basis for this prediction.
Team Performance Projections
The New Zealand Warriors are projected to qualify for their first-ever finals series. After re-entering the competition in 2025 and missing the finals, the team has signed Gayle Broughton (Dally M Five-Eighth of the Year), Annetta-Claudia Nu’uausala, and Mele Hufanga from the Broncos. These players have a history of premiership success. The Warriors are coached by Ronald Griffiths, who has won two titles.
The Brisbane Broncos are predicted to miss the grand final in 2026. The team has experienced the departure of seven players, including Gayle Broughton, Annetta-Claudia Nu’uausala, and Mele Hufanga, who was awarded the Karyn Murphy Medal in the grand final. While Jesse Southwell has joined the Broncos, her impact is considered against the scale of player losses. Other teams, such as the Roosters, Warriors, and Sharks, are noted as having strengthened their rosters.
The Newcastle Knights are projected to miss the top four positions. The Knights have historically been a top-four team in four of their five seasons, securing two premierships. Their past success was influenced by Jesse Southwell, and the team also managed the departure of Tamika Upton in 2025. With Southwell's move to the Broncos and the departure of Dally M Winger of the Year Sheridan Gallagher, the team's ability to maintain its top-four standing is questioned, with Kirra Dibb anticipated to fill a key role.
The Canberra Raiders, who finished 11th in 2025, are projected to qualify for the finals. The team has made a significant signing in Sheridan Gallagher, a former Knights player and the 2025 Dally M Winger of the Year, who scored 25 tries in 32 NRLW games for Newcastle. The Raiders' roster also includes co-captains Zahara Temara and Simaima Taufa. The team is scheduled to play several top competitors at home.
The St George Illawarra Dragons are predicted to finish with the wooden spoon. The Dragons finished 10th in 2025 and will be without veteran captain Raecene McGregor. Coach Nathan Cross is anticipated to rely on young players, including 23-year-old Zali Hopkins as the new captain, and Indie Bostock. The team has added Sharks lock Brooke Anderson. The absence of experienced leadership is identified as a potential challenge for the team.
Representative Football
Jesse Southwell is projected to be the Jillaroos halfback for the upcoming World Cup. Southwell, a Dally M Halfback of the Year, was part of the Pacific Championship squad following Tarryn Aiken's ACL injury. With Aiken's expected mid-season return, a selection decision will be required. Ali Brigginshaw, a legend of the sport and Southwell's teammate at the Broncos, has indicated support for Southwell and Aiken to lead. Keeley Davis of the Roosters is predicted to be the starting Jillaroos hooker. Davis was initially selected for the Pacific Championships but withdrew due to a dislocated shoulder. Contenders for the position include Olivia Higgins, Quincy Dodd, and Dally M Hooker of the Year Emma Manzelmann. Queensland is projected to win the State of Origin series. The 2025 series concluded 2-1 in favor of New South Wales. This upcoming series is expected to be Ali Brigginshaw's final Origin campaign. Tamika Upton is set to return, and Tarryn Aiken is expected to be available, with players like Keilee Joseph and Romy Teitzel competing for World Cup positions. New South Wales' roster includes Isabelle Kelly, Jesse Southwell, and Kezie Apps.
League Expansion
An announcement regarding NRLW expansion plans is anticipated in 2026. The NRLW has experienced growth, reaching 12 teams and an 11-round regular season plus a three-week finals series in 2025. Recent additions include the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs, and the New Zealand Warriors returned to the competition. NRL CEO Andrew Abdo has stated an objective for every NRL club to have an NRLW team. Five current NRL clubs (Storm, Panthers, Dolphins, Sea Eagles, Rabbitohs) do not yet have an NRLW presence, along with future NRL clubs Perth Bears and PNG Chiefs. Abdo has indicated that the inclusion of the Bears (2027) and Chiefs (2028) in the NRLW is a consideration.