The 2026 NRL season has kicked off with a bang, and the early rounds have already provided a plethora of talking points. From the Storm's clinical dominance over the Eels to the Rabbitohs' attacking masterclass, the competition is shaping up to be an exciting one. But it's not all smooth sailing, as the Roosters' halves combination and the Broncos' selection choices have already come under fire. Let's dive into the key moments and talking points from the opening rounds.
The Storm's Dominance
The Melbourne Storm sent an ominous warning to the rest of the competition with their 52-4 thrashing of the Eels. Harry Grant, Cameron Munster, and Jahrome Hughes were in top form, with Grant scoring a brilliant double and being named the best player on the field. The Storm's core trio of Grant, Munster, and Hughes made the biggest statement, with Grant's performance particularly impressive. His running game and body position were elite, and he was a constant threat to the Eels' defense. The Storm's next challenge will be the Dragons, who beat them in a shock upset last year.
The Eels' Reality Check
The Eels entered the season with high expectations, but their loss to the Storm exposed a glaring issue. The new-look combination of Mitchell Moses and Jonah Pezet struggled to gel, with the error count denying them the chance to build pressure. The Eels' ruck defense was also continually exposed by Grant, with one particular moment described as 'embarrassing' by commentator Andrew Voss. The Eels' hype train may have hit a bump in the road, and they will need to find their rhythm quickly.
The Roosters' Halves Woes
The Roosters' much-hyped halves combination of Daly Cherry-Evans and Sam Walker got off to a rocky start with a 42-18 loss to the Warriors. The pair missed seven tackles and had four errors between them, and they managed just one try assist. The Roosters' defense was also poor, and they were targeted on the edge. The pair's inability to complete at a high percentage and their ill-discipline proved costly. The Roosters' next challenge will be the Rabbitohs in a blockbuster clash at Allianz Stadium.
The Broncos' Selection Headache
The Broncos have been blasted for Michael Maguire's decision to bench Ezra Mam for their 26-0 thrashing by the Panthers. Mam, a match winner and one of the Broncos' highest-paid stars, was widely expected to start at five-eighth. Maguire's selection bombshell threw the team into disarray, with Ben Hunt having to double his defensive load. The Broncos' poor ball control and completion rate should be a massive concern for one of the pre-season title favorites.
The Panthers' Dominance
The Penrith Panthers finished the half in style with a 26-0 thrashing of the Broncos. Dylan Edwards, the man-of-the-match, made over 200 running metres, seven tackle busts, one line-break, scored a try, and provided great defensive reads. The Panthers' defense was also impressive, keeping the Broncos scoreless. The Panthers' next challenge will be the Raiders, who couldn't have asked for a better start to their season.
The Raiders' Comeback
The Canberra Raiders pulled off a stunning comeback in extra time, with Ethan Sanders stepping up to deliver the match-winning field goal. Sanders, a former Under-19s NSW Blues representative, replaced Jamal Fogarty in the No.7 jersey and proved his composure and talent. The Raiders' halves combination of Sanders and Ethan Strange worked well together, and they will only get better each week. The Raiders' next challenge will be the Panthers.
The Rabbitohs' Left-Edge
The Rabbitohs' left-edge, featuring David Fifita, Cody Walker, Latrell Mitchell, and Alex Johnston, lived up to the hype against the Dolphins. The edge combined for three tries, two try assists, two line-breaks, one 40/20, and 333 running metres. Fifita showed glimpses of his former self, and Walker was back to his best, controlling the attack and changing the momentum. The Rabbitohs' next challenge will be the Roosters.
The Sharks' Dominance
The Cronulla Sharks began their season with a bang, dominating the Titans on both ends of the field. The back-line was extremely impressive, with Braydon Trindall and Nicho Hynes in top form. Hynes finished the contest with two tries, and Trindall finished with four try assists and two tries. The Sharks' next challenge will be the Broncos.
The Year of the Sharks?
Will 2026 be the year of the Cronulla Sharks? With their dominant performance against the Titans, the Sharks have their fans excited for the season ahead. Their defense was impressive, and their back-line was fluent. The Sharks' next challenge will be the Broncos, and they will be looking to continue their winning streak.
In conclusion, the 2026 NRL season has already provided a plethora of talking points, and the competition is shaping up to be an exciting one. The Storm's dominance, the Eels' reality check, the Roosters' halves woes, and the Broncos' selection headache are just a few of the key moments that have already taken place. With the season still in its early stages, there is plenty more to come, and the competition is sure to provide more talking points as the season progresses.
