The 2026 NRL season is just around the corner, and final preparations are well underway around the competition.
The first teams are not all that far away, but for most clubs, the all-important spine is all but locked away.
The fullback, five-eighth, halfback and hooker are the players who ultimately drive the team forward, set up the points and dictate the way footy is going to be played throughout the course of the season.
There are important positions all over the park, but no team have won a competition without a strong spine.
Here are the rankings ahead of the 2026 campaign.
Wests Tigers
Likely first choice spine: Jahream Bula, Jarome Luai, Adam Doueihi, Apisai Koroisau
Other options: Heath Mason, Latu Fainu, Tristan Hope
The Tigers are another side who could be tough to get a read on heading into 2026.
The spine, on paper, is not all that bad, but Jahream Bula is still proving himself, Apisai Koroisau’s career is winding down, and Jarome Luai needs to get back to his Penrith consistency.
The question mark, in truth, is at halfback, the most critical position on the field.
Adam Doueihi has been earmarked to take over the number seven jumper, and while he looked impressive during the pre-season challenge, it’s a big leap for a guy who has spent more time injured than playing in recent seasons.
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