The 2026 NRL season is already shaping up as one of the most fascinating in recent memory, with blockbuster signings and bold roster reshuffles across the competition. From Daly Cherry-Evans’ stunning switch to the Roosters to Dylan Brown heading north to Newcastle, big-name recruits will be under the spotlight as they attempt to justify their new deals and reshape the premiership race.
There’s no shortage of intrigue. Selwyn Cobbo links up with the Dolphins in a move that could elevate their outside backs, while rising playmaker Jonah Pezet embarks on a one-season stint at Parramatta before eventually joining Brisbane. Leo Thompson adds much-needed steel to the Bulldogs’ pack, and Jamal Fogarty swaps lime green for maroon and white as Manly search for stability at halfback.
Elsewhere, David Fifita’s move to South Sydney looms as one of the biggest storylines of the year. Can Wayne Bennett reignite the career of one of the game’s most destructive forwards? Reed Mahoney’s arrival at North Queensland could be the missing piece to drag the Cowboys back into finals contention, while Alofiana Khan-Pereira’s switch to the Warriors offers hope of more opportunities — and more tries — across the Tasman.
Daniel Atkinson’s arrival at the Dragons is another key subplot, with the club desperate to end a finals drought that stretches back to 2018. In Melbourne, the short-term signing of Davvy Moale could prove vital as the Storm attempt to cover the loss of Eli Katoa and remain firmly in the title hunt.
With so many moving parts, 2026 shapes as a season defined by recruitment success — or failure.
Club-by-club snapshot
Brisbane Broncos
The Broncos farewelled several familiar faces, including Cobbo, Jock Madden and Kobe Hetherington, while adding Grant Anderson, Tom Duffy and Aublix Tawha for 2026. Their biggest gain, however, comes in 2027 with Jonah Pezet earmarked as a long-term halves solution.
Canberra Raiders
Canberra undergo a major transition with Jamal Fogarty departing and Jayden Brailey arriving from Newcastle. The Raiders also add Daine Laurie and Sione Finau as they attempt to reshape their spine and outside backs.
Canterbury Bulldogs
The Bulldogs made one of the strongest statements in the market, landing Leo Thompson and Sean O’Sullivan while also adding depth with Kade Dykes and Fletcher Baker. The departures of Reed Mahoney and Toby Sexton mark a clear shift in direction.
Cronulla Sharks
Cronulla’s headline losses are Daniel Atkinson and Kade Dykes, leaving questions about depth but also creating opportunities for internal development.
Dolphins
The Dolphins welcome Selwyn Cobbo, Morgan Knowles and Brad Schneider in a major boost, though the exits of Kenny Bromwich, Mark Nicholls and Sean O’Sullivan signal a changing leadership core.
Gold Coast Titans
The Titans lose David Fifita and Kieran Foran, two massive names, while adding Lachlan Ilias, Luke Sommerton and Max Feagai as they look to reset their roster and culture.
Manly Sea Eagles
Manly’s biggest gain is Jamal Fogarty, arriving after Daly Cherry-Evans’ shock departure to the Roosters. The club also adds Kobe Hetherington and Blake Wilson as they begin life after one of the greatest halfbacks in NRL history.
Melbourne Storm
The Storm remain aggressive, signing Davvy Moale, Jack Hetherington and Trent Toelau. However, the losses of Ryan Papenhuyzen, Jonah Pezet and Nelson Asofa-Solomona ensure this is a genuine transition phase.
Newcastle Knights
Newcastle land the prize of the market in Dylan Brown, supported by a wave of forwards including Pasami Saulo and Trey Mooney. Losing Leo Thompson hurts, but the Knights are clearly pushing for immediate success.
North Queensland Cowboys
Reed Mahoney headlines the Cowboys’ recruitment, joined by Ethan King and Matt Lodge. Reece Robson’s departure leaves a leadership void that Mahoney is expected to fill.
Parramatta Eels
Parramatta reshuffle dramatically, gaining Jack de Belin and Jonah Pezet while losing Dylan Brown and Shaun Lane. The Pezet signing offers hope, even if it’s only short-term.
Penrith Panthers
The Panthers continue to reload rather than rebuild, bringing in Jack Cogger and several Warriors forwards while losing depth pieces like Daine Laurie and Brad Schneider.
St George Illawarra Dragons
Daniel Atkinson arrives with expectations of transforming the attack, alongside Josh Kerr and Jack de Belin’s replacement. Finals football remains the benchmark.
South Sydney Rabbitohs
All eyes are on David Fifita under Wayne Bennett. With Bronson Garlick and Moala Graham-Taufa also arriving, Souths are betting on upside and redemption.
Sydney Roosters
The Roosters dominate headlines with the arrivals of Daly Cherry-Evans and Reece Robson. Few clubs have reshaped their spine as dramatically — or as boldly.
Warriors
Alofiana Khan-Pereira headlines the Warriors’ gains, while several forwards depart to Penrith. The balance between strike power and depth will be tested.
Wests Tigers
The Tigers add toughness and experience with Kai Pearce-Paul, Jock Madden and Bunty Afoa, continuing their push toward long-term stability.
Perth Bears (2027)
Looking ahead, the Bears have already locked in Toby Sexton, Sean Russell and several Super League recruits as they build toward their NRL return.
With so much talent on the move, 2026 promises to answer one key question: which clubs nailed their recruitment — and which ones got it disastrously wrong?
Leave a Reply