NRL 2026 Top Eight Race Tightens Ahead of Final Rounds

With five rounds remaining in the 2026 National Rugby League season, the competition for the top eight and top four positions is close. Penrith Panthers lead the ladder with 36 points and are favored to finish first, followed by Sydney Roosters on 34 points and New Zealand Warriors on 32 points. Cronulla Sharks and the Dolphins also sit on 32 and 30 points respectively, keeping all five clubs in contention for finals spots.

Each team has a relatively favorable remaining schedule, facing mostly lower‑ranked opponents, which means the final ladder positions could still shift dramatically in the last weeks of the season.