Footy’s back, thank the good Lord.

England were useless in the cricket over summer and while the tennis was great in January, February is just a nothing month led by Valentine’s Day. What a rort that is.

But finally, here we are again, and I think we’re in for another incredible season.

Looking at some trial form, rosters, injuries and the way 2025 finished up, I can see some really big improvers from outside the top eight and some new faces come finals time.

Snakes and ladders: how the top eight will shift in 2026

Parramatta looked really strong in their trial wins over the Sharks and Roosters and have plenty to build on from the end of last season, with Jason Ryles into his second campaign now as coach.

As always with the Eels, it will come down to Mitchell Moses. If he plays a lot of games, they will be right there in that top-eight battle.

The Dolphins looked strong in their pre-season games too and welcome back some big names up front in Tom Flegler and Tom Gilbert, and have also added Selwyn Cobbo out wide on the left wing.

© Brisbane Times