HONG KONG-CHINA-LIFESTYLE-ANIMALS
A visitors carries her cat around the Hong Kong Pet Show 2026 at the Convention and Exhibition Centre in Hong Kong on January 29, 2026. (Photo by Peter PARKS / AFP via Getty Images)
A popular YouTube influencer has enjoyed a successful live show debut.
But it’s not your typical extroverted and narcissistic wannabe-celebrity or a former reality show ‘star’ looking to extend their 15 minutes.
Gary the cat has quickly become a YouTube superstar after his owner Sarah started posting videos of their ‘conversations’, with Sarah talking to Gary and Gary ‘answering’ her with various meows, mrrphs, and purrs.
“I originally made the video to show friends how cute he was when we have our ‘conversations’. It was only going to be a one-off as I’m not some YouTube insta-celebrity who wants to be famous.”
But Sarah was astonished when her first video ‘Garry’s Opinions’ had over 1,000 views and the comments section was full of people fawning over Garry.
“There’s a million animal channels, so I thought I’d do a few more until people got bored of it and moved on.”
Naming the channel ‘Garry’s Opinions’, Sarah posted regular short videos and reels whenever inspiration struck.
“Garry is his cutest when he wakes up from a long nap, so that became my favourite time to film. The poor guy takes a few seconds to remember where he is and get back to reality.”
After a few months, ‘Garry’s Opinions’ got so big that Sarah decided to take him to a local Pet expo for a live appearance.
“I got a friend who works in marketing to properly hype the event and make some merch: basic stuff like t-shirt, caps, and stickers.”
Sarah wasn’t phased about taking Gary to a big event as she’d taken him to Pet Expo’s before. “I packed his favourite little cat bed and his favourite treats to make him feel extra comfortable.”
The ‘Garry’s Opinions’ stall was a huge success, with a big line-up to pet Garry and buy merch, while Garry gave the public what they wanted with a few meows when asked questions.
“Garry didn’t seem too fussed at first, but he warmed to the attention and was quite vocal as the day went on, and he was fine having his photo taken with fans over and over. He was happy when we got home though. He slept most of the night while I watched TV. All that love must have been exhausting!”
After making a thank you video for all of Garry’s fans, Sarah is already planning another live appearance and is talking to her marketing friend about more merchandise ideas.
They say there can only be winners and losers in sport, but of course they’re wrong and they’re fools, there’s always another results, a special one for learned sporting fans – the draw. And who doesn’t love a draw where everyone wins. Those winners include canny punters who look for value, and The Gurgler website is always happy to help with opinion and stats, so welcome to our Football Draws Predictions – 6 February to 9 February.
Our resident draw expert Frankington Stanley runs his keen eye over the many football divisions around the world to find the best draws for you. He’s sort of like the John West of Football draws, he hates Dog Salmon and lop-sided fixtures.
Frankington Stanley is not fussy, no country or continent is out of bounds, and the more obscure the better. And some of them are quite obscure. They don’t even feature on the Who Scored website.
So grab an oversized spoon for another weekly serving of the finest Football Draw tips from all over the world, where The Gurgler and Frankington Stanley take the stale out of stalemate.
Football Draws Predictions – Best of the Week
England » League Two – 2025/2026 » Colchester-Shrewsbury
Kick off:15:01 Sat, 07-Feb-26
The last meeting between these sides at Colchester ended 0-0. The third last game between these sides at Colchester ended 0-0. The game before that at Colchester ended 1-1. Shrewsbury have lost their last four away and are winless on the road in 10 matches. They are 22nd in League Two, so one place above Football League relegation, so a point will do. Colchester’s home form is ok in League Two this season, but they do love a draw at home to Shrewsbury.
Football Draws Predictions – Best of the Rest
England » Premier League – 2025/2026 » Brighton-Crystal Palace
Kick off:14:00 Sun, 08-Feb-26
These teams aren’t in great form, so a draw might be enough. And it’s a local rivalry too. Crystal Palace are winless in nine league games (D3 L6) and equal bottom for points per game in the last six form. Brighton have only won one of their last 11 games too (W1 D6 L4). If this was at Crystal Palace it would be draw of the week, but there’s enough draw history to include in this week’s best.
England » Championship – 2025/2026 » Wrexham-Millwall
Kick off:15:01 Sat, 07-Feb-26
Before Wrexham’s glorious return to the second tier, they met Millwall twice in cup competitions in 2011, and both games ended 1-1. Plus there’s a good run of draws at Wrexham between these sides before that.
England » League One – 2025/2026 » Mansfield-Exeter
Kick off:15:01 Sat, 07-Feb-26
Mansfield have drawn their last three games in League One. Exeter have drawn two of their last three away from home. A four hour away trip for Exeter, so a draw might be enough. They are a solid 11th and 13th in the league.
Italy » Serie A – 2025/2026 » Bologna-Parma Calcio 1913
Kick off:11:30 Sun, 08-Feb-26
Good news for draw fans as the Draw is the leading result in this clash ahead of either side’s win %. Plus every second game between these sides at Bologna has ended in a draw going back eight games. That pattern also means a draw is due this weekend. Throw in that Bologna’s home form is awful recently – D1 L5 – yet they are still 10th in the league. Parma are 16th and have drawn two of their last four away games.
Another game where the draw (9) is the highest occurring result (vs six and two wins for the teams). The earlier in the season between these teams ended in a 1-1 draw. The last three times the first game of the season between these sides was a draw, the second match of the season was also a draw. Getafe are winless in eight and drawn their last two.
Germany » Bundesliga – 2025/2026 » FC Heidenheim-Hamburger SV
Kick off:14:30 Sat, 07-Feb-26
Both of these teams haven’t won in six/seven (insert kid here doing that thing) games. Hamburg’s results has been the meat between the bread with three draws in a row and their last away game. Heidenheim have gone L-D-L in their last three home games. Out of the five league games played between these sides at Heidenheim, three ended in a draw.
A long-time rugby league fan has vowed never to watch the NRL again after the new rule changes.
“Peter V’landys is going to destroy the Greatest Game of All because he’s obsessed with power and changing things for the sake of it!” said Graham, who played A and B grade footy in Country NSW from 1986 to 1996.
“Modern footy is so soft now! Players have a cuddle after they make a mistake so nobody’s feelings are hurt and they do those stupid ‘woke breathing circles’ after they score. It’s ridiculous! Back in my day, you could take a bloke’s head off on the field, shake hands at full-time, and then drink with him and share stories until the wee hours. That’s when footy was footy and men were men!”
As a form of protest, he won’t be watching any footy in 2026, even his beloved St George Illawarra Dragons.
“V’landys wants to get the casual viewers away from Aussie Rules and rugby union so he can brag about how good he is. He doesn’t really care about footy or real footy fans! Refusing to watch the Woke Rugby League will show him that money isn’t everything! I may watch highlights of my Dragons games if we win, but that’ll be it!”
But Graham’s wife Tina isn’t having a bar of it.
“The old coot is full of hot air! He’s spent all summer watching old footy games on Kayo and YouTube and I guarantee you he’ll forget about his little tanty and will be watching the Vegas games and at least five games each weekend,” said Tina. “I don’t mind as I can go to the spare room and watch my shows on the other telly. And I’ve learnt to tune out his carry-on during Dragons games. Hopefully he’ll go to a few games live so I get some peace and quiet.”
A lot more interesting than a transfer window, standing in as an interim manager because there’s no one else available, in danger of being sent out on loan, on the verge of suspension due to excessive yellow cards, playing in a formation that was unfashionable and illegal 60 years ago, but somehow still getting the full support of the Chairman, it’s our 2025-26 Premier League Predictions Week 25.
Each gameweek in this 2025-26 Premier League season we offer up a stat filled prediction preview, with some barely interesting stats and visuals, just enough to bluff your way through various tipping competitions or betting shops.
Barely Interesting Stats – 2025-26 Premier League Predictions Week 25 – Stats and Thoughts
Help yourself to a buffet of barely interesting stats, quick one liners and more to help pick a winner.
BEST OF WEEK 25 STATS
Man Utd’s record v Spurs at home on a Saturday in the Premier League era is W16 D1 L1.
Sunderland last beat Arsenal in a league game at Arsenal in 1983 with a record of D5 L13 since.
Fulham have won all three games at home v middle eight sides.
Chelsea have won just one of their last five visits to Wolves (W1 D1 L3).
2025-26 Premier League Predictions Week 25
FRIDAY 8PM – LEEDS v NOTTINGHAM FOREST
Stats: The home team (either side) are unbeaten in the last eight games between these sides (W5 D3). Leeds are unbeaten in their last five home games v Nottingham Forest, but three have been draws. There have been only two Friday games between these sides, both at Nottingham Forest, and Forest’s record is W1 D1. Nottingham Forest are W1 D1 L1 v promoted sides this season.
Record v current bottom six teams:
Leeds: W3 L2 (Home W2)
Nott’m Forest: W3 D3 L1 (Away W2 D2)
Verdict: An important game at the bottom for many teams for many reasons. Why not spoil some people’s weekends earlier than usual.
Prediction: Leeds 1 Nottingham Forest 1
SATURDAY 12:30PM – MAN UTD v TOTTENHAM
Stats: Spurs are unbeaten in their last six games v Man Utd (W3 D3). Man Utd’s record v Spurs at home on a Saturday in the Premier League era is W16 D1 L1. Spurs have won just once v current top six teams (W1 D2 L4). Man UTd are W4 D1 L1 at home to current middle eight clubs.
Record v big six clubs:
Man Utd: W4 D1 L2 (Home W2 L1)
Spurs: W1 D2 L3 (Away W1 L1)
Verdict: Can the streak continue? Man Utd winning that is.
Prediction: Man Utd 2 Tottenham 1
SATURDAY 3PM – BOURNEMOUTH v ASTON VILLA
Stats: Aston Villa are unbeaten in their last six games v Bournemouth (W4 D2). At Bournemouth for all-time, the record is three wins a piece and one draw. Bournemouth are W1 D3 L4 v current top six sides with a W1 D1 L1 record at home.
Last six form:
Bournemouth: W3 D2 L1 (Won 3 of last 4)
Aston Villa: W2 D1 L3 (Last six form away W4 D1 L1)
Verdict: Aston Villa better start winning again, with some big name clubs around them finding form.
Prediction: Bournemouth 1 Aston Villa 2
SATURDAY 3PM – ARSENAL v SUNDERLAND
Stats: Sunderland last beat Arsenal in 2012 in a Cup fixture, it’s been D4 L10 since. In the league since 2001 Arsenal have lost just once to Sunderland (W17 D9 L1). Sunderland last beat Arsenal in a league game at Arsenal in 1983 with a record of D5 L13 since. Sunderland have a decent record v current top six with a record of W1 D4 L2. It’s W1 D1 L2 away to the top six. Arsenal are W3 D1 v promoted sides. Arsenal’s only home game v promoted sides so far ended in a 5-0 win.
Verdict: Should be a box ticker on the way to a title.
Prediction: Arsenal 3 Sunderland 0
SATURDAY 3PM – BURNLEY v WEST HAM
Stats: West Ham are unbeaten in their last seven games v Burnley (W4 D3). It’s three wins in a row on a Saturday for West Ham. Burnley haven’t won any of their last 15 games, with a record of D5 L10. It’s eight games without a win at home either.
Record v current bottom six teams:
Burnley: W2 D1 L2 (Home W1 D1 L1)
West Ham: W2 L4 (Away W1 L2)
Verdict: A relegation six pointer special on at 3pm on a Saturday, where it belongs.
Prediction: Burnley 0 West Ham 2
SATURDAY 3PM – FULHAM v EVERTON
Stats: Everton (W2 D2) are unbeaten in their last four trips to Fulham. Everton are W2 D1 L4 v London clubs this season, and away in London Everton have lost their only game v London sides. Fulham have won all three games at home v middle eight sides. Everton and Arsenal are the only two clubs not to lose to a middle eight side
Record v current middle eight teams:
Fulham: W4 D1 L3 (Home W3)
Everton: W3 D2 L3 (Away W1 D2)
Verdict: Meh
Prediction: Fulham 2 Everton 1
SATURDAY 3PM – WOLVES v CHELSEA
Stats: Chelsea have won three in a row v Wolves, scoring 12 goals in the process. But Chelsea have won just one of their last five visits to Wolves (W1 D1 L3). Chelsea’s record on a Saturday v Wolves since 2000 is W10 D1 L1. Chelsea are W6 D1 L1 v current bottom six teams. Wolves are D1 L7 v top six sides.
Verdict: Never before has a team with so much done so little for so long. Chelsea that is. Wolves are done.
Prediction: Wolves 0 Chelsea 2
SATURDAY 5:30PM – NEWCASTLE v BRENTFORD
Stats: Home side (either team) have won the last four matches between these clubs. It’s W8 and D1 to Newcastle at home to Brentford.
Verdict: Who knows, flip a coin.
Prediction: Newcastle 2 Brentford 0
SATURDAY 2PM – BRIGHTON v CRYSTAL PALACE
Stats: Crystal Palace lead the Sunday H2H wins at Brighton on a Sunday by 2-1. Crystal Palace are winless in nine league games (D3 L6) and equal bottom for points per game in the last six form. Brighton have only won one of their last 11 games too (W1 D6 L4)
Verdict: Stumbling Brighton v busted arse Crystal Palace. Plus the fans hate each other, which is always interesting.
Prediction: Brighton 1 Crystal Palace 1
SATURDAY 4:30PM – LIVERPOOL v MAN CITY
Stats: Man City are winless away to big six clubs this season. Liverpool’s record at home to Man City in the league is impressive – since 1982 the results are W21 D11 L2. Both teams have the same record home/away respectively against current top six sides ahead of this weekend’s clash – W1 D1.
Record v big six clubs:
Liverpool: W2 D1 L3 (Home W1 L1)
Man City: W2 D3 L2 (Away D2 L1)
And here are all the tips together in one place for your convenience.
Leeds 1 Nottingham Forest 1
Man Utd 2 Tottenham 1
Bournemouth 1 Aston Villa 2
Arsenal 3 Sunderland 0
Burnley 0 West Ham 2
Fulham 2 Everton 1
Wolves 0 Chelsea 2
Newcastle 2 Brentford 0
Brighton 1 Crystal Palace 1
Liverpool 2 Man City 1
2025-26 Premier League Season Stats
Each week we’ll bring you some of the choicest cuts of stats we have created from our Data super computer called Jeff.
A self-described “Crossword Connoisseur” is unhappy about the state of modern crosswords.
“I was visiting my family over the holidays and my grandson wanted to show me the crosswords he was doing,” said Graham Peters. “My excitement vanished when I saw he was playing a crossword game on his phone! It was disgusting! The silly machine had extra letters flying across when you got an answer right and it told you when you got an answer wrong. Since when did crosswords turn into crass video games? Crosswords aren’t a game!”
Graham tried to teach his grandson how to complete a newspaper crossword, but it didn’t last long.
“The poor kid wondered why I used a pencil and wanted to know where the answers were as he said it was too hard. I decided to cut my losses, let my grandson go back to his disgusting video game, and finish the crossword myself. The lack of attention spans in today’s general is all because of the TikTok and Twenty20 cricket! No wonder children’s brains are being turned to mush!”
A veteran crossword writer for various newspapers in Australia and overseas, and author of a few crossword books, Graham has devoted his life to puzzling.
“I complained to my son about these horrible games, but he hit back with my popular ‘How to Play Crosswords like a Master’ books from back in the day. I said that was different: I was helping people to get the most out of their crossword experience. I never gave them the answers or told them when they got something wrong. I called it a guidebook for a reason!”
Graham has fond memories of learning to play crosswords as a child.
“Every Friday night, my father would collect the weekly newspapers and we’d spend the weekend completing the crosswords together, only breaking for the Saturday night family movie and church on Sunday morning. And I always got a nice, big crossword book for Christmas. It saved my parents a fortune on noisy toys that would end up in the trash after a few weeks. I would spend countless hours completing the puzzles from start to finish. And I never looked at the answers page. If I didn’t know an answer, I would think about it carefully until I solved it. And I always completed every puzzle.”
Angrier than a room full of Fox League writers, more of an obstruction than an NRL trainer, ducking for cover like a Melbourne Storm Assistant Coach, drinking out of more toilets than any Bronco star could ever hope for, playing out of position for the good of the team, and getting the full support of the board, it’s time for the 2026 return of The Gurgler’s NRL Donkey. Normally each week the NRL Donkey delivers a slightly unhinged view full of sass of the world of rugby league, and he will do so again in 2026, but before this season kicks off he offers up the NRL Donkey’s NRL 2026 Season Predictions and Opinions.
This NRL 2026 Season Predictions includes the usual sass, with a team by team outline about how each team will fare, plus the NRL Donkey will have his say on whatever catches his attention ahead of the 2026 season.
READ MORE: THE GURGLER’S FULL NRL 2026 GEAR
We’ve been working hard for you to bring you the 2026 NRL Season Previews from every angle and angel possible. But never Jo Angel.
The NRL Donkey’s NRL 2026 Season Predictions and Opening Thoughts
The 2026 NRL season promises to be a season like none other, mainly because there hasn’t been a year 2026 (that I know of) and if there has been a 2026 before there probably wasn’t rugby league played, or at least it wasn’t called NRL. Maybe cavemen and/or dinosaurs has a rugby league equivalent, if they did, we’re sure Buzz Rothfield was probably a cadet reporter at one of the games, and hating it.
There will be many big things happening this season, but none more important than sorting out the NRL TV rights. And by sorting out the NRL TV that means getting the biggest dollars for it. I also hope by “sorting out the NRL TV Rights” that includes removing Channel Nein from any further involvement. They can keep the Tennis, Rugby Union and the world’s most boring game show Tipping Point with the equally dull Mark Wood-something, he’s perfect for tennis and dull game shows. So is Channel Nein, it would be nice if this is the last year they tell us when the NRL Grand Final is on, ruin State of Origin period NRL, throw Gus Gould at us, and have Mat Thompson shouting at everything. But we probably won’t be that lucky.
With all that in mind, Peter V’landys aka Man of Feathers has already starting tinkering with the game and will no doubt continue doing so to maximise entertainment potential for that TV deal. I’m sure by Magic Round the set of six will become a set of three, balls will explode if they are kicked dead from inside your own half, the bench will be extended to 12 players with all players joining the field required to do some form of TikTok popular dance move, the kick off will be replaced by a cannon which randomly shoots the ball into the air in any direction, and referees will be replaced with AI, then replaced by referees.
It will look and feel more like It’s A Knockout, which in some cases would be good. The original It’s a Knockout that is. Out in a stadium with teams like the Kingaroy Peanuts and hosted by someone similar to the rotund but jolly Billy J Smith, not any more recent re-makes. I get a feeling that V’Landys-ball will be more like newer It’s a Knockout, so it will be awful.
Talking of awful, I’m looking to hearing less about or from the following: Gus Gould, Lachlan Galvin, the NRL Bunker when making a pisspoor decision that no one agrees with, the referees boss on Monday morning being the only person who agrees with that decision, Channel Nein as previously mentioned, Cooper Cronk for the 6th time and beyond in a match where he picks up some minute detail of he game then flogs it because he’s the smartest person in the room, Michael Ennis, Michael Ennis and the others when the Dragons are playing, Channel Seven pretending to care about rugby league on morning news shows in the hope that they can steal the TV rights off Channel Nein, NRL justifying State of Origin ruining the NRL for two months while saying we can’t have a mid season break with Pacific Tests, Isaac Moses, Zac Lomax, Rugby 360, Rugby Union, Winter Olympics, Tipping Point, Greenland, and TV shows that are basically a 30 minute betting ad.
Sounds like I’m looking forward to the 2026 NRL season? You bet I am. I’ve tried to pretend that the Big Bash is worth watching, and that Tennis is an ok substitute, or following scores from UK Football via an app because I’m too cheap to pay for extra subscriptions is a great thing, but none of it is rugby league. And you can bet that I can’t wait for that first minute of the pre-season challenge for 2026 NRL. And that 80 minutes later, or less, I’ll be moaning about it.
And more.
I’ll be back every week during the 2026 NRL season doing the same.
The NRL Donkey’s NRL 2026 Season Predictions and Opinions – Team by Team
Season predictions are easy, since 16 of the 17 teams won’t win the premiership, if you say everyone can’t win it you’ll be right 16/17. No one except the author will check and you’ll only hear from them unless they’re right, when nobody will care anyway. Which kind of makes all of this pointless.
Which does make you wonder why this busted arse website has planned or will do up to eight season previews with all range of predictions.
Regardless of this being pointless, or if anyone will read this, or if a little truth bomb on a club’s chances leads to online abuse towards me or any other donkey in retaliation, I’ll press on with my thoughts on every club heading into the 2026 NRL season.
BRISBANE BRONCOS
Reece Walsh was bad enough when he was just a really good player, but after his 2025 heroics to guide the Broncos to the NRL title can you imagine the next level he’s going to take it to in 2026. The toilet drinking was a stroke of genius, so am looking forward to what next level is from there. And if a toilet will be involved again. One can only hope. On field, I can see that if the Broncos start underperforming in 2026, and there’s no reason to think they won’t be too arrogant enough to rest on their laurels, whoever Laurel is, and if there’s a Hardy or Harduar nearby. Therefore Reece Walsh will end up giving his team mates a spray and one will take exception, leading to the NRL’s first intra-team on-field fight where both players are sent to the sin bin. During Magic Round would be even funnier given it would be at a full Suncorp Stadium. Away from Reece Walsh’s antics, this NRL Donkey will be focused on the big X Factor, Man Mountain, Xavier Willison becoming one of the game’s best props in 2026.
BULLDOGS
I can foresee a huge battle in 2026 at the Bulldogs to see who NRL 360 obsesses over more – Gus Gould or Lachlan Galvin. Especially if the Bulldogs don’t start or end the season well.
CANBERRA
I not only wish the Raiders well for friends, but I am scared to not wish them well because of Ricky Stuart. Sticky, aka the Angry Ant, aka Carlos Smearson is a gift to rugby league in many ways, a genuine guy who just loves his sport, and team. But much like a kid throwing at tantrum at the local Coles, the anger can be funny sometimes.
CRONULLA
Hopefully not another year of them hogging and wasting a spot in the top eight and blaming Nicho Hynes for everything. But with their usual easy draw and ability to go under the radar, it probably will be another serving.
DOLPHINS
A Grand Final appearance led by the emergence of Ray Stone as the game’s premier backrower, during which his Dry July post try celebration will be tearing the ball in half with his teeth, given his dislike for scoring tries.
GOLD COAST TITANS
Like most of the residents on the glitter strip, I forgot about the Gold Coast Titans when writing this, as I could only count 16 teams for a long time. Then I couldn’t think of anything to write. Then I remembered they have a new head coach, who I couldn’t remember off the top of my head. After checking Wikipedia I remembered it was Josh Hannay, who won’t make any difference in producing another forgettable season. Not that he can’t coach, just it’s the Gold Coast. And only the Daikyo Dolphins win on the Gold Coast.
MELBOURNE STORM
As a fan of the Bellamy Box crosses on NRL TV Coverage (not Channel Nein’s) I kind of hope they have a few bad patches during the season and during games. There’s not much around more entertaining than seeing Craig Bellamy going off his head at something happening on the field. With player movement this season and next, it is the most unsettled Melbourne in years. And I’m here rubbing my hands together.
MANLY SEA EAGLES
The exodus of players from Manly to the Roosters will leave just Anthony Seibold being the narkiest head coach in the NRL now that Adam “Four Premiership Whingescreens” O’Brien left the Newcastle gig, and the usual politics and in-fighting as the talking points for 2026.
NEWCASTLE KNIGHTS
Adding an overpriced and overrated player to save their team, in addition to the other overpaid and overrated star is certainly one way to do it. Adding a new coach with experience from the Gold Coast Titans will come in handy for the post match press conferences when they battle the Titans for last. at least Justin Holbrook is likeable.
NORTH QUEENSLAND COWBOYS
Las Vegas will be the peak for the Cowboys, as the US fans get on board with a team’s name they won’t have to explain to them, and they win. It won’t stop Todd Payten being nominated as the next coach sacked all season.
PARRAMATTA EELS
Parramatta were a team on the rise in the last part of the 2025 NRL season, as the Ryles-o-lution takes shape. For the record that was a pisspoor attempt at a pun combining Ryles and Revolution. The Eels momentum continues when they get either a tonne of money or players for Zac Lomax.
PENRITH PANTHERS
Maybe the Panthers will slowly become the Max Verstappen of the NRL, where fans will stop hating on them now they haven’t won everything. Maybe no one did hate them at all in the first place, except Parramatta fans, and Wests Tigers fans, and maybe Melbourne fans, and jealous fans from other clubs, and Jarome Luai didn’t really help either. And no doubt Buzz Rothfield, but he hates all rugby league. As long as the Panthers have two Clearys involved they will be a Premiership threat.
ROOSTERS
Somehow the Roosters will assemble a squad worth $2M to $3M more than the Salary Cap, with a few zeroes going towards Daly Cherry-Evans, whose arrival to the club in 2026 will at least be a talking point. Will he do a Cooper Cronk and secure a few twilight premierships? If he does let’s hope he doesn’t follow Cronk into the Commentary box. Maybe the Roosters position as the production line for the Wallabies is how they keep their wages so low. Part of the players contract is back-ended deals paid by Australian Rugby Union bosses, paid for by RM Williams sponsorships.
SOUTH SYDNEY RABBITOHS
The Rabbitohs may end up wishing they had the excuse of injuries in 2026 as their hit and miss squad misses. Wayne Bennett magic doesn’t work, and he is tempted by the challenge of the PNG Chiefs NRL team and moves on to be replaced by Sam Burgess for 2027, which is followed by Latrell Mitchell moving to rugby union ahead of their World Cup in 2027.
ST GEORGE ILLAWARRA DRAGONS
It’ll be another year of Fox League buddies defending Michael Ennis who is defending Shane Flanagan who will be defending his son Kyle who will be defending his performances which will be defending the terrible run of results which sees them last around Origin period. They might improve off the bottom of the ladder. Or not.
WAHS
I won’t invoke the Rugby league gods too many times, but may I summon them before the 2026 NRL season starts to ask for a cracking, top-four season for the Wahs and beyond. Winning Wahs are good for rugby league in general, especially in a World Cup year which could be the most compeditive ever.
WESTS TIGERS
Only the hardest of rugby league hearts wouldn’t kind-of wish the Wests Tigers make the top eight this season. Well you can count on Fox League not to wish them well, where else will NRL 360 and the Fox Sports website get their content from. Aside from Lachlan Galvin. Parramatta fans probably won’t wish the Wests Tigers well either, not just because they are neighbours but they are probably competing for the lower end of the top eight. Penrith fans may be a bit more generous, but maybe not.
Another year of NRL awaits, and another year of wild sporting opinion and bold predictions will be served up over the next month or so by so many people, most of them pretenders, one of them a nasty, awful man who pretends to like rugby league, but no one does it better than our resident sporting prediction guru Tipstradamus, and he’s here to offer up this year’s serving of Bold 2026 NRL Season Predictions.
Our resident sports-sayer Tipstradamus who also goes by the name Gregstradamus is wheeled out only once a year, from a subterranean abode somewhere in the Great Dividing Range shaped like the Space City Shopping Centre in Kallangur that has a TV room with a 360 degree array of televisions showing only sporting content. But what he lacks in quantity he makes up for with quality, and we’re lucky enough that he found time in between the Ashes, 23 divisions of English and European football, Snooker, Big Bash, NFL but never rugby union to provide his Bold 2026 NRL Season Predictions.
Only Tipstradamus has the special ability to predict boldly, but fairly, and to have such an eye for the left-field that you simply won’t believe that these Bold 2026 NRL Season Predictions would ever happen.
Maybe most of the bold predictions won’t, or many, if any, but who is going to argue against someone with such experience, style and attitude.
READ MORE: THE GURGLER’S FULL NRL 2026 GEAR
We’ve been working hard for you to bring you the 2026 NRL Season Previews from every angle possible.
PETER V’LANDYS WILL BAN KICK OFFS, INTRODUCE MAGIC TRIES INSTEAD OF CONVERSIONS, EXTEND THE TACKLE COUNT TO EIGHT, INTRODUCE 50 METRE PENALTIES LIKE THE AFL, AND EXTEND CAPTAIN’S CHALLENGES TO THREE PER HALF IN RESPONSE TO PEOPLE COMPLAINING THE NRL GOES TO SH!T DURING THE ORIGIN PERIOD
Peter V’landys is a pioneer, but he does like to tinker with the game, occasionally for good. But the NRL’s insistence that Origin is not standalone, will be met with the acknowledgment that the NRL does suck during Origin. So PVL being the innovator announces just before Magic Round that the period before the first State of Origin game and after the third State of Origin game will feature new experimental laws for that period only. And then realise it’s easier to have standalone Origin.
THE NRL WILL ANNOUNCE THEY ARE EXPANDING THE LAS VEGAS ROUND TO AN INTERNATIONAL ROUND
Our bold prediction for rugby league world domination involves Peter V’landys cooking up a deal to have Round 1 fixtures not only in Las Vegas but around the world.
They will announce four double headers, in places of interest, who have enough money to get on board, spread across the globe so essentially we get close to 24 hours of NRL to start the season.
The first double header will remain in Las Vegas, but shifted so it plays on a Saturday morning Australian time. From there the circus heads to Shanghai, where China finally get their taste of rugby league after decades of campaigning from Roy and HG with two games. Then onto one of the Middle East Oil nations, probably Saudi Arabia because of their links with LIV and Greg Norman for the third double header. And it all ends at Wembley for the last two games of the International Round.
Teams will be given two weeks between Rounds 1 and 2, and fans will likely need it too. It also means scrapping the formal pre-season competition, which wouldn’t be a bad thing.
PHIL GOULD WILL SENSATIONALLY QUIT THE BULLDOGS TO RUN IN POLITICS OR AT A MINIMUM HOST A NEW LATE NIGHT PHONE-IN CHAT SHOW ON SKY NEWS.
Following Phil Gould on Twitter or X (whatever) is quite an interesting read, if you can find it in between Elon Musk agreeing with people, and people on lefts and rights doing pro and anti Trump stuff. Gus always gives forthright answers to questions from fans and rugby league enthusiasts. As long as you don’t annoy him.
But he seems to have a more political edge of late, which leads to this bold prediction of an exit from rugby league, and into the world of politics. Which party we’re not quite sure yet, but maybe he wouldn’t need one. We’re sure his career will last longer than Mal Meninga’s political career.
The minimum of a phone-in chat show on Sky News sounds like a great idea, apart from the Sky News part. Perhaps Channel Nein could change the format of their NRL chat-fest into a Gus-fronted thriving conversation street.
The beauty for Gus is, like Penrith, he has a ten year lease on claiming premierships due to his work already completed at the club.
CRAIG BELLAMY TO FINALLY SHATTER A COACH’S BOX WINDOW AS MELBOURNE START THE YEAR OFF SLOW. WELL, AFTER THE STANDARD ROUND ONE AS PER USUAL.
There’s nothing funnier during a Melbourne Storm home game, or any Storm game, than to see Craig Bellamy going Bell-istic, screaming in the Coaches Box. Not necessarily at anyone, just anything.
We predict that not only will that continue, but Bellamy will crank it up to 11 in 2026.
With the squad looking more unsettled than ever, with 2027 moves, injuries, retirements and more having seen the squad forced to change. But after the standard Round One win the Storm will struggle and be struggling to feature in the top four come halfway through the season.
So with this unfamiliar territory of not winning most weeks, Craig Bellamy will be on edge for more games and eventually lead to the Coaches box-shattering explosion of glass and spit. Needless to say, journalists who live on the wild side wear raincoats to the post-match Press Conference.
A LATE SEASON CYCLONE RUINS BRISBANE MAGIC ROUND PLANS, SO THE NRL QUICKLY CHANGES THE VENUE BACK TO SYDNEY OR AUCKLAND’S EDEN PARK.
For a second straight season a weather event halts rugby league in Brisbane, and again the bold prediction is a very late season cyclone crashes into Brisbane.
Sadly this time it is Magic Round, and the games will be shifted to Sydney or a left-field selection of Auckland’s Eden Park, given the potential cyclone affects most of the eastern coast of Australia.
The NRL and Travel partners talk refunding Magic Round travelers with hugely discounted flights to Auckland and tickets to the game.
It works so well in Auckland that the NRL can Magic Round in Brisbane for 2027 and move it too Auckland for a further three years.
NRL WILL FINALLY BREAK INTO THE US MARKET AS A PRE-PLANNED ALL-IN BRAWL ERUPTS IN THE BULLDOGS V DRAGONS GAME WHILST DONALD TRUMP IS IN THE GRANDSTAND, WHO GIVES IT THE THUMBS UP WHICH LEADS TO GENERAL MAGA APPROVAL.
The NRL’s move into the US through the Las Vegas round has been quite successful, but has lacked the complete break through, cut-through if you like of rugby league in the US. That will change after the 2026 edition.
With US President taking time out from president-ing, the NRL has never had a a more important and official audience for their game. And the NRL doesn’t disappoint.
Given the US President’s apparently like for UFC, judging by how many bouts he goes to, the Bulldogs and Dragons players secretly agree before the game that the first scrum after the ten-minute mark would be the flashpoint for a bit of biff. Much like the infamous “Cattle Dog” cry in the 90’s era State of Origin, someone will yell the agreed term, and it’s on.
Much like UFC, and very un-much like NRL’s US equivalent NFL, there’s no padding, helmets, or anything soft. Just hard fists hitting hard heads. With the US President giving the whole brawl a Roman Emperor’s style of thumbs up, the MAGA fans watching at home get on board, and soon enough rugby league is added the US President’s material for speeches going forward.
THE NRL WILL GO VIRAL DURING THE SEASON WHEN TWO MASCOTS ARE INVOLVED IN A FIGHT ON THE SIDELINES
Even more viral than the Bulldogs v Dragon Vegas Prime-Time bout, will be another fight, this time between just two combatants, and much more funny.
This will take place originally on the sideline with a dance-off, featuring only the sweetest, street-ready break dancing moves. But when one mascot disses the fly girl of the other mascot, the fisticuffs begin.
The fighting gets so intense and robust, that it eventually spills onto the field and gets in the way of the actual game.
It eventually ends after two minutes when players from each team separate the two mascots after a lot of effort. That’s after another fight break out when one of the players also disses the fly girl of the same mascot.
PETER V’LANDYS WILL TELL WHOEVER GETS THE TV RIGHTS THAT THEY CAN GO AND F–K THEMSELVES IF THEY DON’T PUT THE NRL GRAND FINAL ON AT 3PM ON THE SUNDAY.
Peter V’landys is a guy that gets things done, his way, and while rugby league fans admire the swift decision making to a point, the decisions aren’t usually applauded by rugby league fans. Until 2026.
With the TV Broadcast rights up for grabs, the TV companies think they have the upper hand, but they’re wrong.
Our bold prediction is that The Man of Feathers aka V’landys head into all broadcast meetings this season and tell the TV companies that the Grand Final will be at 3pm on that first Sunday in October. If not, the NRL won’t even entertain the rest of the TV rights.
Eventually, with tails between legs the TV companies reluctantly agree, and Channel Nein are beaten to the NRL broadcast rights, because they are sh!t.
THE 100 METRE DASH WIL LRETURN TO THE GRAND FINAL ENTERTAINMENT LINE UP TO PROMOTE THE BRISBANE 2032 OLYMPICS
As part of the new daytime Grand Final discussed above, the return of the rugby league sprint race will take place. It will be sponsored by the 2032 Brisbane Olympics Committee in the hope they have something tangible to show for their paltry efforts on the 2032 Games up until now.
This will work as across half time and full time breaks in the two curtain raisers will be three heats of six players, one from each club including Perth Bears, the top two from each hear making the final. For both men and women.
Potentially this NRL sprint race will either get more kids into rugby league, or see a spike of kids into Little Athletics. Either way, it’s a winner.
AFTER LEADING PENRITH TO THEIR 5TH & 6TH TITLE OVER THE NEXT TWO SEASONS, NATHAN CLEARY WILL SIGN TO PLAY AND BE THE FACE FOR THE NEW PNG CHIEFS TEAM.
After a blip in 2025 where the Panthers didn’t make or win the Grand Final, Penrith could be back winning both the 2026 NRL title this season and the next in 2027.
With a sense of achievement and status reached, Nathan Clear could be looking forward to a new challenge, and the biggest one in rugby league over the next few seasons will be getting the new PNG Chiefs into the competition and compeditive.
Who better than one of the game’s best players, and the man who led the Panthers to four straight titles. Given the love of his life Mary Fowler has some PNG heritage, it ticks every box. He would become a rugby league god in another part of the rugby league world.
THE TIPSTRADAMUS 2026 SPORTS TIPPING 16 CHALLENGE
If you would like to follow our general Sports 2026 Bold Predictions, and join our Sports tipping contest so you can take on the might of Tipstradamus, please follow the link below.
The 2026 NRL Premiership is almost upon us, and there is still opinions-a-plenty from all parts of the rugby league world about who will or could win the title, finish last and everything in between.
The Gurgler is no different, with plenty of opinion about rugby league, all year round and before the season starts. But instead of predicting a winner for 2026, we are here to provide the wettest of blankets about every NRL team’s chances this season with our annual Why Your Team Can’t Win the 2026 NRL Premiership.
READ MORE: THE GURGLER’S FULL NRL 2026 GEAR
We’ve been working hard for you to bring you the 2026 NRL Season Previews from every angle possible.
Here in the order of which stats are the most interesting is our team by team guide.
Why Your Team Can’t Win the 2026 NRL Premiership
BRONCOS
No team that finished 4th in the regular season in the year before has gone on to win a premiership the next season. In the NRL era since 1998 anyway. Worth noting, 13 of those fourth placed teams missed the finals the season after, including four teams finishing dead last.
PENRITH
Because the last time a team won four or more Premierships in a row (Dragons 1950-60’s) they didn’t win again for another 11 years after their last triumph. Although worth pointing out that the last team to win four or more premierships in a row before that (South Sydney 1925-1929) did win the Premiership the next year after missing out (1931). And the year after that (1932) ……
NORTH QUEENSLAND
Because only one Premiership winner in the last 20 seasons has conceded more than 40 in a single game in their premiership season and North Queensland conceded more than 40 points the equal most last season (with Newcastle) so seem a little unlikely to keep all their games under 40 points conceded. Also, threatening your coach with the sack all year probably isn’t good for winning titles either. Although, the only team to do it in 20 seasons was the Cowboys in 2015.
MELBOURNE
History. The last time a team were official runners up / losing Grand Finalists in consecutive seasons and then won a premiership at their third attempt was over 100 years ago when South Sydney won the 1925 title after being runner up in 1923 and 1924.
ROOSTERS
The Roosters haven’t won a premiership under a Federal Labor Government since Gough Whitlam was in his final months in charge in 1975.
WESTS TIGERS
Because only two teams since 1998 have won the premiership after not making the finals the year before. Although worth noting that one of those teams was the Wests Tigers in 2005 and the other was Penrith in 2003.
CANBERRA RAIDERS
Because there might be a hangover from being a minor premier and losing consecutive games for a finals exit. Although worth noting that since 1998 that 11/26 Minor Premiers from the previous season go on to win the next title. Also worth noting that the last two minor premiers to lose both of their finals games were the Dragons (2009) and Bulldogs (1993). St George Illawarra went on to win the 2010 Grand Final and the Bulldogs made the 1994 decider, before losing to Canberra.
PARRAMATTA
Because they haven’t won a premiership since 1986, and the last four teams to break a 20+ year Premiership drought in the NRL era from 1998 all finished in the top eight the season before breaking the drought. Those four teams were Roosters (2002), South Sydney (2014), North Queensland (2015) and Cronulla (2016). Of course Parramatta didn’t make the top eight last season so stats say no dice.
ST GEORGE ILLAWARRA
Because only one father-son combination is capable. Sorry Fox League. They also have the worst away record for the last ten seasons. And in 2025. And in 2023 when they lost all their away games. And in 2023 to 2025 away to NSW teams.
NEWCASTLE
Because they won none of their Sunday games in 2025, from nine attempts, so even if they made the Grand Final, which they probably won’t, the game is on a Sunday so they won’t win. Although worth pointing out that in 2023 they won all ten Sunday games.
DOLPHINS
Because no team in recent years has won the premiership at their first attempt at finals. The Dolphins are yet to make the finals. Although we mention recent years. The Broncos actually did it in 1992, so maybe the exception that Brisbane teams can. Oh, and of course Souths did it in the first year of NRL/NSWRL in 1908.
GOLD COAST
Because no team wins anything on the Gold Coast at any sport. Although, the Daikyo Dolphins did win an Australian Baseball title, they were based on the Gold Coast but not called Gold Coast.
WARRIORS
The Warriors haven’t played in back to back finals series since 2010 and 2011, and not making the finals is one sure way not to win the NRL Premiership. And probably because they would get a home final and Channel Nein will do anything to avoid having to broadcast Warriors games. Jerks.
CRONULLA
Cronulla have the second worst win % of current teams at the Sydney Olympic Stadium, and the second worst Sunday win % at the Sydney Olympic Stadium since 1998.
BULLDOGS
The last team to win a Grand Final at their own home ground was the South Sydney Rabbitohs in 2014. Although worth noting that the team to do it before that was the Bulldogs in 2004.
SOUTH SYDNEY
Because the Rabbitohs have the equal worst win % v top eight sides (at the time of match) for the past two seasons at 12%, equal with Newcastle. They also hold the record for worst H2H of all current NRL clashes (excluding Dolphins) against Melbourne, and you’ll probably have to play Melbourne in the finals at some stage.
MANLY
Manly have the worst record on a Thursday of all teams except the Warriors since 2015. Getting pretty thin by this stage. Should have just said Anthony Seibold and moved on. Or that letting your good players go isn’t a good idea either.
The 2026 NRL Season isn’t far away, and this website has a range of 2026 previews available for the upcoming season. But very few, if any, other websites will offer insights into the new season of rugby league like The Gurgler. We have secured the exclusive views of AI Grek Norman, harnessing the might of artificial intelligence with the magnificence of regular superhuman Greg Norman for the AI Grek Norman NRL 2026 Season Verdict.
AI Grek Norman has been powered up with 100’s of NRL opinions heading into the 2026 season from various fan pages on Facebook, read every News Ltd paper twice, and has decades of AI sports experience from his AI sporting career. So any other opinion on the 2026 NRL will be inferior. And less manly. Except possibly the Manly Sea Eagles specific preview. Even then, are Manly more manly than Grek Norman? We say no.
READ MORE: THE GURGLER’S FULL NRL 2026 GEAR
We’ve been working hard for you to bring you the 2026 NRL Season Previews from every angle possible.
Here is the AI Grek Norman NRL 2026 Season verdict. Listed club by club. and in the order that AI Grek thinks they will finish on the 2026 NRL ladder at the end of the regular season.
PENRITH PANTHERS
AI GREK SAYS: Penrith will get their winning pants back on in 2026 and nearly look as good as I do…..
CANBERRA RAIDERS
AI GREK SAYS: I admire the Viking spirit, and someone dressed in such little clothing in a cold environment, which is why I admire Canberra and picking them to make the top four again this season.
SYDNEY ROOSTERS
AI GREK SAYS: Having been a part of AI LIV I know that money talks in sport, and nobody does money in rugby league better than the Roosters. The LIV of NRL.
DOLPHINS
AI GREK SAYS: Not even I would get in the way of Ray Stone.
BULLDOGS
AI GREK SAYS: Lachlan Galvin knows how to be the centre of attention, and I respect that.
WARRIORS
AI GREK SAYS: The Warriors will always be hard to beat.
BRISBANE BRONCOS
AI GREK SAYS: With the 2025 Premiership won, maybe the Broncos will get too far ahead of themselves in 2026, becoming too fancy.
WESTS TIGERS
AI GREK SAYS: The Tigers (formerly half of the Magpies) will fly into the top eight this season.
MANLY SEA EAGLES
AI GREK SAYS: Not even silver spoons will help Manly this season.
PARRAMATTA EELS
AI GREK SAYS: No season that starts off with a huge legal case will be a good season.
NORTH QUEENSLAND COWBOYS
AI GREK SAYS: I remember growing up in AI Mount Isa, and the Cowboys need to embrace the State of Origin roots and/or spirit to turn things around in 2026.
CRONULLA SHARKS
AI GREK SAYS: There’s only room for one shark at the top of Australian sport.
NEWCASTLE KNIGHTS
AI GREK SAYS: I got the ground name slightly wrong, but who’s to say Newcastle will be less of a circus in 2026.
GOLD COAST TITANS
AI GREK SAYS: Another quiet season again in 2026…….
ST GEORGE ILLAWARRA DRAGONS
AI GREK SAYS: It will be mostly about Father and Son, but unlike the classic song, the Dragons won’t go gold or platinum.
A new year is here, one that should be filled with much sport, early and often, and at this stage of the year there’s more questions than answers available about the sporting year ahead and in particular here about rugby league. So here to answer all the easy questions is our very own Captain Hindsight with his Obvious 2026 NRL Predictions.
With so many other better websites and publications, and News Ltd, rolling out their “bold 2026 sporting predictions, The Gurgler is going down a different path, opting for the sensible know-it-all obviousness of Captain Hindsight to give the obvious rugby league predictions in advance, before he would tell you that they were going to happen after the event.
Only Captain Hindsight can deliver the most obvious predictions, using his special 0-0 hindsight in advance powers to deliver opinions and predictions that are so obvious they can be found on breakfast TV shows.
No one does obvious 2026 Sporting Predictions like Captain Hindsight and The Gurgler.
READ MORE: THE GURGLER’S FULL NRL 2026 GEAR
We’ve been working hard for you to bring you the 2026 NRL Season Previews from every angle possible.
Here they are in all their sanitised, risk-free, slightly dull blandness.
THE NRL BUNKER WILL STUFF UP A CALL WITHIN THE FIRST FOUR WEEKS OF THE COMPETITION
It’s not a matter of if, but when. And then will be early, and then often.
A RUGBY LEAGUE PLAYER WILL BE SORRY TO THEIR TEAM MATES, THEIR CLUB, THEIR FAMILY AND RUGBY LEAGUE ITSELF BEFORE MAY
We can see it now. The press conference in front of the sponsors boards, with as much sorrow on the face of the players as the poor Manager of Social Media for the rugby league club, and the family standing awkwardly off to the side. Thankfully the animal involved isn’t forced to front the media this time, and the giant mascot of the alcohol-based sponsor was told to take the night off. But everyone will be sorry, that’s a Captain Hindsight obvious special.
RICKY STUART WILL GET ANGRY AT SOMETHING
Ricky Stuart aka the Angry Ant (and Carlos Smearson) will blow up at something. Hopefully early in the season, and often. We love Ricky Stuart, and rugby league would be poorer without him around all the time, so here’s hoping for another Minor Premiership.
CANBERRA RAIDERS WILL BE LINKED TO MANY NEW PLAYERS BEFORE THEY MYSTERIOUSLY (NOT) RE-SIGN WITH THEIR CLUB OR ANOTHER CLUB ON MORE MONEY
Maybe it’s players using the Canberra Raisers as a bargaining chip that makes Ricky angry.
FOX SPORTS WEBSITE WILL CONTINUE TO USE PEOPLE’S TWITTER COMMENTS AS ARTICLES
When not bashing the Wests Tigers, discussing Lachlan Galvin, or giving oxygen to Buzz Rothfield, Fox Sports seemed to enjoy using Twitter to write half of the articles. Often the title of the article was a direct quote of one of the tweets.
Which gives hope to our website, which means any old garbage from the internet is basically a part time journalist. Who needs a degree.
Either that or they serve up a transcript of NRL 360 as fresh content.
BUZZ ROTHFIELD WILL BE A BITTER OLD MAN AGAIN IN 2026, APPEARING TO HATE RUGBY LEAGUE AND EVERYTHING ABOUT IT WHILE EMPHASISING TO ANYONE WHO’LL LISTEN HOW IMPORTANT HE IS TO RUGBY LEAGUE WITH ALL HIS RUMOURS BUT NO ONE REALLY CARES NOR WILL THEY MISS HIM WHEN HE FINALLY RETIRES FROM HATING RUGBY LEAGUE AND STOPS ARGUING WITH EVERYONE ON NRL 360.
Buzz is a lemon.
(This was written before he announced his retirement, so can act as a fitting farewell tribute instead.)
COOPER CRONK WILL BORE MOST PEOPLE TO TEARS WITH HIS TEDIOUSNESS
Once Cooper Cronk thinks he’s hit on an interesting point you know he’s going to hit on it again and again and again. Maybe it’s a by-product of winning lots of NRL titles over and over again. But whatever the origin, it makes for tedious watching and listening. Almost as bad as….
CRITICISM OF THE FLANAGAN DRAGONS WILL BE LOWER ON CERTAIN SHIFTS ON FOX LEAGUE
Having spent enough resources on getting fellow commentator Shane Flanagan a coaching job at the Dragons, it wouldn’t be great for the investment if you didn’t try and reinforce that with most NRL broadcasts, and that’s what Fox League do so well. Of course it reaches MAGA sycophant levels when certain commentators are on. I guess that’s the Fox part.
SOUTH SYDNEY WILL FEATURE IN MORE GOLDEN POINT GAMES IN 2026, JUST TO ANNOY WAYNE BENNETT, WHO WILL THEN GIVE A MASTERCLASS IN GRUMPY PRESS CONFERENCE
Wayne Bennett loves golden point, but rugby league fans will love the post match Press Conference as Bennett goes to town on the extra time. But to be fair, Wayne Bennett will give the same speeches if he wins or loses, like his post-match smiling.
SIGNING RUGBY LEAGUE PLAYERS MIGHT MAKE RUGBY UNION SLIGHTLY MORE INTERESTING BUT WON’T WIN THEM ANY MORE MATCHES NOR ANY MORE FANS
Rugby Union seems to be returning to a tried and true method of player recruitment by luring rugby league players to the 15 man code. In fairness, most of the players used to play rugby union, but there’s a reason they left the game, because it’s overcomplicating and mostly dull. But perfect for private educated men, in RM Williams.
MELBOURNE STORM WILL BE THE BEST VICTORIAN RUGBY TEAM AROUND AND INTEREST IN THE TEAM WILL PEAK IN MID SEPTEMBER
Melbourne is the capital of sport, and they know their sport more than anywhere else ibn the world, which is why they know the best rugby team in Victoria and indeed Australia is the Melbourne Storm. Locals can’t get enough of their favourite rugby team, after all the AFL games have been played, and only in September, if they make the finals.
CHANNEL NEIN COVERAGE WILL BE PANNED
Hopefully with the broadcast rights it will be their last for a while, having spent their money on the Winter Olympics, Tennis and the world’s worst TV “social experiment” show of all time.
NRL GRAND FINAL ENTERTAINMENT WILL BE MEDIOCRE
Only because Cold Chisel / Jimmy Barnes / Jimmy Barnes featuring Ian Moss, and Ian Moss featuring Jimmy Barnes and Cold Chisel won’t be available.
