The NRL’s off-season has entered its most intense phase, with all 17 clubs finalising their Top 30 rosters for the 2026 campaign. After months of retention battles, contract negotiations, player exits and recruitment raids, every team has now lodged their official squad list—offering fans the clearest picture yet of how next season will shape up.
The release of the full Top 30s has sparked immediate debate across the league, with several clubs emerging as major winners of the off-season while others face renewed scrutiny over depth, roster balance, and long-term planning.
Some of the biggest headlines centre on powerhouse clubs who have managed to retain their marquee players despite fierce external interest. A few surprise re-signings have strengthened premiership credentials, while calculated gambles on young talent highlight a growing shift toward development-focused pathways.
Meanwhile, other teams have undergone dramatic rebuilds. Coaches entering the new season under pressure have aggressively reshaped their squads—moving on veterans, promoting academy standouts, and bringing in fresh faces to restore competitiveness. Clubs that finished in the bottom half of the ladder last year appear determined not to repeat the pattern, evident in their active approach to recruitment and roster rejuvenation.
The rise of expansion clubs, particularly with long-term roster strategies coming into clearer focus, has also influenced the player market. Several fringe players and rising prospects have secured opportunities that were previously blocked by depth at their former clubs. As a result, the league has witnessed one of the broadest talent redistributions in recent memory.
Analysts note that while some clubs look stronger on paper, Top 30 lists provide only the structural foundation. How these squads gel through pre-season camps, trials, and early-season matchups will determine which teams turn potential into genuine premiership momentum.
The announcement also includes development list upgrades, train-and-trial promotions, and notable contract extensions that will carry significant implications into the next two years. With negotiations now settled, coaches can fully shift their focus toward combinations, conditioning, and tactical improvements leading into the 2026 season.
Supporters across the NRL will now spend the coming weeks dissecting their club’s recruitment strategy—debating weaknesses, celebrating key signings, and imagining the possibilities ahead as anticipation for the new season continues to build.
The complete club-by-club Top 30 breakdown is now available via the NRL’s official channels.
