The National Rugby League (NRL) season is almost upon us, with the first round kicking off this Sunday and the highly anticipated Las Vegas double-header just days away. As the countdown intensifies, the rugby league rumour mill is in overdrive, and a key topic of discussion is the predicted Team of the Year.
Across the next few days, we’ll be diving deep into predictions for the upcoming season. Today, we’re focusing on who our team of journalists believes will earn a coveted spot in the ultimate Team of the Year, showcasing the standout performers expected to dominate the competition.
Here’s a breakdown of the selections from our panel of experts:
Lee Addison’s Team of the Year
Lee Addison has put forward a strong lineup, leaning on established stars and exciting emerging talent.
- Fullback: James Tedesco
- Wingers: Mark Nawaqanitawase and Xavier Coates
- Centres: Herbie Farnworth and Casey McLean
- Five-eighth: Dylan Brown
- Halfback: Isaiya Katoa
- Props: Keaon Koloamatangi and Terrell May
- Hooker: Harry Grant
- Second-rowers: Ativalu Lisati and Josh Curran
- Lock: Patrick Carrigan
Kye Ferreira’s Selections
Kye Ferreira’s choices highlight a blend of power and skill, with some interesting selections in the forward pack.
- Fullback: James Tedesco
- Wingers: Jacob Kiraz and Mark Nawaqanitawase
- Centres: Herbie Farnworth and Stephen Crichton
- Five-eighth: Cameron Munster
- Halfback: Mitchell Moses
- Props: Payne Haas and Joseph Tapine
- Hooker: Blayke Brailey
- Second-rowers: Briton Nikora and Jacob Preston
- Lock: Isaah Yeo
Aden McGovern’s Predicted Stars
Aden McGovern’s team features a mix of dynamic playmakers and formidable forwards.
- Fullback: Trai Fuller
- Wingers: Josh Addo-Carr and Jacob Kiraz
- Centres: Kotoni Staggs and Stephen Crichton
- Five-eighth: Braydon Trindall
- Halfback: Isaiya Katoa
- Props: Payne Haas and Addin Fonua-Blake
- Hooker: Blayke Brailey
- Second-rowers: Viliame Kikau and Jacob Preston
- Lock: Patrick Carrigan
Magdalena Murdoch’s Bold Picks
Magdalena Murdoch has opted for a backline with serious attacking flair and a forward pack built for impact.
- Fullback: Reece Walsh
- Wingers: Josh Addo-Carr and Jamayne Isaako
- Centres: Casey McLean and Herbie Farnworth
- Five-eighth: Jarome Luai
- Halfback: Mitchell Moses
- Props: Payne Haas and Terrell May
- Hooker: Harry Grant
- Second-rowers: David Fifita and Jordan Riki
- Lock: Cameron Murray
Dan Nichols’ Top Performers
Dan Nichols has selected a team that balances speed, creativity, and defensive strength.
- Fullback: Reece Walsh
- Wingers: Mark Nawaqanitawase and Brian To’o
- Centres: KL Iro and Herbie Farnworth
- Five-eighth: Cameron Munster
- Halfback: Mitchell Moses
- Props: Payne Haas and Addin Fonua-Blake
- Hooker: Blayke Brailey
- Second-rowers: Jacob Preston and Hudson Young
- Lock: Cameron Murray
Darren Parkin’s Predicted Lineup
Darren Parkin’s Team of the Year focuses on consistency and game-breaking ability across the park.
- Fullback: Reece Walsh
- Wingers: Brian To’o and Mark Nawaqanitawase
- Centres: Herbie Farnworth and Kotoni Staggs
- Five-eighth: Ethan Strange
- Halfback: Jahrome Hughes
- Props: Joseph Tapine and Addin Fonua-Blake
- Hooker: Harry Grant
- Second-rowers: Angus Crichton and Hudson Young
- Lock: Isaah Yeo
Scott Pryde’s Predictions
Scott Pryde has assembled a team with a strong emphasis on try-scoring ability and defensive organisation.
- Fullback: Reece Walsh
- Wingers: Jacob Kiraz and Alex Johnston
- Centres: Herbie Farnworth and Kotoni Staggs
- Five-eighth: Cameron Munster
- Halfback: Isaiya Katoa
- Props: Payne Haas and Joseph Tapine
- Hooker: Reece Robson
- Second-rowers: Jacob Preston and David Fifita
- Lock: Cameron Murray
Leo Twemlow’s Team of the Year
Leo Twemlow’s selections showcase a dynamic backline and a powerful forward pack, with some surprise inclusions.
- Fullback: Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow
- Wingers: Mark Nawaqanitawase and Josh Addo-Carr
- Centres: Stephen Crichton and Tolutau Koula
- Five-eighth: Jonah Pezet
- Halfback: Nathan Cleary
- Props: Payne Haas and Addin Fonua-Blake
- Hooker: Blayke Brailey
- Second-rowers: David Fifita and Haumole Olakau’atu
- Lock: Cameron Murray
The consensus among our panel points to several players consistently featuring in the top selections, indicating they are widely tipped for stellar seasons. The fullback position sees a strong debate between James Tedesco and Reece Walsh, both perennial contenders. In the centres, Herbie Farnworth appears to be a near-unanimous pick, showcasing his growing influence. The halves are also a hot topic, with Mitchell Moses and Isaiya Katoa featuring prominently. The forward pack is dominated by names like Payne Haas, Joseph Tapine, and Addin Fonua-Blake, highlighting the importance of a strong engine room in the modern game. As the season unfolds, it will be fascinating to see which of these predictions hold true and who emerges as the breakout stars of the 2026 NRL season.
