Welcome back to the podcast.

NRL ROUND 26 IS DONE — AND THE FINALS PICTURE HAS NEVER BEEN MORE INTERESTING!

I break down the biggest performances, controversies, injuries and storylines as we head into the final round of the regular season.

And there is plenty to talk about.

The Roosters' premiership hopes have taken a huge hit with Sam Walker suffering a serious ankle injury in their loss to the Dolphins. Can the Roosters still win the competition without their star halfback?

Meanwhile, Jett Cleary made an incredible NRL debut for the Warriors, producing three try assists as the Warriors returned to the top of the ladder.

We also break down:

- Panthers return to No.1 — are Penrith hitting their best e right time?

- Bulldogs MISS THE FINALS — what went wrong for Canterbury?

- Sharks smashed by the Eels — are Cronulla genuine premiership contenbers?

- Dolphins stun the Roosters — are the Dolphins the team nobody wants to play?

- Warriors beat the Knights — can Andrew Webster's side win the premiership?

- Rabbitohs make the finals — how far can South Sydney go?

- Broncos collapse continues — where did it all go wrong in Brisbane?

- Storm smash the Broncos — are Melbourne the best team to miss the finals?

- Manly destroy the Dragons — too little, too late?

- Cowboys secure their finals spot — can North Queensland cause an upset in September?

Jacob Saifiti SENT OFF — what does his suspension mean for Newcastle's finals campaign?

Plus the biggest player performances, coaching questions, injuries, finals combinations and my biggest takes from Round 26.

One of the craziest stats from the round: both teams from last year's Grand Final — Brisbane and Melbourne — will miss the 2026 finals.

It is the first time since 2010 that both previous Grand Finalists have failed to make the finals.

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