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Townsend's bold predictions for 2026 NRL season
Charles Goodsir • January 21st, 2026 1:39 pm
As the 2026 NRL season draws closer, SEN’s Michael Carayannis and Chad Townsend have offered their predictions ahead of the upcoming season.
Chad Townsend
__A coach will be sacked before Round 12 __
“I think around the halfway point, I think at least one coach will be gone,” Townsend said on SEN 1170.
“We live in a world where coaches are getting sacked left, right and centre.”
__Parramatta will make the top 8 __
“They were much improved under Jaons Ryles last year and improved throughout the year.
“The Eels bring in Jonah Pezet for the one year to help out with Mitch Moses as well.”
Craig Bellamy will retire at the end of the year
“He will go down, in my opinion, as the greatest coach of all time.
“I know that’s a pretty big statement because there are some great coaches out there.
“I think he moves on to a consultancy role and stays involved in the game.”
The Melbourne Storm will finish outside the top 4
“I still think the Storm will be in the top 8 but I think they will slip out of the top four.”
Mitch Moses will win his first Dally M Medal
“I thought about Nathan Cleary as my Dally M winner but I’ve gone with Moses.
“If Moses didn’t have that injury last year, who knows what could’ve happened with Parramatta last year?”
Michael Carayannis
PNG Chiefs will attempt to poach all three Cleary’s
“Ivan, Nathan and Jett,” Carayannis said on SEN 1170.
“Nathan is off contract in 2027. I think they will have the conversation to have them all in the same village.
“They can play big happy families.”
Craig Bellamy will retire at the end of the year
“He does like to drag it out.
“He will keep going until he gets to the point where he feels like he can’t win a competition>”
The Sydney Roosters and Brisbane Broncos will feature in the Grand Final
“These are the Grand Finalists for mine.
“This year has shades of 2000.”
Tino Fa’asuamaleaui will leave the Gold Coast Titans
Nathan Cleary will win his first Dally M Medal
“I had Mitch Moses to win it last year.
“It’s the final thing for Nathan Cleary to tick off in his career.
“If both those guys play at least 20 games, then they will finish one and two.”
