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Logan Swinkels • July 18th, 2025 3:58 pm
James Fisher-Harris in Rugby League 26
Rugby league fans have been anxiously awaiting the release of Rugby League 26 - but the game's launch got off to a bumpy start on Thursday with Xbox users unable to access beyond the opening screen.
The disc shipped with 12GB of data, but as gameplay leaks leading up to July 17 suggested, this was an earlier build of the game that developers Big Ant Studios had to put on there to reach their physical distribution deadlines.
A 45GB day one patch was made available - and while PC or Playstation gamers were able to get their footy fix, Xbox players were left twiddling their thumbs, rather than the sticks of their controller. They were frozen out of the game, being met with an error message that said, "There is a new version of the game available. Please update and restart the game."
However, despite having that update already downloaded to the console, a constant sign-in loop had gamers locked out on the Microsoft hardware.
With Big Ant scrambling and taking to Twitter to keep those affected in the loop, a new fix arrived hours later - only for server issues to slow down any excitement.
A few restarts later, the first kick-off was approaching as I selected the NZ Warriors to face the Newcastle Knights at Go Media Stadium.
Luke Metcalf in Rugby League 26
Immediately I noticed the player models looked decent - good enough considering this isn't a big budget release by the likes of EA Sports, but rather a Melbourne-based studio that is passionate about producing video games for the sports that are dear to the hearts of many Aussies and Kiwis alike, including Cricket 24, AFL 26, and now the successor to 2017's Rugby League Live 4.
With that in mind, I wanted to enter my first games of RL26 with some patience and tolerance for any bugs or quirks I may encounter.
But I am cognizant of the fact that this game still costs $95 for a physical copy, and either $105 for a digital copy of the base game, or $135 for the pro team bundle that gives you 24,000 Pro Team credits (in-game currency). That level of cost does set an expectation for users to at least have an enjoyable experience.
Can we get the 'Up The Wahs' sign added to the north bank?
Go Media Stadium looks great, however I noticed the visiting Knights were running out onto the field from the home side towards the West Stand. The running track that hasn't been present since May 2005 upon completion of the East Stand's redevelopment is also in the game.
They might seem like little nitpicks, but considering the unfortunately troubled release day this game endured, and Big Ant's history of fumbled launches (AFL23 was a shocker), it's hard not to pick up on annoyances like that rather than be immersed in the game itself.
My major concern is around the ruck - the play is often slow and sloppy - with the hooker at times taking too long to arrive for the play of the ball. On defence, I was able to exploit this at times for a cheap steal.
Nathan Cleary kicks-off at Suncorp Stadium
The fun for me came when I played online - jumping on with Millsy & Guy executive producer Brad Lewis for a match of 10-minute halves at Suncorp Stadium.
Once connected you only have 60 seconds to select the team you want to play with, so I got stuck with the UK second-tier Bratley Bulldogs (rated 60 overall) versus the Penrith Panthers (86 overall), but so be it - the timers help keep the flow going online.
With both of us getting used to the controls - this was my first game since Rugby League Live 2 - Brad and I battled it out to a 14-12 scoreline, with the Bulldogs pulling off an upset thanks to a second half penalty goal from a high tackle.
RL26 cover athlete Nathan Cleary was visibly upset at full-time
You can play career modes, or Pro Team (think Ultimate Team in EA Sports' titles), but online multiplayer might be where this game will shine best. New Zealand isn't always the greatest for online sports games - the lag in NHL25 is unbearable for example, and Forza Motorsport has its moments too - but with an average ping of 30ms, my first online experience of RL26 was enjoyable enough. I'll be looking to get in a few more games this weekend and try nail the kicking game.
I just wish the referee didn't blow their whistle for absolutely no reason and play carries on. Or for retreating defenders to not be able to intercept a pass from an offside position without a penalty.
With future updates, Rugby League 26 could be a good game - but right now, there's too many niggles that stop it from being anything more than an average sports game.
