Which side will 'come from nowhere' to make finals in 2026?

Matty Johns has named the side that he thinks will ‘come from nowhere’ in 2026.

With the pre-season underway and the home and away season now just days away, all 17 teams will be hopeful of making improvements from their previous season.

Especially those who finished outside the top eight who’ll be hoping that they can be in the finals.

One of these sides is the Dolphins. Despite having several injuries that predominantly affected their forward pack, they still finished ninth and scored the most points during the regular season.  

And it’s enough for Johns to think the Dolphins can become a contender in 2026 despite not having made finals in their previous three seasons in the NRL.

“Every year there’s a team that comes from nowhere,” he told SEN’s Morning Glory with Matty Johns.

“The best example last year (of this) was Canberra. They come from out of the clouds and suddenly becomes a contender.

“For me, it’s the Dolphins this year.

“I just see so much upside for the Dolphins. Again, injury is a big factor, but I can just see them coming out of the ground (in 2026).”

And considering the talent they have across the field, it's also enough for Denan Kemp to think they are capable of rising on the ladder.

“When you go, ‘Okay, where do you rate their backline and where do you rate their forward pack on paper?’ they’re like one or two in both scenarios,” Kemp explained.

“Their forward pack, you could argue that they have the best forward pack when you include depth.

“(And) their outside backs; they could be running out there with Hammer (Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow), Selwyn (Cobbo), Herbie Farnworth, (Jamayne) Isaako.

“I’ve still got them outside the top four, but they could be the biggest movers.”

The 1997 Premiership player also made a point of mentioning the Dolphins halves as part of his reasoning.

“And their young playmakers through the middle,” Johns added.

“Isiaya Katoa speaks for himself, but also Kurt Donoghoe. He’s got so much Isaah Yeo about him.”

The Dolphins will face off against the New Zealand Warriors for their final pre-season match at Leichhardt Oval on February 20.

They’ll then host South Sydney at Suncorp Stadium to begin their 2026 season on March 8.