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The Guardian - AU
The Guardian - AU
Sport
Jack Snape

NRL hierarchy given rare refresh with last year’s top four all bombing out in 2026

Ben Hunt of the Broncos
The Brisbane Broncos’ premiership defence has been the worst since 1953, highlighting a changing of the guard in the NRL. Photograph: Chris Hyde/Getty Images

The sun sets on the NRL regular season this weekend, and it is clear the game has entered the twilight zone. With finals around the corner, there has been a remodelling of the NRL hierarchy, and no guarantee those suffering surprising failure will soon feast again.

Finals hopes for reigning premiers Brisbane have long been shredded and two Broncos favourites have already said their farewells. So dire are things at Red Hill, the glamour club’s chief executive made an unusual appearance in front of the media this week. The premiership defence of the best supported club in the competition is the worst since Wests in 1953 when the holders finished bottom.

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